Set in a lush garden enclosure, Amansara glows with the nuances of its 1960s conception. Commissioned by Norodum Sihanouk in 1962, today it is a peaceful contemporary and warm sanctuary, a mere remork and driver ride from an ancient civilisation gripped in the roots of the jungle and in the minds of those it touches, Angkor. The 12th century capital -the culmination of five centuries of Khmer civilisation - is living testimony to Cambodia’s ancestry as well as the foundation of their deeply philosophical identity. Housing over 100 stone temples it reveals a religious kingdom of the most significant remaining Khmer architecture in the world. Amansara provides a gracious contemporary gateway to this truly remarkable ancient epoch.
Amansara was once the former guesthouse of King Sihanouk. This classic 1960s structure has been converted into a calm oasis on the outskirts of bustling Siem Reap.
In 1962, King Sihanouk commissioned French architect Laurent Mondet to build a guesthouse enabling visiting dignitaries to enjoy a cool and contemporary stay while allowing them to embrace the outstanding ancient ruins and temples within its jungle and rice paddy terrain. The ruins of nearby Angkor, clinging on in the clutches of forest and farmland are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and range from a cluster of bricks to the world’s largest single religious monument. Amansara, previously known as Villa Apsara, has had a fretful and fascinating legacy. Throughout it all this splendid architectural gem, now meticulously restored and nurtured by Amansara, has maintained its spirit of intent. It rests as the ideal portal for discovering the incredible culmination of five centuries of Khmer civilisation (between 802 and 1220 AD) representing one of humankind’s most profound and long-lived architectural achievements.
This tranquil home offers a multitude of relaxing opportunities within its private garden enclave. The sultry curved slate swimming pool is surrounded by bamboo and taupe cushioned loungers with a shaded pergola for alfresco delights. The Dining Room, previously the screening room of King Sihanouk, is both dramatic and outstanding with a cavernous seven-metre high ceiling and a well stocked walk-in wine cellar. The 24 suites are decorated in a classic Indochinese palette of cool grey, pristine white, dark timber and ivory with private courtyards and soothing water features. 12 of the suites have private swimming pools. The Roof Garden, surrounded and shaded by trees with mushroom hued cushions on low seating, is the ideal venue for relaxing by candlelight with pre-prandial drinks or invigorating yoga sessions with the rising sun. The Spa has four immaculate treatment rooms decorated in dark wood and fresh white and focuses strongly on therapeutic Cambodian techniques using organic products. The decor includes an exceptional Angkor-inspired 43m sandstone bas-relief set above a green hand-tiled reflective pond.
Every suite has access to its own custom-fitted remork and driver for personal expeditions into this rich and glorious land.
Cuisine
Situated near the swimming pool, the Dining Room is a focal point of the property and unique in design. It is circular in shape with a soaring seven-metre ceiling and has an informal ambience for dining or all day lounging. The menu offers both traditional Khmer and Western cuisines and features the freshest of seasonal produce. The dining room also features a walk-in wine cellar where guests may make their own selection. Guests may also dine and snack poolside or enjoy their in-room complimentary minibar that offers a range of healthy alternative herbal drinks as well as the usual favourites. 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.
Library
The Library provides a range of coffee-table books, travel guides, novels, magazines, daily newspapers and complimentary Internet access via a Mac. 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.
House Talks
Amansara works closely with knowledgeable sources in Siem Reap to invite visiting scholars for informal house talks and excursions to places of special interest. These sessions offer a close-up look at Angkor and Cambodia through the eyes of specialists in subjects as diverse as history, archaeology, architecture, satellite imagery, dance, culture and even puppetry.
Gallery
The Gallery provides a variety of handwoven silks, lacquer-ware, jewellery, local handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs available for purchase.
Spa
Four treatment rooms - each with an attached relaxation area and private steam bath and shower - tempt guests with a range of massage and beauty treatments using Cambodian techniques and natural products. All the treatment and relaxation rooms look out onto a reflection pond that is set against a 43.2m sandstone relief.
Swimming Pool
Most of Amansara’s suites are set around a central, grassed courtyard. At one end of the lawn, adjacent to a shady pergola, is a 17.5m swimming pool with sundeck. A 25m by 5m lap pool is also available closer to the pool suites.
Internet
Wireless broadband connections are available in all resorts accommodations and public areas.
Suites
A cool, earthy and sophisticated palette of grey, white, dark wood and ivory gives all the suites a subtle elegance culminating in a distinct serenity that serenades the resort's 1960s conception and complements its distinctive and astonishing surrounding culture. The suites offer a breezy open-plan design balancing the tranquil sleep chamber with the subtle seating area on a floor of soft grey terrazzo. The bathrooms, clear-cut in white and dark wood, are luxuriantly spacious with deep soaking tubs, generous twin vanities and an enclosed courtyard featuring a soothing water garden.
