Sojourn Boutique Villas

The Sojourn Boutique Villas is situated off of a red dirt road, with the low-rise white building barely visible behind an array of plants and a long white wall. A gravel driveway leads to the entrance, lined with large black ceramic jars and bamboo candle holders that are atmospherically lit up at night. The open-air lobby isn't much more than a front desk and a few chairs, but it is enhanced by a bordering pond and water-filled pots with floating lotus flowers. The atmosphere is immediately soothing, and the look throughout the hotel skews toward contemporary minimalism with a few artsy flourishes. Various art objects line a hallway that leads to the restaurant and tropical garden, including busts of former Khmer king Jayavarman, Buddhist sculptures, black-and-white photographs of the Angkor temples, and Khmer silks. Pleasant, paved pathways wind through the grounds, flanked by various statuettes and plenty of lush greenery. Overall, it's a simple and sharp hotel in peaceful surroundings. Romantics and those looking for a relaxing escape make up the bulk of the clientele here.

The hotel is located in a small rural village outside of Siem Reap, down a bumpy red-dirt road. While it's only 10 minutes in a tuk-tuk to town, the area feels miles farther, as there's not much out here aside from the rice fields that sprawl in all directions and a few residential structures. As such, the atmosphere is quiet and tranquil. While the resort does not provide a free tuk-tuk driver to get around (unlike many of the other upscale out-of-town resorts), it can arrange transportation for guests, and popular attractions like the Night Market and Pub Street can be reached within 10 minutes. The temples at Angkor Wat are about a 25-minute drive from here, while the Cambodian Cultural Village can is 15 minutes away. One of the lesser Angkor temples, Wat Athvea, is only 10 minutes away on foot. The airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Unlike many of the outdated, stuffy four-pearl hotels in Siem Reap, the Sojourn Boutique Villas offer sleek, contemporary rooms that embrace minimalism with a dash of local artistry. Entry-level Terrace Rooms, both of which are set upstairs in the main building, are the simplest on offer. These have black granite floors and simple dark furniture. The narrow windows mean they don't get the most natural light, but there is plenty of space and the vibrant Khmer art hung tastefully throughout does a good bit to brighten things up. 

Higher-category rooms -- like the villas that are clustered around the pools -- are the sharpest of the bunch. The reserved style includes contemporary dark wood furniture that include window-side banquettes. Khmer artisanal work is hung sparingly on the walls, and silks add a dash of deep color to the rooms. Otherwise the palette is white and black, with little deviation. Polished granite floors are a sharp touch.

Amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, electronic safes, irons and ironing boards, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. While Terrace Rooms only have rainfall showers, the Apsara and Terrace Villas come with large stone terrazzo bathtubs and indoor rainfall showers, as well as outdoor showers set in tiny private gardens. Bath salts, handmade organic soap, and other fine toiletries are provided. Villas have patios overlooking the garden, while Terrace Rooms have charming rooftop terraces. 

Sojourn Boutique Villas is small, but has a few pleasant facilities to keep guests satisfied. The swimming pool is the top attraction, set in a tropical garden with plants and flowers. Umbrella-shaded loungers line the surrounding sundeck, plus there are some semi-cabanas with large cushions that are fine for a relaxing sprawl. There is a swim-up bar in the pool, and a fairly extensive cocktail list is offered (make sure to try their ginger and honey mojitos!). Happy hour discounts are also available. The resort has a small spa with a couple of treatment rooms with private patios that are an attractive place to relax post-treatment. All of the therapists were women from the local village that were fully trained by the hotel and now provide a variety of treatments, including facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures.

For dining, the Sojourn Restaurant serves innovative Khmer and European dishes, sourcing fresh local produce. The restaurant is particularly romantic, as it is open-air and candlelit in the evenings, with whirling ceiling fans keeping things cool. The breakfast -- which is free -- is a wide array of traditional local favorites and international dishes chosen from an a la carte menu. A cooking class is available and can be arranged even on short notice. The hotel also offers several other activities and tours (for an extra fee), including a full-day experience in a local village and a trip to the circus. Wi-Fi and airport pickup are both included in room rates.