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In true Aman style, the general manager of the Amansara Villa presented us with a three-day itinerary of our tour of the Angkor Wat temples, the reason for which we had come here to stay. We have visited Aman hotels and villas in the past and from our experience with Aman we trust their judgment. So, we leave the itinerary un-altered and let them do what they know best.
The villa was designed by a French architect, Laurent Mondet, and was the guest villa of Cambodia's retired king. Now it sets the tone for the grace and style that we were to become accustomed to for the duration of our stay. Today, Amansara Resort is an exclusive garden enclave with just 24 spacious suites. All rooms are open plan with polished marble floors, creamy stucco walls and rich, dark Asian timbers. The super private Pool Suites come with a walled pool that makes the atmosphere very quiet and romantic.
Dining in Amansara Resort is based on what you want and where you want basis. However, there is an imposing circular dining room in the main building. The chef specialises in Khmer cuisine and elegant Western dishes and the food is simply exquisite. There is a swimming pool and lap pool that offers respite from the heat but find time for traditional Cambodian massage at the resort’s tranquil spa.
Stay Amansara has 24 suites, 12 with private plunge pools. Rooms have an open-plan setting with combined sleeping and living area that contains a large writing desk. Adjacent is a dressing area with hanging cupboards and drawers, a large sofa and an informal dining table and chairs. Beyond, and leading down a few steps is the bathroom with floor-to-ceiling glass doors which open onto a light-filled garden or private plunge pool featuring a cushioned banquette.
ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at Amansara. The spacious rooms have enough space for cots which are provided. Restaurants have high chairs and special meals can be prepared. Babysitting service can be arranged with prior notice. Daily excursions are carefully planned to suit children and adults.
Dine Amansara’s circular Restaurant offers Cambodian-centred cuisine under soaring ceilings, or outdoors at pergola-shaded tables by the pool. For a unique experience, private dining is available at the resort’s rustic Khmer house at Angkor, where meals are prepared over charcoal to the sounds and sights of village life. There is a walk-in wine and cheese cellar and casual lounge area but guests can also dine al fresco by the poolside or in their suite.
Relax Running parallel to a reflection pool, the approach to the Amansara spa sets the tone for what lies within: a tranquil sanctuary, where therapies make use of traditional Cambodian techniques and natural products. Four treatment rooms, each equipped with a steam bath and shower, are complemented by a yoga space and the resort’s central pool, as well as a hidden 25-metre lap pool.
Experience The Amansara package includes private Angkor Wat tours which start early morning, before the crowds move in. The transport, guide and driver are provided and so are the cold towels, water and refreshments. Just when the tourists’ hordes were driving in, we headed back to Amansara; a welcome of cold towels, and then a breakfast of mango juice, coffee, rosti potatoes, smoked salmon and perfectly poached eggs. Our room had been serviced and our shoes cleansed of Angkorian dust.
Nov-Mar
32°C
REP
GMT+ 7
Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Location The opulent Amansara resort in Siem Reap is an exclusive garden enclave close to the Angkor Temples. Originally built as a guesthouse for visitors of King Sihanouk, this 24-suite compound is located 15 minutes from the airport and just 10 minutes from the entrance to Angkor, Cambodia’s world-renowned archaeological park.
Getting there There are no direct flights to Cambodia from the UK, but good connections are available from major Asian destinations. You can fly with Thai Airways to Bangkok and from there fly either to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap on a one-hour flight. Amansara resort is 15-minute drive from Siem Reap airport.
When to go Cambodia is hot all year round and the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. In May and June the southwestern monsoon brings rain that lasts until October but it rarely rains all day. Although, this is a low season for tourism, it has its own advantages. It is when the Angkor complex is at its most beautiful, the vegetation is lush, the moats for full of water and there are less tourists so you can explore the temples in peace.
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Here’s what our customers have to say about their Asian Geographical experience
“I would like to thank Asian Geographical Expeditions staff for organising a perfect holiday for my family to Dubai, Sri Lanka and the Maldives…”
“We are grateful for the exceptional planning and care taken by Asian Geographical Expeditions to ensure our holiday was perfect.”
“… organised by Asian Geographical Expeditions following a recommendation from a close friend. He wasn’t wrong! Asian Geographical Expeditions immediately showed us their professionalism, care and attention to our wishes.”
“Thank you for suggesting the helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp and breakfast with a view of Mt Everest—a truly spectacular moment.”
“The history and cultural specialists also deserve a mention for the way they illuminated the heritage of the places we visited, as does the Buddhist scholar with his apparently boundless knowledge.”