Amansara

Encounter 12th century Khmer craftsmanship and make off-the-beaten-track discoveries on the outskirts of vibrant Siem Reap. Once a residence for the king's guests, Amansara is a masterpiece of 1960s New Khmer architecture - an unabashedly modern style. A careful and sensitive restoration brought the building back to its former glory, retaining the original single-level layout, curvilinear pool, and monochrome minimalism. Gardens and a canopy of mature trees create an introspective atmosphere, continued in the Suites, open onto private courtyards and ponds. Custom itineraries lead guests intuitively towards less-explored destinations – cycling through crowd-free ruins, meditating amid the ancient forest, or cruising to the floating villages of Tonle Sap lake.

Derived from the Sanskrit word for peace (Aman) and the heavenly nymphs of ancient Hindu mythology (Apsara), Amansara offers a truly unique Siem Reap experience. Amansara was once the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk. Set in a private garden compound, the 24-suite (12 suites/12 pool suites) resort has the ambiance of a private home and is the ideal base for travelers seeking to explore Khmer culture and the majestic ruins of Angkor just 10 minutes away. A variety of temple tours and cultural walks is available as part of the guest experience. Situated in the bustling town of Siem Reap, it is located 15 minutes from the airport and just ten minutes from Angkor's entrance, Cambodia's world-renowned archaeological park.

Amansara Suites, Cambodia

Finished in pale terrazzo and timber, Amansara's Suites offer a combined bedroom and living area which steps down into a light-filled bathroom with an island bathtub. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a private garden courtyard with sun loungers, a reflection pond, and, in 12 suites, a private plunge pool. Sandstone reliefs reference the famed ruins of Angkor temples just minutes away. Amansara has 12 suites, similar in design, featuring an open-plan setting with finishes in terrazzo and timber. The colors are muted and earthy. Entry is a combined sleeping and living area containing a large writing desk and a king-size bed. Adjacent is a dressing area with hanging cupboards and drawers. The lounge has a large sofa and an informal circular dining table and chairs. Beyond, and leading down a few steps, the bathroom opens onto a light-filled courtyard featuring a water garden and cushioned banquette. A floor-to-ceiling glass partition separates the toilet from the courtyard, letting in light and patio views. Pool Suites: There are also 12 pool suites, measuring 80 square meters each. Each pool suite has a private six-by-five-meter swimming pool in its courtyard.

Cambodian Dining Experiences

Amansara, Siem Reap - Amansara's sleek circular Restaurant offers Cambodian-centred cuisine under soaring ceilings or outdoors pergola-shaded tables by the pool. The daily changing menus focus on simple flavors, using organic produce direct from the market and local suppliers. 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.

The Dining Room, near the swimming pool, is a focal point of the property and unique in design. It is circular in shape with a soaring seven-meter ceiling and an informal ambiance for dining or all day lounging. The menu offers both traditional Asian and Western cuisines and features the freshest of seasonal produce. The Dining area also features a range of books, a large map of Cambodia, and a walk-in wine cellar where guests may choose. Guests may also dine and snack poolside or enjoy their in-room complimentary mini-bar that features several local items. Most of Amansara's suites are set around a central, grassed courtyard. At one end of the lawn, adjacent to a shady pergola, is a 17.5m swimming pool with a sundeck.

Spa & Wellness Experiences

Siem Reap, Cambodia - Running parallel to a reflection pool, the spa's approach sets the tone for what lies within a tranquil sanctuary, where therapies use 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-meter lap pool.

Cambodia Adventure Experiences

On the outskirts of Cambodia's cultural capital, Siem Reap, Amansara lies at Angkor's threshold: the vast, UNESCO-protected ruins of the once-mighty Khmer empire. Using Amansara's fleet of custom-fitted remarks, guests can explore at leisure some of the thousand temples on the site, including Angkor Wat, as well as Tonle Sap lake, where stilted villages have changed little over the centuries.