Situated in Siem Reap, the cultural capital of Cambodia, just 10 minutes from the entrance to Angkor, Amansara was once the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk. Today the walled garden compound serves as a tranquil 24-suite retreat with the ambience of a gracious home.

Amansara derives its name from the twinning of the words ‘aman’ (Sanskrit for ‘peace’) and ‘apsara’, the heavenly nymphs of ancient Hindu texts. The apsaras, it is said, emerged from the primordial churning of the oceans with the power not only to change their form at will, but also to bestow luck on those they favoured. So all-embracing was their influence on Cambodian mythology and its numerous expressions, that delicate apsara bas-reliefs decorate practically every Angkor temple.

Once known as Villa Princière or Villa Apsara, this former royal retreat was built by French architect, Laurent Mondet, in 1962 for King Sihanouk to accommodate visitors unable to stay at the royal residence nearby. Quintessentially ’60s in character, it featured cool, low-slung chalets spaced around an irregular-shaped swimming pool and a shady lawn.

Dignitaries like former French President Charles de Gaulle, Jacqueline Kennedy, former Yugoslavian President Josep Broz Tito and actor Peter O’Toole (who stayed here while filming Lord Jim) graced this architectural gem in its heyday. In 1965, Prince Sihanouk handed over Villa Princière to the Ministry of Tourism and it was turned into an exclusive, four-suite hotel. With the advent of the Khmer Rouge in 1975, the villa was officially closed as a hotel, although it continued to serve as a state guesthouse. Occupied by the military during the 1980s, it was later converted to a 12-suite layout and reopened as Villa Apsara in 1992. Amanresorts acquired the property in 2002 and meticulously reconstructed it drawing on old photographs and local knowledge. Amansara opened in December 2002. In 2006, 12 new pool suites, a lap pool and a spa were added.

Hotel Facilities:

• Air-Conditioned Suites
• Poolside Bar
• Business Centre
• Car Park
• Restaurant

• Coffee Shop
• Library
• Lounge Bar
• Gift Shop
• Laundry Service

Leisure Facilities:

• Swimming Pool
• Massage
• Spa

• Steam Room
• Jacuzzi
• Sauna

Amansara has 24 suites, similar in design. Each enjoys an open-plan setting with finishes in terrazzo and timber, as well as outdoor courtyards.

Suites

Each suite offers a combined sleeping and living area that contains a large writing desk and a king-size bed. Adjacent is a dressing area with hanging cupboards and drawers, a large sofa and an informal dining table and chairs. Beyond, and leading down a few steps is the bathroom with floor-to-ceiling glass doors which open onto a light-filled garden featuring a cushioned banquette. The bathroom contains twin vanities with makeup mirrors, a large soaking tub and a separate shower and toilet. Each suite is air-conditioned and offers Internet connections, ceiling fans, a telephone, room safe and music system

Pool suites

The courtyards of 12 Pool Suites feature private plunge pools measuring 6 by 5 metres

Dining room

Located near the main swimming pool, the circular Dining Room with its soaring seven-metre ceiling and shaded terrace is the focal point of the property. The menu offers both traditional Khmer and Western cuisines and features the freshest of seasonal produce. The dining area also includes a walk-in wine and cheese cellar where guests can make their selection, and a casual lounging area where they can help themselves to home-baked cakes on display. Guests can also dine poolside or in-suite. Every suite features a complimentary mini-bar with a range of alcoholic beverages as well as alternative herbal drinks and snacks.

Library

The Library provides a range of coffee-table books, travel guides, novels, magazines, daily newspapers and complimentary Internet access through an in-house laptop. Also on offer are a range of audio CDs, board games and a comprehensive collection of reference books on the Angkor temples and Khmer civilisation.

Gallery

The Gallery provides a variety of hand-woven silks, lacquer-ware, jewellery, local handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs available for purchase.

Roof terrace

The Roof Terrace offers a seasonal alternative spot for early evening drinks or lunch, with cushioned seating and low tables shaded by trees. It is also an ideal place for yoga or quiet contemplation, especially at sunrise.

Spa

Four treatment rooms, each with an attached relaxation area and private steam bath and shower, are available to provide guests with a range of massage and beauty treatments using Cambodian techniques and Aman’s own natural spa product range. All the treatment and relaxation rooms look out onto a reflection pond that is set against a 43.2 metre sandstone relief. The reception area overlooks a garden featuring an ancient rain tree.

Swimming & lap pools

Twelve of Amansara’s suites are set around a central, grassed courtyard. At one end of the lawn, adjacent to a shady pergola and cushioned alcove is a 17.5-metre curved swimming pool with sundeck and loungers. Discreetly removed from view behind a 6-metre wall at the other end of the Pool Suites’ courtyard is a 25 by 5 metre lap pool.

Wireless broadband

Wireless broadband connections are available throughout the resort

  Below rates are nett per room per night inclusive of tax and service charge.

  Daily Breakfast Included.