The large rooms boast a similarly elegant retro-style as the rest of the hotel, with heavy, dark furniture amidst smoothly finished white concrete walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows lead onto a private courtyard with high walls that some guests may find a little austere. An integrated sound system and a tablet in each adds a modern touch. Some rooms come with their own plunge pools.

The bathroom facilities are closely integrated into the living space, with only the toilet and rain shower closed off. They also feature large baths and twin vanities.

There are two pools: a retro affair which sits by the original rooms, as well as a lap pool, a little hidden away. A daily tuk-tuk and guide to and from the Angkor temples is included in the room rates.

The Amansara prides itself on the many unique experiences it has designed, from yoga lessons to more original wellness treatments like cranial osteopathy. Cooking classes can be arranged at a village house. Other activities include trips on the Tonlé Sap Lake in the hotel’s own boats, and meeting with local cultural movers or international Cambodia experts.

The soaring-ceilinged Dining Room is the eye-catching centrepiece of the former royal guest villa, once used as the king's screening room. The circular design affords prime views in all directions and includes alfresco dining by the pool. Choose between Khmer favourites such as fish amok curry or Western prawn risotto.

The bar is part of the main restaurant and includes a walk-in wine cellar and a selection of fine cognacs and single malts. For loftier lounging, the Roof Terrace offers seductive seating under a canopy of ancient trees for pre-prandial cocktails by candlelight. 

Room service is available from 4.30am to midnight and includes all the dishes on the daily menus.

Amansara has a very central location, in a private compound opposite the verdant royal gardens. Fabled Angkor Wat lies just five kilometres up the road.

What's nearby

• Angkor National Museum     180m
• Cambolac Art For The People     1,2km
• The Victory Gate     11,2km
• Wat Thmey (Killing Fields)     2,7km

Restaurant

• Slek Morn Restaurant    400m
• Marum    600m