La Résidence d'Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap

Somewhere between a mini-resort and a boutique hotel, Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor is just about as close as you can get to the heart of Siem Reap — which, in turn, is the closest city to what is for many Cambodia’s main attraction, the temples at Angkor. The hotel stands right at the river’s edge, and a short walk from the bustling city market.

What’s more important, though, is what’s within its walls. With just fifty-five rooms, it’s not terribly large, and feels even more private from within the bedrooms — they’re generously sized, with ample bathrooms behind sliding doors, and private balconies that look out over the lush central courtyard and the pool. It’s a modern building in classic Khmer style, and the interiors walk that same line between contemporary and traditional — clean lines, white walls, but with hardwood floors and traditional wooden furnishings.

One thing that makes the Belmond a mini-resort rather than a maxi- is the absence of a dedicated spa complex; massages and spa treatments are available in-room, however. A restaurant, a lounge and a pool bar are perhaps more options than you’d expect — turn inward and make it a self-contained resort experience if you wish, or get out and sample the street life, the street food, and the unmissable Angkor Wat.