A Journey to Cambodia

Rosewood Phnom Penh occupies the top 14 floors of Vattanac Capital Tower which soars 188 meters above the heart of Phnom Penh’s business district. The property has a total of 175 rooms, including 37 suites, each with unparalleled views of the city and elegantly furnished to create comfortable, residential-style living spaces. Guests can choose amongst a variety of in-house dining options, including continental, Japanese, French and Cambodia fare as well as a steak and seafood grill. Oenophiles and wine connoisseurs can sample wines or enjoy a bottle from the Wine Vault’s extensive range of fine wines. Sense, the Rosewood brand’s signature spa, will offer guests a tranquil haven and wellness getaway, while the fitness center provides wide views of the city skyline and state-of-the-art fitness equipment available 24 hours a day.

Well situated to serve as a base for exploring the fascinating historical area of Cambodia’s Kampong Cham, the Monorom VIP Hotel is just one street away from the Mekong river and offers unhindered views of the famous waterway. The hotel is also conveniently located a short drive away from the Kampong Cham Airport and a short walk from K.G. Cham market. The fifty-one rooms are clean, comfortable, and simply styled with polished wood furniture. Amenities include air-conditioning, a stocked mini-bar and free WiFi. There are several restaurants located nearby the hotel featuring both local and international cuisine.

Le Tonle is a not-for-profit guesthouse that provides vocational training to underprivileged youth from Cambodia’s northeastern provinces. Stay in comfortable, airy rooms while supporting a good cause. True to traditional Khmer guesthouse-style, Le Tonle is a wooden-stilt house. Choose from four simple rooms that share two clean, bright modern bathrooms. Unique the world over, this rustic experience allows travelers to be a part of an important resource development program. Enjoy delicious Khmer cuisine at the on-site restaurant set in the garden. Trainees benefitting from the restaurant and guesthouse make up the staff of local chefs. Just a few minutes’ walk from the winding Mekong River, this guesthouse is in the center of Kratie Town. You may even catch a glimpse of the critically-endangered Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphins, which can be spotted from this guesthouse.

Centrally-located on the riverside of the winding Sekong, this Cambodian hotel is the most comfortable option in the area. Near Laos, Stung Treng is a small town in northeastern Cambodia that is considered a hub for many travelers with several visitors stopping through when passing between Laos and Cambodia. The fifty rooms feature warm lighting, clean white linens and simple light wood furniture. Cable television and air-conditioning are available. Several casual restaurants serve up local and international fare just minutes away from the hotel. Stung Treng is a four hour drive from Kratie and five hours from Phnom Penh. 

Experience a slice of life in a Preah Rumkel's rural community by eating, talking, sharing and stay with the locals. Surrounded by the fast flowing waters of the Mekong River is the beautiful eco-reserve of Preah Rumkel, home to stunning scenery and welcoming, hospitable people. The family-run homestay is a window into the local lifestyle and guests are treated as part of the village, included in activities and festivities and given the opportunity to cook and eat authentic food and sleep in a simple, humble but charming wooden home. Visitors will be comfy and cozy with their own mat, blanket and pillow while any sneaky mosquitos will be kept safely at bay with a personal net at night. The opportunity to stay with locals in this rural community makes for a memorable and unique experience. 

Renowned for the incredible Hindu Temple in the area, the Preah Vihear Boutique Hotel is the ideal home base when exploring the area. Modern comfort meets traditional Khmer culture in this unique area just south of the border between Cambodia and Thailand. Preah Vihear translates directly to “Sacred Sanctuary.” Located-centrally in the Cheom Ksan District, the hotel is only 18 miles from the famous UNESCO site, the Preah Vihear Temple, and just a ten minute walk from the lively Saem Market - there’s plenty to experience within the hotel’s vicinity. Guests can enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine or indulge in Western favorites at the on-site restaurant. Sliding-glass screen doors and wide windows allow plenty of natural light into the rooms. Comfortable mattresses sport fresh white linens, while Khmer decor and furniture remind guests of their surrounding environment. A refreshing dip in the outdoor pool is the best way to cool down after spending a hot day touring the beautiful area. Downstairs, enjoy refreshing cocktails at the only cocktail bar in the Preah Vihear Province. The hotel also has a playground for the kids and a fitness center for guests. 

