Luxurious residing with Raffles in Cambodia

For discerning travellers visiting Cambodia who’re searching for a luxurious residing expertise, an expertise filled with unforgettable moments and reminiscences that may final a lifetime, then look no additional. Select this duo of opulent inns which can be steeped in historical past, marvel on the spectacle of Angkor Wat at dawn, delight your tastebuds with refined Khmer delicacies, and as your day involves an finish, take pleasure in bespoke spa therapies that may calm down your thoughts, physique and soul. Nowhere in Cambodia are you able to discover a pair of inns that boast a historical past fairly like the 2 esteemed Raffles properties, one in Siem Reap and the opposite in Phnom Penh. These havens of refined luxurious have been the selection for world leaders, luminaries, and esteemed travellers alike for almost a century. Expertise lavish luxurious, wealthy historical past and first fee service combining to create a luxurious residing sanctuary that you’ll by no means need to go away.

Keep at Raffles Grand Resort d’Angkor Siem Reap

Our first cease was the long-lasting Raffles Grand Resort d’Angkor in Siem Reap which was initially inbuilt 1932, through the French colonial interval, and shortly turned an emblem of magnificence and class all through the area. The structure, grand facade and tranquil foyer replicate the colonial model of the time, mixing Khmer and French influences seamlessly. Throughout the troubled historical past that Cambodia confronted the resort confronted quite a few challenges, together with intervals of closure throughout political unrest and battle. Nonetheless, it was meticulously restored and reopened in 1997, marking a brand new period of luxurious hospitality in Cambodia. This stage of luxurious was additional enhanced by a serious refurbishment undertaking that coincided with one other enforced closure, this time through the world pandemic. With model new rooms and suites all through, this luxury resort set new requirements when it was as soon as once more launched to esteemed company in 2022, completely timed to rejoice an unbelievable 90 years within the Kingdom.

Eating at 1932 is to not be missed when staying at Raffles Grand Resort d’Angkor Siem Reap. The elegant positive eating restaurant provides a culinary journey when selecting certainly one of 4 meticulously crafted menus, every a homage to a selected decade of wealthy and numerous Cambodian historical past. Every of those positive eating tasting menus options native seasonal produce, no extra so than the peerlessly plant primarily based ‘Grand Renaissance’ menu which celebrates the Fifties, a decade throughout which Cambodia gained independence. Our meal was a chic mix of culinary creativity and Khmer flavours, conventional Cambodian dishes elevated to go well with the surroundings, and tailored to make them vegan. The smoky eggplant atop our Khmer rice truffles, the sunshine, refreshing and re imagined ‘nom banh chok’, the wealthy and and delightfully creamy amok, and the trio of palm sugar stuffed ‘nom pla ai’ every took us on a pleasant journey although the historical past of Cambodian delicacies.

Keep at Raffles Resort Le Royal Phnom Penh

Having left Siem Reap after an early breakfast, our driver delivered us to Raffles Resort Le Royal simply in time for a late lunch. This luxurious resort in Phnom Penh is a real gem within the hospitality panorama of Cambodia, with the wealthy historical past being intertwined with Cambodian excessive society and colonial legacy. The resort was initially opened in 1929 and was shortly recognised as an expensive retreat for royalty and dignitaries who had been visiting Cambodia. Durations of political instability and battle impacted Raffles Resort Le Royal as they did the entire nation, and through the Khmer Rouge period the resort had diversified makes use of and it turned an emblem of resilience. Following meticulous restoration, modernisation and refurbishment, Raffles Resort Le Royal reopened its doorways in 1997, mixing the historic previous with modern luxurious. Immediately, it stands as a proud and iconic landmark within the centre of Phnom Penh, providing opulent lodging, unparalleled service, and refined eating experiences to esteemed company who want to expertise the wealthy historical past of Cambodia throughout their time within the capital.

Le Phnom 1929 is the French styled brasserie at Raffles Resort Le Royal the place we loved lengthy and lazy breakfasts throughout our keep, beginning every day with tropical juices, robust coffees and conventional breads, all freshly squeezed, brewed and baked to perfection. The attentive staff had been glad to create off menu dishes that catered to our dietary necessities which means that we had been very nicely catered for as vegan company at Raffles Resort Le Royal. Nonetheless, that further consideration was not required at lunch after we had been in a position to take pleasure in clearly marked vegan choices from the menu. These included a vegetable tian with flaxseed dressing, and a merely divine cauliflower steak, served atop a mattress of velvety pumpkin mash, with sauce vierge, that mixed to ship a light-weight, flavourful and completely plant primarily based dish.

Loosen up at Raffles Spa

Each Raffles Resort Le Royal Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Resort d’Angkor Siem Reap have beautiful spa amenities, as you’d think about from such prestigious inns. Loosen up your thoughts, your physique, and your soul within the sauna, steam and jacuzzi, earlier than getting ready to be pampered in one of many luxuriously appointed therapy rooms. We felt revitalised and rejuvenated after our aromatherapy massages, they supplied the right antidote to our day exploring the temples of Angkor, or the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, and most definitely must be a part of the itinerary throughout your keep.

Test in at Raffles in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh and luxuriate in luxurious residing in Cambodia at its highest. These two historic inns seamlessly mix timeless magnificence with unparalleled service, guaranteeing that the reminiscences out of your keep will final a lifetime. From the opulent rooms and suites to the refined eating experiences, each side is meticulously curated to exceed expectations. With a dedication to preserving, defending and respecting the wealthy historical past of Cambodia, Raffles is the premier selection for the final word in Cambodian indulgence and luxurious residing.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Meals Quest who write about luxurious inns and resorts in Southeast Asia with a concentrate on sustainable journey, eco journey and vegan journey. At the moment primarily based in Malaysia, Paul additionally writes about sporting occasions and a number of the most interesting golf programs all through the area.