HanumanAlaya Villa, Siem Reap, Cambodia - Explore & Book

"This branch of the little HanumanAlaya empire lies on the quiet side of the very small town of Siem Reap, right by a river that in certain lights looks like Wiltshire. Its rooms and suites are enormous and inviting, decorated in an idiosyncratic take on Asian modern with an emphasis on dark wood and mysteriously glowing bric-a-brac, plus all the mod cons to hand. In the little courtyard outside are a cooling pool and restaurant, while lushly planted paths lead to your pleasantly private realm. And if everything has a sense of ‘almost’ about it - almost stylish décor, almost competent staff - it somehow adds to the authentic Cambodian rather than blandly international feel of the place. Highly recommended for restfulness and ease. Highs Just 12 huge rooms with individual character, kept spotlessly clean by an army of friendly staff Bikes to borrow - you can cycle to Angkor Wat Then cool off in the pool after a dusty, hot day at the temples A perfect location, perhaps the prettiest spot in town, yet just a stone’s throw or short tuk-tuk ride from everywhere else Lows The pool is extremely shallow When we visited soon after opening we found the food average, but we're assured it has improved considerably since then Why oh why does a row of betel palms block your view of the bucolic river outside?" - Nicolas Buchele