FOUR HIGHLIGHTS
The signature Anantara attention to detail - every room has the luxury you would expect
Incredible food from the in-house restaurant.
Free tuk tuk to and from the centre of Siem Ream
Some of the nicest staff you will ever come across.
THE CONCEPT
Anantara is known for their opulent luxury, while still preserving the natural history and architecture of the country in which the resort is in.
The design at Anantara Angkor is luxurious Khmer* style - where sophistication meets authentic Cambodian architecture. Rooms feature hand crafted teak furniture, local textiles and hand carved sandstone - while linens, amenities and in-built technology are modern, clean and minimalistic.
* Khmer people are one of the oldest ethnic groups from Cambodia, and the beautiful Angkor Wat temple is the perfect example of the buildings this group of people created.
THE SETTING
The resort is a short ride from the centre of Siem Reap - Cambodia's bustling tourist hub.
It's also just a few minutes from the Angkor Archaeological Park - home to more than 1,000 incredible temples including the most famous of them all, Angkor Wat. Films such as Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones were even set among the extraordinary temples.
The resort is just far enough away to feel like a retreat - it's quiet and calm, which is just what you need after a busy day in the city or exploring temples.
The zen-like atmosphere is complete with water features that trickle along the pathway to the restaurant and spa.
THE ROOMS
The resort is made up of 39 rooms, including two exquisitely laid out Jim Thomson suites - with an incredible 178sqm of living space.
The suites come complete with a fridge stocked full of wine, your own private plunge pool surrounded by lush tropical plants. Inside you'll find an extra room featuring a massage table and whirlpool jacuzzi bath big enough for two. The suite even includes a 60 minute massage each day for two.
All rooms also come complete with complimentary mini bar and snacks, a butler, bathrobes, slippers, a Nespresso machine and fresh fruit on arrival.
Bathroom amenities include a soap 'bar,' and you can order your preferred type of natural soap. You'll also find a couple of cute natural mosquito repellants too.
THE ACTIVITIES
Not only does Anantara have a huge saltwater pool and fully equiped fitness centre, they also offer some of the most luxurious excursions in Siem Reap.
Travel to a floating village outside the city in air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a beautiful customised picnic, or head to the Angkor Wat temple complex for a fully guided tour.
Visiting Angkor Wat is a once in a life time opportunity, so you might as well do it properly - and in true Anantara style.
If you love running, you can even try their signature running tour, customised to your fitness level, and the next day head out on horseback to give your legs a break.
You could also enjoy a picnic in the shade of a secluded - less visited temple - and take in the breathtaking serenity and enormity or your surroundings.
Alternatively you could always take your vacation game to the next level with a light plane or helicopter flight over the city.
The possibilities are endless!
THE FOOD
Chi Restaurant and Bar, centred at the heart of the resort, serves a mix of perfectly crafted local Kymer cuisine like their red river lobster curry made with coconut and Khmer basil, and a number of international dishes - such as seared scallops with caramelised pork or even pizza.
The food is exceptional - succulent, fresh, flavoursome and wholesome were some of the terms flying around in our heads after the first bite.
Our recommendations? Don't miss the pomelo salad with giant prawns, fried calamari with turmeric mayonnaise, their signature crab cakes and the unbelievably juicy buratta which is a fresh, creamy Italian cheese, usually made from buffalo. The cheese is sourced from a local craftsman in the city, and is just one example of how fresh and innovative their dishes are.
THE SERVICE
The hotel has some of the best service you will find anywhere in the world. Every single staff member was friendly, helpful and attentive to a six star standard.
Here are a couple of examples during our stay:
Upon arrival we were greeted by name and given beautiful lotus flowers, a foot bath in a tub of frangipani flowers, all the while cooling down with an iced lemongrass tea. The best welcome to a resort we've ever had.
Each evening before dinner, a complimentary tray of canapés is sent to each room.
After our meal on the first evening of our stay, the waiter arrived at our table with a platter of all the different local herbs that had been used in our food for us to discover. Have you ever heard of heart leaf or ma om herbs!? Me either!
INSIDER TIPS
For the ultimate gift for your loved one, surprise them with a 'dine by design' which is where you can pick any location for your meal - from the rooftop gardens to the countryside amidst rice paddies. For breakfast you can even choose to enjoy your meal on the grounds of an ancient temple - surrounded by the thick Cambodian jungle. This is an unforgettable experience.
The mini bar is complimentary and includes dried tropical fruit, ginger spiced peanut mix, cookies and soft drinks.
The breakfast is exceptional - make sure you book a room with breakfast included. Warm donuts anyone?
To avoid the crowds at the Angkor complex, travel in the monsoon season - May to November. You will have a greater chance of rain, but the crowds are reduced.
GETTING THERE
The resort is just a 5 minute drive from Siem Reap International Airport and your complimentary air-conditioned luxury transfer will be waiting for you at the airport.
THE PRICE
Package prices for longer stays start from only $160USD per night, however we recommend you check out the latest deals on our go-to booking site Agoda:
