Treeline Urban Resort

Meaning ‘green village’ in Khmer, Phum Baitang is set within eight acres of lush gardens and rice paddies away from the bustle of Siem Reap, yet still just minutes from the temples of Angkor. And indeed it does appear as a traditional Cambodian village on first sight, but you’ll soon notice intricate design touches and modern luxuries between the rusticity. There are 45 private stilted and thatched villas, each built in a traditional style with carefully considered contemporary touches, with extensive use of reclaimed wood, expansive terraces, handpicked furniture and wonderfully spacious bathrooms with egg-shaped baths carved from local stone. 20 of the villas have their own outdoor plunge pools. Two restaurants lie in the village, Hang Bay, which serves a fusion of cultural cuisine, and Bay Phsar, which has the feel of a local market and is the venue to try vibrant Cambodian flavours created using freshly picked ingredients including herbs from the organic garden and rice straight from the surrounding paddies. One of the bars sits alongside the scenic 50m infinity pool but our favourite is the cigar and cocktail lounge, housed within a reconstructed century-old farmhouse that has shelves bursting with vintage liqueurs, gin and whisky, surely one of the coolest bars in Southeast Asia. End a day of temple exploration at the spa, an ancient looking temple offering age-old healing techniques and beauty recipes using indigenous ingredients. Aside from temples, Phum Baitang offers a range of activities, including a kids’ club, private dining experiences and cooking classes, cultural excursions, trips to Tonle Sap and vintage jeep drives..

The Le Royal has been the most glamorous place to stay in Phnom Penh since its opening in 1929. Set just off a tree-lined avenue in the heart of this re-emerging city, the hotel is a grand oasis, with a warm welcome awaiting you. Colonial in style and impossibly elegant, 170 rooms suites are a distinguished blend of Khmer, French and art deco architecture. The polished wooden floors, overhead fans and white linen are reminiscent of a bygone era with balconies overlooking the tropical garden or to the wonderful central swimming pool a perfect finishing touch. A choice of dining options, the favourite and finest restaurant in Phnom Penh is Restaurant Le Royal which serves Royal Cambodian and modern French cuisine. The iconic Elephant Bar is something of an institution in its own right and the place for an afternoon tea that blends into an extended happy hour.

Song Saa is a beautiful eco-resort that sits across the islands of Koh Bong and Koh Ouen, which are affectionately known as the Sweetheart Islands. Accessible by a 45-minute speedboat journey from the mainland, Song Saa is the perfect place to completely unwind and explore southern Cambodia’s stunning coastline. The resort was built with sustainability in mind, and reclaimed timber and other materials from the mainland were used in its construction. Salvaged wood from old fishing boats and factory yards were turned into decking and beams, oil drums became lamps, and weathered driftwood was crafted into beautiful pieces of furniture. Set in a self-made marine reserve, Song Saa is also home to a team of marine biologists, implements recycling practices, and is involved in the funding and founding of sustainability projects in the area. The 24 luxury pool villas are scatted across the island, some nestled within the rainforest along the shoreline and others perched over the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The open-plan design of the villas creates a real sense of space and light and the natural decor and design compliments the surrounding environment. For the ultimate exclusive escape, the two-bedroom Royal Villa is reached by private boat and has its own pool, kitchen and indoor dining space for up to 12 guests. Locally caught seafood and seasonal fruits and vegetables are used to create delicious Khmer cuisine at the overwater Vista Restaurant. Driftwood Bar on the beach is an ideal spot to grab a crisp beer or a mojito, along with a wood-fired pizza or some tapas as the sun goes down. Dotted around the resort are little sanctuaries where you can indulge in a spa treatment surrounded by nature. There’s also a large infinity pool, a fitness centre and yoga sessions for those that like to keep active while away. You’re surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, so grab a snorkelling mask, a paddleboard or a kayak and explore. Alternatively, take to the rainforest trails and discover the native plants and wildlife.

This luxurious boutique lodge is a serene hideaway set beside the Siem Reap River. Enclosed by tropical trees, this delightful art-deco haven, with a soothing white façade is ringed by a beautiful garden and centred around two turquoise swimming pools. Giving back to the local community is critical to this hotel’s operations, and it does so through the founding, funding and organising of various projects and NGOs. There are 36 rooms to choose from, offering either a balcony or direct garden and pool access. Contemporary furnishings, muted tones with the occasional bright pop of colour, and deluxe fabrics make each spacious room and suite a tranquil oasis in which to relax in the utmost comfort. Guests can revive their spirits at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, serving both local and international dishes. Further rejuvenation can be sought at the idyllic spa after a day of venturing on tuk-tuks into town and exploring the magnificent Angkor Wat temples.