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Destination Spotlight: Siem Reap

August 31, 2018| By:Rachael Weir, Five Star Alliance

Siem Reap is a luxury destination in western Cambodia, known for five-star hotels and resorts, boutiques, spas, and galleries. Situated about 3.5 miles south of Angkor, Siem Reap is an ideal destination for exploring the temples and ancient city, as well as rejuvenating at one of the area's top spas, or trying the local cuisine served in one of the city's restaurants. To fully explore this area, we recommend four to five days, and be sure to catch a sunrise over Angkor Wat to see its towers aglow in red and orange. 

Referred to as the "City of God Kings", the ancient city of Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Kingdom from 802 to 1295. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast complex of towers and sculptures, that was abandoned for nearly 600 years. Hindu mythology believed kings were gods, and this was the home of the kings who were considered gods. In 1861, French naturalist Henri Mouhot stumbled upon the ancient city, transforming it into a major tourist attraction.

Today, visitors to this region can explore a stone skeleton of a city amidst a lush jungle. The Angkor Wat temple complex covers about 60 square miles of land, with moats, temples, palaces, and passageways. Guests to the site may want to consider visiting with a guide for a greater understanding of the Khmer history, architecture, as well as the significance of the site to Buddhism and Hinduism. Angkor Thom was founded in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, and remained the capital of Khmer cities until the 17th century. For a state-of-the-art experience, the Angkor National Museum is an ideal destination for guests to learn more about the Khmer civilization and legacy.

In the markets, guests can shop for traditional foods and souvenirs, and the downtown area of Siem Reap offers an increasing number of evening entertainment options along Pub Street. 

Here are 5 Top Siem Reap Luxury Hotels 

5. Anantara Angkor Resort and Spa

Anantara Angkor Resort and Spa

Providing easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor, the Anantara Angkor Resort and Spa is an all-suite luxury resort. Accommodations mix contemporary styling with handcrafted teak furniture, local textiles, and hand carved sandstone. Suites include butler service, arrival foot rituals, pillow menus, and Anantara luxury bedding. While guests can customize their visit with bespoke experiences such as going to the nearby historic village via traditional Tuk Tuk service, lounging in the outdoor saltwater pool, private market tours, or cooking classes. 

Check availability at Anantara Angkor Resort and Spa

4. Park Hyatt Siem Reap

Park Hyatt Siem Reap

Featuring 104 contemporary rooms, including 13 suites with private gardens or plunge pools, Park Hyatt Siem Reap provides a modern setting in the heart of the ancient city. There are two swimming pools--a lap pool surrounded by parasols and cabanas, and a free-form pool with a lagoon design ideal for relaxation. The spa has Cambodian hand and foot rituals, there's a fully-equipped fitness center, and the Dining Room serves a selection of French Provincial and Cambodian cuisine. 

Check availability at Park Hyatt Siem Reap

3. Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor

Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor

Set within 15 acres of landscaped French gardens, Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor is a grand historic hotel. The landmark property elegantly blends contemporary amenities with the grandeur of a bygone era. Next to the Angkor National Museum, the hotel has an original timber elevator that takes guests to their rooms, as well as a Raffles Spa, two outdoor pools, and iconic Cambodian experiences at the Apsara Terrace and Elephant Bar. 

Check availability at Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor

2. Belmond La Residence d'Angkor 

Belmond La Residence d'Angkor

Featuring traditional Khmer styling, Belmond La Residence d'Angkor has an intimate setting. Accommodations have large bathrooms with spacious free-form baths, air conditioning, satellite TVs, and minibars. The outdoor salt water pool is set amidst lush foliage, there's a library with board games, travel guides, and reference books, plus the Kong Kea Spa offers treatments infused with local traditions. 

Five Star Alliance Perk:  Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Rate"  receive a complimentary 50 minute massage for up to two people per room once during stay.

Check availability at Belmond La Residence d'Angkor

1. Amansara

Outdoor Pool at Amansara

Formerly the residence of a king, Amansara features modern stying with a curvilinear pool and monochrome minimalism. Following a careful restoration, the single-level retreat is a showcase of 1960s New Khmer architecture. Guests can book custom itineraries to visit ruins crowd-free, meditate in the ancient forests, or cruise through the floating villages of Tonle Sap lake. The Dining Room is a sleek space with soaring ceilings and Khmer-centered cuisine, and the resort's traditional Khmer village house offers rustic meals prepared over charcoal. 

Five Star Alliance Perk:  Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive continental breakfast for two daily in the Dining Room or through room service and a $100 USD hotel credit per room/per stay.

Check availability at Amansara

View more Siem Reap Luxury Hotels

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