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Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor
PRICE: Worth maxing out for
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor, set along the tree-lined banks of the Siem Reap River, offers a graceful balance between Cambodia’s rich past and contemporary luxury.
From the moment you step through its traditional wooden gates, there’s an immediate sense that this is more than just a place to rest your head. It’s a space that envelops you in a quiet, authentic charm, while never straying far from the pulse of Siem Reap’s vibrant centre.
The hotel’s architecture is deeply rooted in local tradition, with a modern sensibility woven through. Built in the style of a Khmer home, it feels intimate, almost hidden, despite its central location. The use of natural materials—teak, bamboo, and local stone—anchors the design in the landscape. The structures, low and subtle, blend into the greenery, giving the impression of a seamless continuation of the surrounding environment. It’s a kind of architecture that doesn’t seek to dominate but rather to complement the tropical lushness around it.
The setting is, in a word, serene. Tucked away from the bustling streets yet only a short ride from Angkor Wat and the lively markets of Siem Reap, La Résidence d’Angkor straddles both worlds effortlessly. The hotel’s grounds are an oasis in themselves—lush gardens, towering palms, and tranquil lotus ponds create a sanctuary that feels removed from time. The centrepiece is a striking saltwater pool, long and sleek, framed by verdant greenery and shaded by frangipani trees, offering respite after a day spent exploring the nearby temples.
Inside, the interiors maintain this delicate balance between tradition and modern luxury. The rooms and suites are spacious, with dark wood floors and furnishings, accented by silks in rich, warm tones that evoke the colors of the Cambodian landscape at dusk. Large windows flood the rooms with natural light, while private terraces offer views over the gardens or the river. Each detail feels intentional, from the hand-carved wooden screens to the local artworks that adorn the walls, grounding the hotel in its cultural context without veering into nostalgia.
One of the hotel’s greatest strengths is its location. Siem Reap’s vibrant city center, with its bustling markets, galleries, and restaurants, is just a short walk away. Yet La Résidence d’Angkor maintains a sense of peace and seclusion, with the temples of Angkor just a short drive in the opposite direction. This duality—being both in the heart of the action and yet a world apart—gives guests the best of both experiences.
But it’s not just the physical setting that makes Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor stand out. The service, attentive without being obtrusive, mirrors the overall tone of the hotel: thoughtful, personalized, and deeply rooted in Cambodian hospitality. Whether arranging a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, or offering a traditional Khmer spa treatment, every experience is curated with care and attention to detail.
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor is more than just a luxury hotel. It is a place where past and present intertwine, where the pace slows just enough to allow for deeper connection—both to the land and to the rich culture that surrounds it. For those seeking a refined, intimate experience of Siem Reap, it is a destination in its own right.
Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor: The Gallery
