Luxurious dwelling with Raffles in Cambodia

For discerning travellers visiting Cambodia who’re searching for a luxurious dwelling expertise, an expertise filled with unforgettable moments and recollections that may final a lifetime, then look no additional. Select this duo of opulent motels 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, get pleasure from bespoke spa remedies that may calm down your thoughts, physique and soul. Nowhere in Cambodia are you able to discover a pair of motels 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 almost a century. Expertise lavish luxurious, wealthy historical past and first price service combining to create a luxurious dwelling sanctuary that you’ll by no means need to go away.

Keep at Raffles Grand Lodge d’Angkor Siem Reap

Our first cease was the long-lasting Raffles Grand Lodge d’Angkor in Siem Reap which was initially in-built 1932, in the course of the French colonial interval, and shortly grew to become an emblem of magnificence and class all through the area. The structure, grand facade and tranquil foyer mirror the colonial model of the time, mixing Khmer and French influences seamlessly. Throughout the troubled historical past that Cambodia confronted the lodge confronted quite a few challenges, together with durations 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 degree of luxurious was additional enhanced by a significant refurbishment venture that coincided with one other enforced closure, this time in the course of the world 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 visitors in 2022, completely timed to have a good time an unimaginable 90 years within the Kingdom.

Eating at 1932 is to not be missed when staying at Raffles Grand Lodge d’Angkor Siem Reap. The elegant high-quality eating restaurant provides a culinary journey when selecting one in all 4 meticulously crafted menus, every a homage to a selected decade of wealthy and numerous Cambodian historical past. Every of those high-quality eating tasting menus options native seasonal produce, no extra so than the peerlessly plant based mostly ‘Grand Renaissance’ menu which celebrates the Nineteen 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 Lodge Le Royal Phnom Penh

Having left Siem Reap after an early breakfast, our driver delivered us to Raffles Lodge 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 shortly recognised as an expensive retreat for royalty and dignitaries who have been visiting Cambodia. Durations of political instability and battle impacted Raffles Lodge Le Royal as they did the entire nation, and in the course of the Khmer Rouge period the lodge had various makes use of and it grew to become an emblem of resilience. Following meticulous restoration, modernisation and refurbishment, Raffles Lodge Le Royal reopened its doorways in 1997, mixing the historic previous with modern luxurious. Right now, 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 visitors 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 Lodge Le Royal the place we loved lengthy and lazy breakfasts throughout our keep, beginning every day with tropical juices, sturdy coffees and conventional breads, all freshly squeezed, brewed and baked to perfection. The attentive group have been completely happy to create off menu dishes that catered to our dietary necessities which means that we have been very effectively catered for as vegan visitors at Raffles Lodge Le Royal. Nevertheless, that additional consideration was not required at lunch after we have been in a position to get pleasure from 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 light-weight, flavourful and completely plant based mostly dish.

Loosen up at Raffles Spa

Each Raffles Lodge Le Royal Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Lodge d’Angkor Siem Reap have beautiful spa services, as you’d think about from such prestigious motels. Loosen up your thoughts, your physique, and your soul within the sauna, steam and jacuzzi, earlier than making 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 definitely needs to be a part of the itinerary throughout your keep.

Test in at Raffles in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh and revel in luxurious dwelling in Cambodia at its best. These two historic motels seamlessly mix timeless magnificence with unparalleled service, making certain that the recollections out of your keep will final a lifetime. From the opulent rooms and suites to the refined eating experiences, each facet is meticulously curated to exceed expectations. With a dedication to preserving, defending and respecting the wealthy historical past of Cambodia, Raffles is the premier selection for the final word in Cambodian indulgence and luxurious dwelling.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Meals Quest who write about luxurious motels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a give attention to sustainable journey, eco journey and vegan journey. Presently based mostly in Malaysia, Paul additionally writes about sporting occasions and a number of the most interesting golf programs all through the area.