Amansara

Overview

Amansara is a prestigious Forbes Five-Star hotel with a rich history, created by King Norodom Sihanouk in the 20th century. Originally named Villa Princière in 1963, the luxurious low-rise buildings were built to accommodate the royal family and their guests. The property underwent many transformations over the years, including Villa Sokha in the 1970s, and Villa Apsara in the 1980s, and was abandoned in the 90s. Although it was almost destroyed by war, Aman took over the property in 2002 and embarked on an extensive restoration project. The hotel now boasts modern design elements, such as a lap pool, spa, and gym, that bring it into the 21st century while preserving the mystique. Guests are welcomed by passing through an unmarked black gate and entering the original reception building. The K-shaped pool still offers a tranquil escape after a busy day exploring the nearby Angkor ruins before indulging in a fine dining experience under the dome of the resort's distinct circular Restaurant.

Located in Siem Reap, the cultural capital of Cambodia, Amansara is a serene retreat just ten minutes away from the entrance to Angkor Wat. It was once the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk and has been transformed into a tranquil estate featuring 24 serene suites, providing a peaceful and homely ambiance. Amansara is conveniently situated only 15 minutes from Siem Reap airport and serves as an ideal base for exploring the UNESCO-protected temples of Angkor and learning about the rich Khmer culture.

Amansara is a combination of the Sanskrit-derived word for 'peace,' and the 'heavenly nymphs' of ancient Hindu texts called apsara. It was built in 1962 by French architect Laurent Mondet with 12 suites but has since expanded to offer 24 spacious suites, including 12 with private swimming pools. Each suite boasts an open-plan layout and a private courtyard.

The resort's Dining Room is situated across a manicured lawn from the suites and next to the main 17-meter swimming pool. It features a circular design and a shaded terrace and serves a menu of Khmer and Western cuisines. There is also a walk-in wine and cheese cellar and a casual lounging area. For early or late evening drinks and private dinners, guests can enjoy the Roof Terrace, which provides a perfect view of the scenic surroundings.

Guests can take advantage of the resort's stunning surroundings by visiting Aman Spa, which overlooks an ancient raintree. Here, guests can enjoy relaxing treatments in one of the four treatment rooms, each with an attached relaxation area that overlooks a reflection pond and a 43-meter sandstone relief. The resort also offers a 25-meter lap pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a library, and a gallery featuring local crafts and artwork.

As part of the Amansara experience, guests can choose from a variety of temple tours and customized excursions. The resort conducts complimentary house outings focusing on the temples surrounding Angkor Wat during the early mornings and late afternoons using Amansara's fleet of remorks, which are moped-powered trishaws, each with its own Amansara driver and guide.

Highlights

Amansara, a front-runner in luxury hotels, offers its guests an unforgettable experience right from the very beginning. Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, guests are welcomed with a vintage 1965 black Mercedes limousine, harking back to the era when Cambodia reached its peak. When it's time to leave, the same classic car returns you to the airport. The hotel boasts Pool Suites that provide maximum privacy, adding to an already intimate atmosphere that feels like your own personal temple courtyard. The hotel is strategically located, with Angkor's ruins only a short drive up the road and Siem Reap's calm heart just a few steps away from the door. The Restaurant, a gorgeous circular dining room, provides delectable food, but dinner at the Khmer Village House near Angkor Wat is simply stunning. Take advantage of the hotel's exclusive tours of Angkor's temples, where a yoga or meditation session can be arranged.

Things to Know

There are plenty of things to know when it comes to a luxurious stay at Amansara. First off, transportation is taken care of in style with vintage jeeps for countryside excursions and a fleet of black remorques to take you into town. The hotel also offers workshops and lectures from visiting scholars on a diverse range of topics, including architecture, music, history, and local culture, right on the premises. But the luxury doesn't stop there. With the help of the concierge, anything is possible, from booking a helicopter tour of remote ruins to enjoying a private dinner on a luxury boat. Nothing is out of reach at Amansara.

Accommodations

Amansara offers a stylish and serene retreat with its well-designed accommodations. The rooms follow a calming color scheme, mirroring the common areas, with a combination of white, gray, and brown tones that beautifully contrast with the lush greenery outside. Guests can choose from three suite types: Contemporary, Courtyard (with a private garden area), and Pool Suites, which boast a private 322-square-foot plunge pool. Among the highlights of Amansara's chic and elegant interiors are the sandstone reliefs adorning the walls. These subtle yet stunning reliefs pay homage to the nearby Angkor temples, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to the guests' experience.

