From the moment your plane lands, the Amansara touch is invariably felt. The VVIP treatment begins at the immigration. A designated person approaches you, takes your passport and processes it. All you will do is sit and wait. Don’t worry, it does not take forever to complete the procedure. Outside, a vintage Mercedes-Benz limousine awaits for a scenic transport to the hotel. A surprise route is taken, one that will surely take your breath away. Of course, we are not allowed to ruin that surprise for you. You will have to take the path of every Amansara guest to appreciate it more.
Originally built for visiting dignitaries and guests of then King Sihanouk in 1962, Amansara is a quiet enclave suitable for discerning travellers who enjoy a restful and exclusive retreat from the maddening crowd. With only 24 spacious suites and private villas combined, it has a well-managed and highly-trained multicultural staff.
French architect Laurent Mondet envisioned a roadside refuge but at the same time would effectively insulate the guests from the murmurs of the busy Siem Reap streets. It features the classic low slung chalet-style architecture of the 60s. After the Aman properties took over in 2002 it has added 12 pool suites and amenities like the lap pool and Spa.
- Amansara’s understated elegance speaks well of its stately past. The nude exteriors are highlighted by natural green foliage and abundance of fresh white orchids carefully arranged in exquisite vases scattered all over the vicinity. Everywhere you rest your eyes is easy.
The fine dining restaurant showcases the best of authentic Khmer cuisine, but also allow guests to enjoy western comfort food when desired. The gustatory experience is a world all of its own. There is no comparison to other cuisines as the flavours, subtle and delicate, not only educates but enlightens a discriminating diner as well.
It also features a walk-in wine cellar that boasts of select vintages and vineyards from both old and new worlds.
While Amansara tends to be the private hideaway of many Hollywood celebrities in recent years, its prominence is but a shadow of its glittery past with no less than the French president Charles de Gaulle, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and premier English actor Peter O’Toole who graced the hotel with their presence in their heyday.
The hotel, ever mindful of its guests’ individual personality provides a list of itinerary well-suited to ones interests and avocations. The Ton Le Sap lake cruise onboard Amansara’s private boat must not be missed, as well as, the visit to two ancient floating villages. The experience was truly magical. But the best part is still the people. The warmth and intuitiveness of the staff are truly a treasure to behold you will keep coming back for it.
In Siem Reap, there’s a place you can call home and Amansara is the name for it.
Moment to Moment 