Amansara, Siem Reap: Exclusive Review

Amansara

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Serene, intimate, retro-chic

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia +855 63-760-333 aman.com

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Amansara's Khmer Village accommodations. Courtesy Aman Resorts
Amansara's Dining Room. Courtesy Aman Resorts
Photo by John W. McDermott, courtesy Aman Resorts
Courtesy Aman Resorts

At a Glance

If you feel at home right away at Amansara in Siem Reap, that’s because you’re in a home, designed in 1962 as a residence for guests of the Cambodian royal family. The low-slung main building represents the height of midcentury design; its architecture could place it in Palm Springs, but its interior fixtures—teak paneling, terrazzo floors, water hyacinth rugs and sandstone bas-reliefs—feel distinctly Cambodian. The 24 suites are found beyond the main pool in two buildings and feature open plans, contemporary-meets- midcentury décor, individual outdoor spaces and modern amenities like sound systems. Twelve of the suites have their own private plunge pools and daybeds. In true Aman fashion, service is exemplary and includes airport transfers, guided trips to Angkor Wat, treats throughout the day and laundry service. A highlight is the spa, which is flanked by a reflecting pool and a 141- foot bas-relief.

The Standout: The customized touring and expert guides included with the nightly rate
Don’t Miss: Private cruises in Tonle Sap lake aboard the Amanbala boats, and visits to the local stilted house village

Indagare Loves

The local-outreach projects
The intimate nature of the property, which was built to be a private home and has only 24 suites
The cuisine offered at both the sophisticated restaurant and the waterside Khmer village house, the latter serving rustic dishes

Amansara Review

Take refuge between temple tours at Prince Sihanouk’s 1962 Villa Princiere, which was reborn as an Aman, with just 24 suites. Twelve offer floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking a small water garden with museum-quality bas-relief carvings by local NGO Artisans d’Angkor. The other twelve are fronted by a slate swimming pool, with a shaded pergola for al fresco dining. Suites pair minimalist décor of black and white with touches of mid-century Cambodian décor, sleek pops of orange, hanging woven lampshades and wicker lounge chairs.

In the elegant circular dining room with its 23-foot-high ceiling, low-slung tables for two and four surround plush couches, ideal for stopping by to snack on homemade sweet treats available throughout the day. The kitchen proves equally adept with Western fare like roasted rump of veal with eggplant caviar and baby potatoes and healthy vegetarian items as well as classic Khmer cuisine like amok steamed fish in coconut cream. They will also happily prepare Siem Reap’s juiciest burger upon request.

Customized Angkor Wat tours are part of this hotel’s all-inclusive rate, and the guides are some of Siem Reap’s most knowledgeable. Guests typically head out in the cool early morning, traveling by Aman’s by vintage jeeps or custom remork, a small Cambodian carriage pulled by a motorcycle. For excursions further afield, book the Prince’s own vintage Mercedes limo. In the evenings, come back to hearscholars offer their in-depth perspectives of the history, archaeology, architecture and culture of Angkor. On other nights, you can watch local performers. The Amansara Community Assistance Directory, comprised of around a dozen organizations which Amansara has carefully vetted for their proven impact, connects Siem Reap’s most effective social projects and Amansara guests who wish to deepen their involvement in the Cambodian community, which is still recovering from the Khmer Rouge era. A copy can be found in every Amansara guestroom and includes detailed explanations of each charity’s mission, suggested visits, as well as how donations will be spent. Amansara also develops its own outreach projects. All spa treatments are outstanding and the hotel also has a gym and can offer a variety of fitness programs. We also recommend a private meal at Aman’s traditional waterside Khmer wooden house, which sits on stilts inside the Angkor temple complex.

Who Should Stay

Couples and families looking for a luxurious home base away from the downtown area; travelers who wish to balance temple visits with other endeavors, including doing nothing at all. The all-inclusive package is well-priced for the thoughtfully curated activities, but those wishing to focus their visit entirely on temples may feel they wish to spend less. Couples who crave privacy will find Amansara’s grounds and spa the perfect place to escape.

Author

Indagare

Indagare Plus Amenities

$100 Hotel Credit once per room, per stay
Complimentary Breakfast
Upgraded Room Category on Availability at Check-In
Late Check-Out on Availability
Complimentary WiFi Internet Access

Siem Reap