After a few days of
staying at one of the best hostels in South East Asia (that being Lub D), I elected
to splurge for the remained of my stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia at enjoy the
serenity of a 5-star resort. Cambodia is
famous for its affordable luxury properties and warm hospitality and I surely
wasn’t going to leave the country without experiencing it.
Nestled in an unassuming
corner just off the main road half way between Siem Reap City and the entrance
to Angkor Archeological Park, is a one-of-kind exemplification of Khmer culture
and natural peace. If you didn’t
research it before you came, you would never know it existed. The entire area seems to have grown
organically out of the jungle but with a twist; a wild river reclaimed and re-sculpted
to fit the needs of the most decerning explorers. This is the Angkor Village Resort.
Building:
Location: I would
say this place has just about the perfect location for what it aims to do. This is not an urban oasis nor is it in the
heart of the Angkor tourist sites.
Instead, it splits the two almost perfectly and almost by accident
provides an experience no other property in the area can provide. If you want the nightlife of Siem Reap, it’s
a short ride into town. If you want to
explore the temples, it’s a short ride into the park. It’s equal distance to both. But no matter where you end up going for the
day or the evening, you’ll always find yourself back at the resort ready to
relax. It’s peaceful. It’s the world on mute.
Facilities: The star of
the show is undoubtedly the meandering river-like swimming pool. It’s simply massive and accessible from any
room in the hotel. In the morning, the afternoon, or late at
night, i found this unique pool to be welcoming and refreshing. Hell, if you don’t’ feel like swimming the
entire length, you can always hop in the canoe and start paddling. The rooms are situated into standalone
buildings (each with about 4 rooms total) and they’re separated by meticulously
manicured landscaping which provides more privacy that you’ll ever need. Most of the public buildings are open and
exposed to the elements just using natural breeze and strategic fans to cool
you down. In addition, there’s a full fitness
center, a spa, cooking classes, bouquet house, dance stage, a few restaurants,
a bar, a boutique…. Did I forget anything?
Amenities: Amenities
in and out of the room are abundant and of high quality. The room is full of little goodies for your
use and enjoyment. You’re never going to
run out of anything. And anything you
need, they will provide. The mini-bar was
well stocked with plenty of refreshments and even a bottle of mosquito repellent.
Décor: The décor
is traditional and lush; it’s what you’d expect. It’s foreign, yet so familiar. Artwork adorns all the walls of the interiors,
but truth be told, it’s mother nature that provides most of the
decorations.
Service
Staff: The
reputation of Cambodian hospitality is felt here and then taken to another
level. A few days before I checked in, I
stopped by to introduce myself and was welcomed back with the red-carpet
treatment. The check in process wasn’t handled
at the front desk but rather in the lounge area as I sipped on a mint tea. From start
to finish, everyone was welcoming yet not overwhelming as to ruin my quest for loneliness.
Food: Another
amazing part of this resort is the food.
Because of the location, walking out the front door to look for a local restaurant
isn’t too convenient so you’re stuck grubbing on the cuisine provided. And, although pricey for Siem Reap, it did
not disappoint. The Indo-China and Khmer
combinations will have your writing home.
But they can also do a western Hamburger like the best of them.
Cleanliness: It’s unbelievable
given the outdoor nature of the resort how clean everything is; even the pool. But then you wake up in the morning and walk
to the ample breakfast buffet you’re witness to the army of cleaners dusting,
sweeping, wiping down every inch. It’s a
remarkable chorus to watch and you appreciate this attention to detail
throughout your stay.
Experience
Comfort: Although the
beds were a little harder than my preference, I cannot say that I suffered much
here. No matter what time of the day it
was, I always found myself dosing off in a mild sleep. This is what people come here to do; to find
rest.
Uniqueness: Although I
have seen river-like pools in other resorts around the world, I have never seen
one situated in such a natural environment.
You truly felt like you were swimming down a remote river in the middle
of a forgotten jungle but had an extra element of comfortability knowing that
nothing was going to bite you from beneath.
It’s convenient to the Angkor Park temples, convenient to the Siem Reap
energy, and also provides a quiet experience when enjoying the property on your
own time. You won’t find this unique mix
of features anywhere else.
Value: True to well
know value Cambodia resorts offer to international travelers, this place
follows suit in kind. My only knock is
the cost of the food which is way overpriced compared to other offerings you’ll
find in the city. Sure, there are cheaper
and more expensive options available throughout the area, but none can offer
this level of luxury at such a reasonable rate.
Rojo Rating:
Location: 8
Facilities: 8
Amenities: 8
Décor: 7
Staff: 9
Food: 7
Cleanliness: 7
Comfort: 7
Uniqueness: 8
Value: 7
The Angkor Village Resort and Spa in Siem Reap, Cambodia provided
me one of the most unforgettable experiences of my travelling life. I was only there for a few days, but the
memory of how relaxed and rested I was during that time is something I continue
to go back to during modern moments of stress.
It stays with me.