Exploring the Tranquility of Amansara

Amansara, a 24-suite luxury hotel in Cambodia, also used to be the king’s guesthouse. It offers a unique experience that transports guests to a world of serenity and elegance.

1. Unique Experience at Angkor Wat

It’s pitch dark out when my mom and I hurtle down a dirt road toward Angkor Wat. Moonlight flashes through the canopy of trees as we make our way deeper into the jungle that has concealed and preserved these temples for centuries. We roused ourselves at 4:30 a.m. to be here, huddled together in sleepy silence in the back of a moped-powered trishaw provided by our hotel, Amansara.

There’s no wrong way to visit Cambodia’s sprawling labyrinth of ninth-to-14th-century Khmer temples, but arriving via a clandestine back entrance to witness it entirely alone and in the silence of blue dawn is a spiritual experience befitting the world’s largest religious complex.

2. Luxurious Accommodations

It’s a rare experience few are lucky enough to have — except for guests of Amansara. The resort has been recognized as one of the best in Southeast Asia. It has provided unparalleled access to Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor since it opened 20 years ago. Previously the guest residence of King Sihanouk, the elegant property has hosted numerous dignitaries, and it remains a sanctuary for guests after long days of exploring.

Upon arrival, after my mom and I were picked up at the airport in the hotel’s vintage Mercedes, we were warmly welcomed by the incredibly kind staff, who handed us chilled lemongrass towels before showing us around the property and to our room.

Just a 10-minute drive from the temple’s threshold, the property serves as a spiritual oasis crafted from natural materials. Amansara’s name, which means “heavenly peace,” feels ever more fitting as you move through the open-air property, organized around two central courtyards anchored by towering trees. There’s nothing flashy or fussy about it, but rather a laid-back luxury that focuses on thoughtfully curated details like pink bouquets of intricately folded lotus flowers.

Elegantly Designed Rooms

Our room featured a stunning design, with floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out onto our spacious private patio and plunge pool. We marveled over the glossy writing desk and the sandstone reliefs of the temples. The high-ceilinged bathroom, featuring a free-standing tub and rain shower, offered a luxurious sanctuary after our long explorations.

3. Tranquil Activities Offered

Our stay was exceedingly tranquil. The hotel offered personalized experiences such as meditative monk-led forest walks, candleside dinners, boat tours of Tonle Sap floating village, and guided visits of Angkor Wat. Furthermore, my favorite experience was receiving a water blessing from a monk at a local monastery, which felt like a deep purification after our days spent visiting the ancient temples.

On our drive back to the hotel, we witnessed a breathtaking sunset, moving from gold to pink and purple. As we stood there, feeling the serenity around us, we truly experienced Amansara’s namesake — a moment of something like heavenly peace.