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The Hôtel de la Paix soft-opened in July
2005. The 107-room Art Deco treasure trove
part Theban palace, part ocean liner is
the most luxurious of the new hotels in
Siem Reap. What was once a rice depot has
been completely reconfigured by the US landscaper/architect Bill Bensley, known for his work for the Four Seasons group in Asia and the sumptuous gardens of the Oberoi Rajvila¯s in Jaipur. The rooms are coolly modern, with handcrafted lamps, intricate wall-mountings and fine, crisp linen. Each has a DVD player, Wi-Fi and a fully loaded iPod. The luxurious duplex spa suites have their own massage rooms and outdoor plunge pools. The communal Arts Lounge is a vast bar, lit by colour-changing fibre optics, where exhibitions reflecting Khmer culture are held. The Meric restaurant pursues the theme with gourmet Khmer cuisine by Australian chef Paul Hutt. The steamed maan (fermented fish) with Khmer crudités, krill (the tiny shrimp much loved by whales) and ambarella (something between a quince and a crab-apple) salad, and stir-fried frog with basil were all delicious, subtly flavoured, fragrant and aromatic, and presented with the utmost care. With excursions to the temples, an indoor and outdoor pool, a fully-equipped gym, yoga courses and the Spa Indochine offering seven different massages and a host of treatments, guests can be as active or as supine as they like.
WHEN TO GO
November to February has the most beautiful weather: warm and dry, but not unbearably hot.
ROOM TO BOOK
For affordable luxury, a duplex spa suite is a must. Retire upstairs with your loved one and be pummelled on side-by-side massage tables.
CONTACT
Sivutha Boulevard, Siem Reap, Cambodia (00 855 63 966000; www.hoteldelapaix
angkor.com).
COST
Doubles from US$300; spa suites from US$650
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