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 recollections that can final a lifetime, then look no additional. Select this duo of opulent resorts which might 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 remedies that can chill out your thoughts, physique and soul. Nowhere in Cambodia are you able to discover a pair of resorts 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 practically 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 depart.

Keep at Raffles Grand Resort d’Angkor Siem Reap

Our first cease was the enduring Raffles Grand Resort d’Angkor in Siem Reap which was initially in-built 1932, in the course of the French colonial interval, and rapidly turned an emblem of class and class all through the area. The structure, grand facade and tranquil foyer replicate the colonial fashion of the time, mixing Khmer and French influences seamlessly. Through the troubled historical past that Cambodia confronted the lodge confronted quite a few challenges, together with intervals of closure throughout political unrest and battle. Nevertheless, 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 venture that coincided with one other enforced closure, this time in the course of the international pandemic. With model new rooms and suites all through, this luxury lodge set new requirements when it was as soon as once more launched to esteemed company in 2022, completely timed to rejoice an unimaginable 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 nice eating restaurant presents a culinary journey when selecting one among 4 meticulously crafted menus, every a homage to a selected decade of wealthy and various Cambodian historical past. Every of those nice 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 elegant mix of culinary creativity and Khmer flavours, conventional Cambodian dishes elevated to swimsuit the setting, and tailored to make them vegan. The smoky eggplant atop our Khmer rice muffins, the sunshine, refreshing and re imagined ‘nom banh chok’, the wealthy and and delightfully creamy amok, and the trio of palm sugar crammed ‘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 lodge 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 lodge was initially opened in 1929 and was rapidly recognised as an opulent retreat for royalty and dignitaries who had been visiting Cambodia. Intervals of political instability and battle impacted Raffles Resort Le Royal as they did the entire nation, and in the course of the Khmer Rouge period the lodge 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 up to date luxurious. In the present day, 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 group had been pleased 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. Nevertheless, that further consideration was not required at lunch once 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 lightweight, 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 services, as you’ll think about from such prestigious resorts. 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 provided the proper antidote to our day exploring the temples of Angkor, or the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, and most actually ought to be a part of the itinerary throughout your keep.

Test in at Raffles in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh and revel in luxurious residing in Cambodia at its best. These two historic resorts seamlessly mix timeless class with unparalleled service, guaranteeing that the recollections 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 alternative 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 resorts 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 few of the most interesting golf programs all through the area.