Luxury and fine colonial buildings, never mind common decent humanity, were an absolute anathema to the Khmer Rouge during the dreadful decimation of culture, both traditional and Colonial that took place in Cambodia during the 1970’s.

Aside from the enormous death toll arising from these truly shocking events, many formerly grand buildings were targeted for bombardment, such as the famous Raffles Hotel in Phnom Penh, which had been serving the discerning elite of historic Indochine since 1929, in what was once one of Asia’s prettiest cities before its wholesale evacuation and destruction.

Thankfully, after liberation, the Raffles group lovingly restored the building to its former glory and reopened the hotel in 1997, and the Hotel Le Royal has reassumed its place as the country’s premier luxury venue for travellers seeking elegant colonial style and world-class service in the county’s Capital.

The same is also true of the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, in Siem Reap, also reopened in 1997, offering its sophisticated charms for visitors to Angkor Wat.  

Siem Reap, its UNESCO World Heritage site being the most visited destination in Cambodia, inevitably also has the best of the new breed of luxury hotels reflecting the changing fortunes of the country, such as the Park Hyatt, one of the world’s top hotels, and a byword for the modern luxury travel experience.

A former royal residence of King Sihanouk provides the setting for the Amansara Resort and spa, an exclusive resort set in a walled garden, exuding grace and tranquillity even in the centre of Siem Reap. A boutique luxury alternative is provided in the shape of the Heritages Suites Hotel. For golfers, the luxury of three premier international courses in Siem Reap will provide additional excitement.

If you’re travelling to the southern beaches, Song Saa Island Resort and Spa is a luxury haven set on its own private island and beach, with stilted overwater suites among its options, situated close to Koh Rong, offshore from Sihanoukville and is the very best of Cambodia’s luxury beach escapes.

In Sihanoukville itself, the Sokha Beach Resort is the finest of the onshore beachfront hotels.

LUXURY EXPERIENCES

For VIP’s and luxury travellers, a prompt escorted visa transit service is available. A fine selection of prime vintage and modern classic vehicles can be procured for transfers.

In Phnom Penh, the Mekong Riverfront retains the best of the city’s old world charm, and is the place to stroll and enjoy its ambience. A luxury dining cruise of the river to enjoy the sunset and taking in the views of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Ta Khmau Rivers, which all converge at the Capital City is an evening delight.

When it comes to dining in style, an unforgettable private luxury evening feast amid the stunning setting of one of the Angkorian temples is up there on the uniqueness scale. A sunset gondola cruise of the Angkor Thom Moat, enjoying Champagne, cocktails and canapés is another.

A helicopter flight over the temples is a great way to see Angkor from the air. A hot air balloon will do the same, and quieter, but does not travel beyond its anchorage. If you really want the sensation of flying, a microlight provides the very best way to enjoy a highly mobile airborne close view of the archaeological sites.