One of the finest hotels in Southeast Asia, blending traditional Khmer culture with art-deco design
Once a residence for guests of King Sihanouk, Amansara is a masterpiece of 1960’s New Khmer architecture just ten minutes from the entrance to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Unesco World Heritage Site, and with easy access to the fine array of evening dining options within the city. Set in spiritual Siem Reap, Amansara’s manicured gardens, a tranquil spa, curvilinear pool and canopy of mature trees add to tangible tranquillity that inspired its name – ‘heavenly peace’.
Amansara is the jewel in the already heavily-encrusted Aman crown and sets the standard for luxury within Cambodia. Following Aman’s philosophy for zen-like simplicity, without compromising on the highest possible levels of comfort, accommodation and service, Amansara is one of the most exclusive hotels in Siem Reap.
Set in culturally rich Siem Reap, Amansara’s Suites offer a combined bedroom and living area which steps down into a light-filled bathroom with an island bathtub. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a private garden courtyard with sun loungers, a reflection pond and, in 12 suites, a private plunge pool. Sandstone reliefs reference the famed ruins of Angkor temples just minutes away. All stays include daily breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages, daily afternoon tea, complimentary laundry (excluding dry cleaning), daily excursions to the Angkor temples with an English-speaking guide and remork transportation within Siem Reap town
At 75 square metres, Amansara’s Suites are both modern yet elegant in their design, with large windows and sliding doors for seamless open plan living. Furnished in terrazzo and timber, a king-sized bed and combined living area create a spacious place to retreat after exploring the nearby temples, while the spacious bathroom with deep-soaking tub encourages relaxation. Amenities include a small private courtyard, sofa, writing desk, informal dining table and chairs, bathroom with twin vanities, bathtub, separate shower/toilet, WiFi, sound system, safe, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and mini bar.
Contemporary in style with a monochrome colour palette, Amansara’s 100 square metre Courtyard Suites carefully balance indoor and outdoor space, for seamless open plan living. Finished in pale terrazzo and timber, the suites have a combined king-sized bedroom and living area which steps down into a light-filled bathroom with an island bathtub. Ideal for guests seeking peace and seclusion, the private courtyard and reflection pond provides a calming space and a tranquil atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Amenities include a sofa, writing desk, informal dining table and chairs, bathroom with twin vanities, cushioned banquette in courtyard, WiFi, sound system, safe, air conditioning, ceiling fan and Personal Bar.
Offering a private plunge pool and outdoor seating in a private garden courtyard, Amansara’s expansive 141 square metre Pool Suites offer seamless open-plan living, where both the inside and outside celebrate the resort’s beautiful natural surroundings. Finished in pale terrazzo and timber, the suites have a contemporary design appeal, each with a king-sized bed alongside a spacious living area with sofa, writing desk and an informal dining space. The light-filled bathroom invites guests to relax and reset, with twin vanities and a deep-soaking bathtub alongside a separate shower and toilet. Amenities include sun mattresses beside pool, cushioned banquette in courtyard, WiFi, sound system, safe, air conditioning, ceiling fan and a mini bar.
Dining
Whether savouring authentic Khmer cuisine in the Restaurant with its lofty rotunda, breakfasting on the deck of a village house amidst the temples, or sipping a cocktail on the rooftop terrace, Amansara offers both guests and non-residents one of a kind dining experiences revealing Cambodia’s multifaceted culinary heritage.
The striking centrepiece of Amansara, the circular Restaurant opens onto two terraces – one overlooking verdant lawns and the other the main swimming pool. The all-day menu includes both traditional Khmer and Western cuisines, and guests are free to help themselves from the walk-in cheese and wine cellar, and the freshly baked cake selection in the elegant lounging area. The circular Dining Room with its soaring seven-metre ceiling and shaded terrace is the focal point of the property.
Set in a garden within the Angkor Wat World Heritage Site, Amansara’s Khmer Village House is a traditional stilted abode overlooking the 10th-century royal reservoir of Srah Srang. An inspiring and culturally immersive setting, it is ideal for lazy breakfasts after exploring the temples, hands-on cooking classes and romantic candlelit dinners cooked over charcoal to the accompaniment of live music.
A serene space surrounded by the treetops of Amansara’s forested boundary, the Roof Terrace offers a seasonal venue for early or late evening drinks and cocktails, as well as private dinners. It is also a tranquil setting for yoga or quiet contemplation, especially at sunrise, followed by a private breakfast with birdsong as the only soundtrack.
Board an Amanbala motorboat for a cruise of Tonlé Sap lake and a romantic breakfast picnic afloat among the stilted village homes of Chong Kneas. In the evening, enjoy a Cambodian feast in the 10th-century Angkor temple of Prasat Kravan, aglow with 1,000 candles. From birthday festivities to anniversary dinners, Amansara is able to arrange exceptional gala dining and celebrations of all sizes.
Wellness
Flanked by a tranquil reflecting pond and a 43-metre bas relief inspired by Angkor, the pathway to the Aman Spa is a journey into an environment of restorative calm. Here, time slows down, all is still, and the air is laced with the scents of fragrant fruits and flowers. Delivered across four treatment rooms, the menu of therapies interweaves Khmer healing traditions with Aman’s own organic blends, soothing mind and body, while Amansara’s programme of yoga, movement and meditation elevates the spirit.
Inspired by the female cloud spirits carved into the temples of Angkor, Amansara’s signature Apsara ritual is a therapeutic spa journey designed for women. It begins with a full-body scrub with a hydrating and exfoliating blend of local herbs, includes an energising aromatherapy clay wrap, a traditional Khmer mask to tone the chest and a rice compress to relax the belly, ending with a mini facial.
Immersion in nature is a proven pathway to mental wellbeing. Surrounded by the ancient trees of the Angkorian forest, tap into the restorative powers of the natural world and reconnect with the self. Feelings of urgency dissolve as the fullness of the present moment occupies the mind, and a sense of peace and joy pervades.
Soak up the energy of sunrise and begin the day with a personalised yoga session in the Amansara movement studio or outdoors in the gardens. Strengthening, toning and balancing postures lead to deepened awareness and create a sense of harmony between mind, body and spirit.
Amansara’s extensive menu of massages, beauty treatments and restorative therapies is inspired by traditional Cambodian techniques. Explore our range of full-body scrubs, oil massages and herbal massages to revitalise your body and mind.
Bring the power of relaxation into everyday life with a guided walking meditation session led by one of Angkor Wat’s master monks. Ideal for those looking to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity, or to elevate their mindfulness practice to the next level.
Cambodian people believe the spirit is cleansed and purified through a ritual water blessing. This healing takes place at a remote Buddhist Pagoda to engage with Cambodian Buddhism in a more personal way. As the monk gently pours flower infused water over each individual, he chants to cleanse the spirit. This humble Khmer Buddhist ritual will leave guests feeling remarkably at peace.
Map and travel information
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH