Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor

The Belmond La Residence d'Angkor feels exclusive and sophisticated. The resort hides behind a wall across from the tree-lined Siem Reap River, and one has to walk across a teak bridge over a carp pond to enter the open-air lobby, which is literally a work of art. There are Buddhist sculptures, Khmer Apsara figures, and other pieces of art tastefully arrange seemingly everywhere. The entire lobby has a finely polished, rustic look, and is crafted almost entirely of fine teak -- from towering beams to polished floors -- and the high ceilings boast slowly spinning fans along with hanging rattan lamp shades. Large photos of Angkor scenes shot by renowned expert photographer John McDermott hang from the ceiling, making for a very warm and inviting welcome into this boutique resort. The property is aimed at high-end guests looking for a quiet and exclusive stay away from the crowds in Siem Reap, and though the price tag is high, the vibe is decidedly unpretentious and relaxed.

The Belmond La Residence d’Angkor has an enviable location, across the street from the quieter eastern bank of the Siem Reap River. The hotel occupies almost an entire block, and with a long wall running around it, feels very quiet and private. There are a good selection of restaurants along the river within a five-minute walk of the resort. Across the river is Siem Reap's famed Pub Street -- a fairly wild and raucous strip of bars -- and the wall-to-wall restaurants of the Old Market. Both areas are less than 10 minutes away on foot. Angkor Wat is under a 15-minute drive from the resort, though most of the other temples will take a bit more time to reach. The international airport is also about 15 minutes away by taxi.

There are 62 rooms at the Belmond La Residence d'Angkor, all of them elegant and spacious, with entry-level Deluxe Rooms starting at a generous 45 square meters (484 square feet). Decor is contemporary, with a bit of local flair, and includes fine wood floors in many rooms plus Khmer art objects and photography. A mostly white and brown color scheme, with a few pops of deep red and some intricately carved wooden pieces, looks clean, bright, and warm at the same time. There are just two categories of rooms available: Deluxe Rooms and Residence Suites. The Deluxe Rooms are divided up by their views into Poolside, Garden, and Riverside categories, while Residence Suites are a lovely upgrade. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, DVD players, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. Rooms also have settees or sofas, and the Deluxe Rooms feature balconies with lounge chairs. Residence Suites have full private garden patios with a dining table and furniture, and a style that's even more refined, with Khmer sculptures set into the wall and more formal seating areas. Bathrooms in both categories are huge, featuring long vanities, and terrazzo bathtubs. Residence Suites add separate rainfall showers.

Belmond La Residence d'Angkor has plenty of outstanding resort features despite its relatively small stature. For dining and drinking, there are two fine options along with an atmospheric bar. Circle is the main restaurant, which is open for buffet breakfasts and elegant dinners that offer Khmer cuisine with contemporary influences. Meals are served in a wood-floored dining room that looks out on the surrounding gardens. Breakfast is not included with most room rates. Out by the pool, Ember is the resort's other eatery, open only for lunch, with a choice of air-conditioned indoor dining or tables outdoors. The Martini Lounge sits above the lobby, and is filled with fine art photos, cushioned seats, and nostalgic charms.There is a gorgeous garden swimming pool, with sun loungers set around it, and also a small fitness center for those who need a workout. The large spa offers a range of treatments, and some of the treatment rooms have saunas. A post-massage relaxation area features an inviting plunge pool. The hotel's focus on art can be seen in the photo gallery, which displays the superb photos of renowned Angkor Wat photographer John McDermott. The resort also has high-end boutique shops in the lobby selling an array of fine Khmer art items, ranging from silks to silver to sculptures and more. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.