After a few days in the Cambodian capital, we drove north to Siem Reap to explore the ancient temples, Angkor ruins and the unspoilt Phnom Kulen mountain, staying at the beautiful jungle oasis Angkor Village Resort. Situated between the city and the temples, this luxurious five star hotel is set in private landscaped gardens, featuring 80 wooden villas and a 250 metre swimming pool which winds through lush vegetation like a river.
After the five hour drive, we were greeted by friendly staff with cool towels and refreshing drinks who took our bags to our room and quickly checked us in. We instantly went for a dip in the unique pool before I headed to the spa village - a cluster of Khmer buildings offering traditional treatments using local herbs and plants - for an hour-long refreshing massage to ease away tension. I left feeling relaxed and energised, took a shower and joined my boyfriend in the outdoor hotel bar surrounded by beautiful greenery and croaking frogs in the ponds as the sun set. The bar is the perfect romantic setting for cocktails at dusk whilst the piano plays. There are two restaurants too: we had al fresco breakfasts at Le Jardin before hitting the road on our day trips.
We stayed in a spacious pool view double room which is decorated with elegant, traditional furnishings with a four-poster king-size bed, fresh fruit platters, a large bathroom with organic toiletries and a private balcony overlooking the tropical gardens. After baking hot days visiting the sights, we cooled down in the pool and relaxed on the daybeds with aperitifs before taking tuk-tuks into town for dinner. If you're looking for a five star stay and peace and quiet away from the tourist hustle and bustle, this Small Luxury Hotels of the World property is idyllic.
Angkor Village Resort, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
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