There are 24 sleek and modern open-plan Suites designed with terrazzo and dark timber finishes that create a luxurious monochrome palette accentuated with sandstone reliefs inspired by nearby temples. Each suite boasts a private outdoor area, a comfortable kingsize or twin bed, a cozy sofa, and a writing desk, as well as a light-filled bathroom featuring twin vanities and a free-standing bathtub. For guests who desire more space to relax, the Courtyard Suite presents a small yet intimate private courtyard. The Pool Suite, on the other hand, compels guests to take a dip with its plunge pool situated in a private courtyard with outdoor seating, a daybed, and a seamless flow of indoor and outdoor spaces that create an unforgettable luxurious experience.

Dining

Amansara offers guests an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of their property. The Dining Room is the focal point of the resort, boasting a seven-meter ceiling and two shaded pergolas. With a capacity of 35 guests seated inside and 16 under the pergola, guests can enjoy Khmer and Western cuisines featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients. The Dining Room also features a walk-in wine and cheese cellar, as well as a casual lounge with freshly baked cakes and local delicacies. For a more alfresco dining experience, guests can enjoy their meals by the pool or gardens.

The Roof Terrace is a seasonal venue that can accommodate 30 seated guests or 60 for cocktails in the evening. This private dining spot is perfect for evening drinks or private dinners with friends and family.

For a more rustic dining experience, guests can head to the Khmer Village House, which has a capacity of 14 guests. This traditional wooden house sits on stilts and overlooks Srah Srang, an ancient Khmer royal bathing pool. Guests can savor signature dishes like nom ben chok, which consists of fresh noodles with chopped herbs, salad, and green curry cooked over a charcoal clay stove by a local chef. The Village House is exclusively available for Amansara guests, serving breakfasts and candlelit dinners, as well as cooking classes followed by lunch.

Spa

Nestled amidst bamboo trees lies Amansara Spa, offering unparalleled indulgence and relaxation. Its serene ambiance is accentuated by the reflection pond that overlooks a magnificent 43-meter sandstone relief. The spa boasts four treatment rooms, each with its private relaxation area featuring a steam bath and shower. Clients can expect to experience a range of Cambodian-inspired treatments, all of which utilize all-natural Aman Spa products. The gym is a remarkable feature, with its state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows. Adventure seekers will be delighted in the movement studio, which offers a variety of activities that draw inspiration from the Khmer culture, like Apsara dance classes and aerial yoga. So, if you plan to soothe your mind, body, and soul, head over to Amansara Spa, where extravagance meets harmony.

Activities and Excursions

Amansara, located in Siem Reap, offers a range of curated activities and excursions to ensure guests have an unforgettable experience. Each guest is provided with personalized itineraries that feature daily outings, combining temple excursions with cultural activities. The schedules are organized to avoid crowds and the intense midday heat, making it ideal for capturing the area's beauty on camera. Amansara offers knowledgeable, Aman-trained guides for each trip, with private transportation, including vintage Jeeps or air-conditioned cars, for trips into the countryside or further afield.

Guests can witness the stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat, discover the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, explore the stone faces of Bayon temple, and discover the pre-Angkorian temples of Roluos and Banteay Srei. For those who prefer a more adventurous experience, Amansara can arrange helicopter flights to explore remote sites such as Preah Vihear and Banteay Chhmar. Other temples like Beng Mealea and Koh Ker are within a 90-minute drive from Amansara and can be visited on a full day's excursion.

Amansara is also dedicated to supporting the local community and can connect guests with organizations that share this same goal. Scholars are regularly invited to conduct informal lectures and excursions to places of special interest, including history, archaeology, architecture, satellite imagery, dance, culture, and traditional music.

Guests can explore Siem Reap and nearby villages with mountain or town bicycles supplied by Amansara. Cycle along palm-lined paths, past temple ruins and rice paddies, or discover the old French Quarter, 18th-century pagodas, and the bustling old market area by cycling along the river road.

Lastly, Amansara's wooden motorboats – Amanbala I and II – can take guests on a voyage through Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, Tonlé Sap. Observe daily life in the lake's villages, which are stilted or floating, depending on the season. Here, guests will discover the rich and varied plant, fish, and bird life that make this Unesco-protected biosphere reserve one of the world's most valuable ecosystems.

Explore Siem Reap

Located in the northwest of Cambodia, Siem Reap is a charming town known for its beautiful temples and rich cultural heritage. The town is home to the famous Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, along with other stunning temples such as Ta Prohm and Bayon. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's history by exploring the many museums or taking a traditional dance class. Siem Reap also offers a bustling night market for shopping and a wide variety of restaurants serving authentic Cambodian cuisine. With its unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, Siem Reap is a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia.

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