Amansara, Siem Reap

In the leather seats of a 1960s vintage Mercedes limousine, in the white gloves of its chauffeur holding the door began our experience of Amansara—a gem of a hotel that exudes quality and comfort.

It’s a privileged sort of feeling, to ride in the very same car that once served Jackie Kennedy when she stayed at the Cambodian king Norodom Sihanouk’s guest villa. And it wasn’t the last time we felt this way, when at Amansara.

Aman trademark luxury

Now owned by Aman Resorts, the walled complex of king’s former guesthouse is the home of Amansara—and to enter through its heavy iron gate is to access a peaceful enclave of refinement.

Restored to an understated style of a “James Bond” residence from the sixties, the clean, geometric lines of this serene retreat are reminiscent of sophisticated decadence from the age of fading colonial empires.

The staff is most unintrusive, yet during our stay, they pre-empted every desire we could have. The service, even by the high Asian standards, is in its own league.

Personalized and exclusive

We got—as all guests do—a dedicated, well-informed guide and a custom-fitted remork (tuk-tuk) with driver to ride to town and around the temples, away from the coachloads.

The knowledgeable guides are one of the best parts of the Amansara experience. They will skirt around the crowds in Angkor temples and can access some places normally off-limits to the public: e.g. a warehouse where the Cambodian government stores thousands of priceless Angkor artifacts.

We didn’t get the chance to do it, but we are told for the best experience of the temples the hotel can arrange an exclusive tour with an archeologist, followed by dinner in the Angkor ruins, long after last tourists are gone.

Open-plan living

The suites are all done up in a classic Aman style of zen minimalism: cool and spacious, décor utilizing dark timber, stucco, and terrazzo. A freestanding bathtub in the middle, filled in the afternoon and scattered with fresh rose petals was a welcoming sight after a day of temple exploration.

Suites have a water garden in an enclosed courtyard and 12 out of 24 of them also boast private swimming pools (they are bliss on a hot day!).

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Afternoons and evenings

A seven-meter-high ceiling soars above the elegantly furnished restaurant, where traditional Khmer and international cuisine reigns—except at teatime, when the complimentary, delicious almond cakes, chocolate tarts, and tarte tatins are served.

One late afternoon, we tried the spa—and later stumbled back to the suite in a state of heavenly shock: the massage was perhaps one of the best we’ve ever had. We came to our normal selves finally in the evening, whilst sipping Mohito under the stars on the Roof Terrace, Amansara’s chic hangout.

Amansara was the first-ever Aman resort we ever visited—but the overall experience was so special that since then we became regulars, so-called “Aman Junkies”. You read that right. This brand of hotels inspires a true following among a loyal clientele, who are happy to exchange three nights at an Aman resort for a week at any other. So make sure to check our reviews from Amanruya, Amanoi, Aman-i-Khas, Amanbagh, Amankila, and Amandari!

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in our opinion

Unrivaled service and attention to detail, great tailored guiding to Angkor and the staff that makes their guests feel like royalty: it is hard to beat the Amansara in Siem Reap. A great choice for honeymooners and those who crave privacy.

We award the hotel with the Editor’s Pick badge.

What we love

• The hotel stay embodies the ambiance and luxury of a private residence.
• Arrive and leave in the complimentary vintage 1960s Mercedes limousine.
• The hotel's unassuming design underscores the sense of being in a haven from everything—it’s a cool and quiet sanctuary away from the busy tourist town.
• Location: just ten minutes to the gates of Angkor Wat, and a quick remork ride to the town.
• Amansara’s reputation for excellent private guiding is second-to-none. There is dedicated remork with a driver at all times, and the guides help to experience Angor Wat temples without the usual crowds.
• Custom jeeps, remorks, and high-spec mountain bikes, interesting excursions to the temples and surrounding region make Amansara stand out with a choice of activities.
• Culture buffs will be delighted with in-house events about Cambodia’s history, archaeology, architecture as well as puppetry shows. We were lucky to witness an amazing spectacle of traditional dance by a renowned troupe from Cambodia's capital.
• Very attentive service, with five staff members for every guest.
• Our favorite spot at the hotel (apart from the amazing villa) was the Roof Terrace, with cushioned seats and low tables: perfect for evening drinks.
• The Spa. We worship it.

What you should know

• All suites are similar in size and layout—go for a pool suite if you have a chance (we loved ours!)
• Book in advance for special experiences.
• There are no TVs or gyms. It's a different type of holiday!
• Aman luxury doesn’t come cheap, but lots of things are included—and we think the quality of experience simply makes it worth the price.
• At Amansara a doctor is on call 24 hours a day.
• To see the Angkor temples without the crowds one has to get up really early (4 am!).
• Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.