Amansara

Another luxury hotel with a chequered history in the Cambodian Kingdom. This one, built by French architect Laurent Mondet and completed in 1962 as a guest-house where Prince Sihanouk, then King of Cambodia, accommodated his diplomatic and celebrity guest overflow. The property, now an Aman home-style resort, is the epitome of swinging sixties pool-party cool. It's all so unexpected but only too welcome in the tropical Angkor heat.

The facilities



The Aman story says that the luxury hotel was aEUR˜designed when architects still sharpened pencils, worked from drawing boards and circular sweeping strokes of design were made with the hand'. Whatever the story, pack your Pucci for funky nights lounging in the dining room and days by the trippy-shaped pool.

In the evenings, when the sun sinks, it's time to slip into your best bikini and some kitten heels for pool party action. Take a gang of friends and mix your own cocktails at the fully stocked bar. The pool at the centre of the party is overlooked by a rooftop terrace, and the restaurant spills out onto it.

Eat wherever you feel like: more formally inside, or barefoot'n'bikini-clad by the pool. For privacy, ask for dinner in your room. Along with the self-service bar there's a walk-in wine cellar with a plate of cheese to help yourself from. Amansara is casual chic, so if you feel like lazing about in a silk paraya and bare feet, you can do it without feeling underdressed. Whatever you do, treat this luxury hotel like a home. It feels right.

With tourism in Siem Reap existing solely for the purpose of visiting the Angkor complex, Amansara is perfectly located; it also caters well for everyone. For the serious, the library is abundantly stocked with books, maps, and literature on the site. For absolute luxury after a hard day's photography, arrive home to a tub filled with lotus flowers or venture over to the spa to transform yourself into a version of the goddess, Apsara. For everyone, there are genuine smiles and a staff who really believe that you're their guest.

The rooms



Are all the spacious same, save the decision for a private pool or not. Choose one if you fancy floating naked beneath the stars; otherwise, content yourself with splashing about in the party pool or thrashing out 20-metre laps in the second pool. All rooms, whether they have a pool or pond, have a glass-walled rain shower with views onto your own very private terrace. Deep tubs, natural unguents and complimentary minibars will all help wash away the dust of the day.

Caroline Major

The name Amansara derives from the twinning of the word aman (Sanskrit for peace) and apsara (the heavenly nymphs of ancient Hindu texts who emerged from the primordial churning of the oceans with the power to change their form at will and to bestow luck on those they favoured). The resort is located in Siem Reap, the cultural capital of Cambodia.

The enclave was once the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk. It has been transformed into a 24-suite retreat that provides an ideal base for exploring the temples of Angkor and the sophisticated culture of the Khmer civilisation. Amansara has the inviting ambience of a gracious home and is set in a private garden compound with mature, shade trees.

Suites: Amansara has 12 suites, similar in design, featuring an open plan setting with finishes in terrazzo and timber. Colours are muted and earthy. Entry is to a combined sleeping and living area that contains a large writing desk and a king-size bed. Adjacent is a dressing area with hanging cupboards and drawers. The lounge has a large sofa, and informal circular dining table and chairs. Beyond, and leading down a few steps, is the bathroom which opens onto a light-filled courtyard featuring a water garden and cushioned banquette. The bathroom contains twin vanities, makeup mirror, a large soaking tub and a separate shower and toilet. A floor-to-ceiling glass partition separates the toilet from the courtyard, letting in light and patio views. Each suite is air-conditioned, with ceiling fans, telephone (twin lines for Internet access), room safe and a CD music system. Pool Suites: There are also 12 pool suites, measuring 80 square metres each. Each pool suite has a private six by five-metre swimming pool inits courtyard.

The Dining Room, near the swimming pool, is a focal point of the property and unique in design. It is circular in shape with a soaring seven-metre ceiling and an informal ambience for dining or all day lounging. The menu offers both traditional Asian and western cuisines and features the freshest of seasonal produce. The Dining area also features a range of books, a large map of Cambodia, and a walk-in wine cellar where guests may make their selection. Guests may also dine and snack poolside, or enjoy their in-room complimentary mini-bar that features several local items.

Library: The library provides a range of coffee-table books, travel guides, novels, magazines, daily newspapers and complimentary Internet access through an in-house laptop. Also on offer are a range of audio CDs, board games and a comprehensive collection of reference books on the Angkor temples and Khmer civilisation. Gallery: The gallery provides a variety of hand-woven silks, lacquer-ware, jewellery, local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, apparel and sundries. Swimming pool: Most of Amansara's suites are set around a central, grassed courtyard. At one end of the lawn, adjacent to a shady pergola, is a 17.5m swimming pool with sundeck. Lap pool: A 25m by 5m lap pool is also available closer to the pool suites. Spa: Four treatment rooms, each with an attached relaxation area and private steam bath and shower, are available to provide guests with a range of massage and beauty treatments using Cambodian techniques and natural products. All the treatment and relaxation rooms look out onto a reflection pond that is set against a 43.2 metre sandstone relief.