Amansara Resort

Description:

• Aman means "peace" in Sanskrit, and the suffix "sara" refers to Khmer Apsara dancers. Set in an old downtown guest villa once owned by King Sihanouk, the suites of the Amansara are each done in a cool contemporary minimalist design of white stucco and dark timber, all surrounded by shade trees. The outside world melts away when you step into this complex. Large bedrooms with adjoining sitting areas lead to a private outdoor courtyard area. Decor is simple; the bedroom wall has a white stone bas-relief of a banyan tree, while the courtyard has a lotus pond with goldfish. The services at Amansara are unrivaled: private driver and guide, personalized excursions to the temples and town, high tea with freshly baked cookies and cake, stocked bar, wine and cheese cellar . . . the list goes on. The idea is that Amansara is your home, so you can wander into the central house and mix yourself a gin and tonic or grab a cookie whenever you fancy. Unfortunately, the compulsory daily $100 "half-board charge" per person on top of the rather steep room fees feels like you're being nickel-and-dimed (or Benjamin Franklin-ed!) here. Still, service is in its own category here and it is a remarkable experience for Siem Reap.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010