The city of Siem Reap in Cambodia is home to some of the most iconic structures in the world, reflecting the beauty of Khmer architecture. And as Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is one of the only five-star resorts in the city designed by a Cambodian architect, this also means that the Khmer architectural character extends to the hotel itself.
Words: Stuart Danker
Buddhist-inspired statues were abundant, and the reliefs that were carved into the ceilings were not unlike those found in the city’s temples. The resort’s premises were meticulously planned, with bridges connecting the 11-hectare compound, and numerous sprinklers showering the perfectly-manicured lawns, ensuring the landscape is lush all year round. Walking through the hotel, I crossed small rivers teeming with fish, and caught sight of ponds scattered with lily pads. The gardens were simply magical.
My deluxe room bore all the creature comforts one would wish for on a holiday, including a bathtub and a private balcony. The interior was mostly wooden, with a statue of an Apsara (heavenly nymph) perched above the television set. Even the lamps were carved, and all of this seemed to fit well into the theme of cultural richness, something that the hotel exudes effortlessly.
The balcony afforded grand views of the grounds below, and among the foliage sat one of the most attractive swimming pools I’d ever seen. A couple of bridges spanned parts of the organically shaped pool and there was a bar attached to one end. The pool was huge, and its size added to the magnificence that was Angkor Palace Resort. The scale of it all made me feel like a king, and this liege was ready to explore the rest of this great land. But first, I had to get a massage, so I made my way to the Kainnora Spa.
The walkway into the spa was a unique element on its own. Little bulbs illuminated the dark path, which felt like a portal into a different dimension. It turned out to be not far from reality, as the massage did whisk me away into another realm. To start off, I was treated to an exfoliating treatment for my feet, preparing me for a full body massage. My therapist’s deft hands kneaded my tight muscles, and it became, quite literally, a head-to-toe affair. Besides the usual trouble spots like the neck, shoulders, back, and glutes, the Signature Treatment also included the massage of the eyebrow area, stomach, fingers, and toes. The masseuse hit all the right spots, each thumb and elbow kneading with pinpoint accuracy. A hot-towel rub concluded the treatment, and I left the spa walking on air.
If getting a massage is not on your to-do list, perhaps you could check out the in-house driving range and tennis court or, explore popular attractions nearby, including the Cambodian Cultural Village and the War Museum. What was most appealing to me, however, was the complimentary shuttle service to Pub Street. It runs from 7.00pm to 11.00pm daily, and a quick word with the front desk is all it takes to secure a spot. Transport is provided both ways, allowing guests to explore the area without the need for haggling for good fares on local transportation.
Foodies will be happy to note that Angkor Palace Resort has three restaurants within its premises. During my stay, I frequented two of them – the Sunset Café, a dining powerhouse that serves complimentary buffet breakfasts for up to 150 in-house guests at a time and Soriya Restaurant that offers delicious vegetarian options on top of its Western and Asian fare. At Soriya Restaurant, I sampled ‘Vegetarian Menu 1’, a set meal comprising of mouth-watering cream of asparagus soup as an appetiser, cheese-baked rice topped with enchiladas as a main course, and a side of grilled vegetables. As I enjoyed my food, I found that I wasn’t alone in appreciating the culinary flavours. The family seated next to me were oohing and aahing between bites.
All in all, my experience in Angkor Palace Resort was stellar. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a temple run in style or if you’re seeking a luxurious holiday. If you’re visiting Siem Reap, this hotel should definitely be on your list.
SEE ALSO: Download your FREE Discover ASEAN Travel Guide
ANGKOR PALACE RESORT & SPA
Address: No 555, Phum Kruos, Sangkat Svay Dangku, Siem Reap.
Search for flights, manage your booking and check-in on the go with the AirAsia mobile app. Download it now! airasia.com/apps
More gadget review in www.38today.com.
