With its bustling cities and overgrown, ancient relics, delicious cuisine and blissful beaches, Cambodia is an ideal holiday all-rounder. With idyllic oceanside resorts to skyscraping city hangouts, its hotels are just as diverse as its offerings. One minute you could be floating along the mighty Mekong and the next holed up in a boutique hideaway in the mountains. Have a read of our guide to the best hotels in Cambodia if this veritable wonderland sounds like your cup of tea.
Rosewood
Phnom Penh
Cambodia might be known for its peaceful rice fields and humble village life, but capital Phnom Penh is a flashing beacon of modernity in comparison. To really get into the swing of city life, there’s nowhere better to stay than Rosewood Phnom Penh – this is swanky hotel chic at its very finest. Set at the top of the capital’s tallest building, you can expect views left, right and centre (from the indoor lap pool, the rooftop bar and even from your own bathtub) and the interiors are Glam with a capital ‘G’. The local foodie spots might be calling your name but you’ll have to fight the temptation of the four phenomenal restaurants at your fingertips, serving everything from high end Chinese/Cambodian fusion, delectable steak and seafood and authentic Japanese fare – and that’s not even to mention the patisserie! If you do want to explore the city sights, the hotel has a fleet of tuk-tuks ready to whisk you away to sample local street food, explore museums and wander market stalls. And when you’re ready to head back, cosy rooms and King size beds are waiting. High-rise heaven indeed.
Phum Baitang Resort
Siem Reap
Siem Reap may be more about awe-inspiring temples and less about hotels, but we know a spot that might just steal your attention. Phum Baitang Resort is a moment of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the temples, with plenty of space to unwind in 20 acres of gardens and rice paddies. Undeniably luxurious with impeccable attention to detail, you won’t find fussy design here either; instead, the resort is about chic stylings and a sense that you’re returning to a Cambodia that time forgot. When you’re not busy exploring the local sights, drift lazily around the lush green pool, sip a cocktail in the Sunset Lounge and tuck into exquisite local fare – the succulent lobster with ginger and lime butter and the tender pork belly stew both get our vote. And with the room’s calming decor, plush king-size beds and quiet surrounds, we dare you not to have an epic night’s sleep. Exactly what you’ll be searching for after a busy day exploring the ruins of Angkor.
Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Wild
Cardamom Mountains
Just the name ‘Cardamom Mountains’ summons imaginings of lush forests full of fragrant scents and exotic wildlife. Now, imagine taking a helicopter into that jungle and landing at a boutique bolthole that embodies both the spirit of escape and refined luxury. This is Shinta Mani Wild, a tented creation surrounded by thick emerald green jungle and a peacefully babbling river–some tents even extend out over it–with carefully selected decor and canvas bedrooms, plushly bedecked with luxurious textiles. The dining experience is second to none with food foraged daily by the head chef and includes local delicacies such as plump mud crabs, fresh figs and even red ants. The Landing Zone mixologist will whip up all manner of cocktails as you overlook a waterfall – if you’re feeling adventurous you can even zipline to the bar! And we haven’t even mentioned all the incredible jungle adventures. Guess you’ll just have to visit and experience them for yourself…
Song Saa Private Island
Koh Rong
If your holi-daydreams consist of sparkling waters, over-sea luxury villas and answering to no one but your latest book, we have the spot for you. Song Saa Private Island is the stuff of oceanside dreams. By day, spend your hours snorkelling colourful reefs, taking morning yoga classes or exploring hidden coves by sea kayak. By night, enjoy cocktails and high end cuisine at Vista restaurant as you take in the 360 views, tuck into pizza on the beach, or even have a private cinema set up in your villa (complete with popcorn, of course). And whilst we’re on the subject of those rooms, there are 27 palm-roofed delights to choose from. From jungle villas surrounded by lush tropical trees or stilted spots above the peaceful lapping water, whichever you choose you’ll be guaranteed stylish interiors, sumptuous beds and a private pool. We’re ready to hop on a plane immediately.
Six Senses
Krabey Island
From one private island to the next, Cambodia certainly isn’t short of luxe beach stays. The adventure here begins before you even step foot on the island as you make like James Bond and hop into a speedboat to reach it. As you skip across the water, you’ll see Six Senses Krabey Island rising into view from the ocean, a lush jungle-laden resort surrounded by sparkling sea. This private isle is dotted with 40 bedroom hideaways, each surrounded by trees and offering guests their very own pool to drift around in. Inside, there are plush beds to sink into, huge bath tubs to soak in and just about everything you could ever need. But it’s when you step outside that the fun really starts: snorkel or kayak the crystal waters, enjoy a fishing trip and catch your own supper, take a Khmer cooking class to learn some culinary tricks, try your hand at aerial yoga or even swim in the nighttime sea as it lights up with bioluminescent phyto-plankton.
Aqua Mekong Cruise
Mekong River
Travelling through a whopping six countries, the Mekong River earns its place as one of the world’s most famous rivers – and we’ve found a spot for you not next to that great moving landmark, but on it. The Aqua Mekong Cruise isn’t just your usual river boat, oh no! On this triple-decker cruise you’ll be taking to the water in style with cabins decked in luxurious California King beds, panoramic views–some even enjoy their own balcony–and sleek en-suite bathrooms complete with their own rainfall showers that are a match for any hotel. Staying aboard this floating palace is of course to take in the sights of the Mekong, but there’s plenty more to keep you busy too. Start your day with a spot of yoga on the observation deck or a dip in the pool, enjoy cocktails at the rooftop bar, dine on sumptuous cuisine in the restaurant and even take in a film or two at the onboard cinema. Where do we sign up?