Located approximately five miles from the famed Angkor Wat, Amansara is sleek, stylish and superbly private. Formerly the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk, the grounds were originally laid out in 1962 and designed to embrace both modern design and the rich artistic legacy of Cambodia. This tranquil oasis is surrounded by beautiful gardens and includes a curved slate swimming pool. The 24 suites are decorated in a classic Indochinese palette of cool gray, pristine white, dark timber and ivory, and all include a private courtyard and soothing water features; 12 suites are equipped with private swimming pools. The Roof Garden, shaded by trees, is the ideal venue for relaxing by candlelight with cocktails, or for invigorating morning yoga sessions. The Spa, which has four treatment rooms, focuses on therapeutic Cambodian techniques using organic products. Every suite has access to its own remork and driver. On the 2007 Zagat Survey list of the world’s best hotels, Amansara was ranked number two for service.

The Park Hyatt is a new addition to Cambodia’s select five-star hotel crowd. The hotel was previously Hotel De La Paix, one of the country’s top properties, and has been rebranded after a complete renovation. This new and exciting hotel is situated in one of Asia’s major emerging cultural destinations, providing ultimate indulgence and impeccable service. Designed by award-winning Bangkok-based interior designer Bill Bensley, Park Hyatt won Cambodia’s No. 1 hotel spot in Travel + Leisure and ranked No. 29 in its World’s Best Hotels 2010 list. Park Hyatt Siem Reap features 107 guestrooms, a choice of restaurants, a bar, fresh bakery, two swimming pools, a spa and fitness center.

Situated in the cultural heart of the lively town of Siem Reap, the Shinta Mani Bensley Collection features 10 ultra-luxe villas designed by celebrated architect Bill Bensley to reflect his idea of an idyllic life that is filled with privacy and surrounded by lush gardens. Beneath the cooling shadows of the town’s trees, these intimate compounds offer exceptional comfort in every aspect of a guest’s stay. The softest of beds, baths under stars, and diligent butlers lay the foundation for a rejuvenating experience. The hotel compound also houses a wide array of sleek and stylish dining venues that serve everything from authentic local dishes to tender Wagu steaks. All meals can be delivered to guest’s residences at any hour of the day.

This little 5-star luxury resort near Siem Reap, Cambodia occupies eight acres of lush gardens, lemon-grass meadows, and rice paddies. The resort provides a luxurious home base for tourists traveling to the Angkor World Heritage Site, or any of the other natural and cultural wonders nearby. That said, some guests may be perfectly happy to remain on the resort's opulent premises of spacious villas with private pools, gourmet restaurants, and an indulgent spa. There is a cozy cigar and cocktail lounge for romantic evenings and an expansive infinity pool for lazy days under the Cambodian sun.

Song Saa Private Island spans the pristine golden beaches and lush rainforest of two islands: Koh Quen and Koh Bong.  These islands, locally known as “The Sweethearts” (Song Saa), are joined by a sustainably built footbridge, which protects the islands’ natural reefs and exotic marine life  Along with the islands’ bucolic vistas, the resort itself offcrs luxurious amenities, including a yoga center bordering the shoreline, spa and wellness sanctuaries among the rainforest, and all the equipment and expertise necessary for kayaking, snorkeling, and boating.  When it comes to dining, guests enjoy a choice of exotic cuisine, locally sourced and prepared to reflect the islands’ unique environs while fusing traditional Khner cooking with Western culinary tradition.  Stop by the Driftwood Bar for a casual tapas meal by the beach or for a slightly more formal but equally scenic and relaxing dining experience, enjoy the Vista Bar and Restaurant.

Expected to open in 2018, the Alila Koh Russey hotel and resort is situated on an enchanting island with stunning views, powder sand beaches, and tropical forests. Set over 25 hectares of land, the resort houses 50 pavilions, 38 of which are located in three buildings nestled amongst lush gardens while the remaining 12 are in building overlooking the ocean. 13 of the one, two, and four-bedroom villas are beautifully designed and fitted with their own private swimming pool, 11 of these villas are located directly on the beach while two more are situated amongst the gardens. The resort offers a luxurious main swimming pool that overlooks the Gulf of Thailand, two five-star international restaurants, a sunset bar, and fitness center. The ecological getaway is minutes away from the Cambodian coast. Guests are also encouraged to experience the local charm of the mainland at Ream with a variety of excursions organized by the resort's staff. The Alila Koh Russey is due to open in September of 2018, and may be tentatively included in Remote Lands itineraries scheduled for the fall of next year.