A secretly placed, additional lap pool languishes invitingly behind a vast stone clad wall, a feature which is echoed throughout the resort and land of hidden treasures and wondrous surprises.
Amansara has 12 Suites, similar in design that feature an open plan setting with finishes in terrazzo and timber. Colours are muted and earthy and you enter into a combined sleeping and living area containing a large writing desk and a king-size bed. Adjacent is a dressing area with hanging cupboards and drawers. The lounge has a large sofa, an informal circular dining table and chairs. Beyond, and leading down a few steps, is the bathroom which opens onto a light-filled courtyard featuring a water garden and cushioned banquette. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors offer views of the courtyard which features a small water garden. Each suite is air-conditioned, with ceiling fans and a music system.
Pool Suites
The 12 Pool Suites feature a private six by five-metre swimming pool and are fronted by additional private dining areas beside a grassy courtyard.
Location
Cambodia lies at the heart of Indochina and is bordered by Thailand in the west, Laos in the north, Vietnam in the east and the Gulf of Thailand in the south. Despite its relatively small size and large dominant neighbours, it is a country that has managed to retain its unique Khmer identity. Its cultural traditions predate those of Thailand and, unlike Vietnam which expresses a marked Chinese influence, Cambodia’s cultural roots draw heavily from the Indian subcontinent.
The airport at Siem Reap receives international flights and Bangkok Airways offers numerous 45 minute flights each week from Bangkok. From Singapore, JET STAR ASIA flies to Siem Reap each Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. SilkAir also has regular services from Singapore and the flight takes approximately two hours and 10 minutes. The return flight takes a little longer as it may be routed via Phnom Penh, the capital. International air services are also scheduled from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang in Vietnam, Luang Prabang and Vientienne in Laos, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia as well as Hong Kong and Seoul in South Korea. Domestic air travel is mostly to and from Phnom Penh. However, there are flights frequently scheduled to smaller Cambodian towns.
Amansara is a 15 minute drive from Siem Reap airport and complimentary transfers are offered to guests on arrival and departure.
Conditions
Deposit:
In order to hold space beyond the option date, a deposit of A$110 per person (incl GST) Travel the World (TTW) Administration Fee is required by Travel the World’s office within seven (7) days of confirmation or the booking will automatically be cancelled.
Final Payment:
Final payment is due in Travel the World’s office 70 days prior to the client’s departure from Australia. If bookings are made within 70 days, full payment is due immediately on confirmation.
Late Bookings (30 days or less prior to travel):
Payment is required immediately on confirmation. Once confirmed cancellation charges will be applicable.
Rate Taxes:
All rates are subject to 10% service charge and 11% applicable Cambodia Government tax. These taxes are subject to change without notice.
Administration and Amendment Fee:
Travel the World charges a A$110 per person administration fee on all cancellations made after confirmation. This fee is paid as the deposit and deducted from the final balance. An Amendment fee of AUD$16.50 per person (incl GST) will apply to any additional modifications requested after the original booking has been confirmed.
Cancellations:
All periods Except 10 December to 21 February - cancellations made at least 14 days prior to guest arrival will not be subject to a cancellation fee except the Travel The World charge of AU$110 (inc GST) per person Administration Fee. In the event of a no-show or late cancellation made within 14 days, clients will be subject to a cancellation fee of two nights accommodation together with applicable government taxes plus the Travel The World charge of AU$110 (inc GST) per person Administration Fee.
**Confirmed bookings for the period of 10 December to 21 February require 45 days notice to cancel. For cancellations made within the 45 days notice period will be subject to a cancellation fee of two nights accommodation together with applicable government taxes plus the Travel The World charge of AU$110 (inc GST) per person Administration Fee.
Check In / Check Out Times:
Check-in time is from 2.00pm. Check-out time is 12noon.
General Information:
- Complimentary Transfers - as complimentary airport/hotel ground transfers are provided for each guest, it is important that the Reservations Department are notified of any changes to arrival & departure flights.
- Extra Adults & Children - the Pavilions have been designed to accommodate two adults. One extra bed can be arranged either for an adult at a surcharge or one child under 12 years of age sharing a pavilion with their parents at no surcharge.
- Late Check-out - the charge for use of the suite after check-out time up to 6pm is 50% of the applied rate. However, any request for the late check-out either paid or on a complimentary basis is subject to availability and at the discretion of the hotel management.
- Supplementary Costs - entry passes to Angkor Park (US$20 per person for one-day pass, US$40 per person for three-day pass). A copy of a passport photo is required for processing the three-day pass.
- Passports & Visas - all guests are required to carry a passport valid for 6 months after arrival and any necessary visas. Please contact your nearest consulate for the most up to date information regarding visas.
Responsibilities:
Travel the World accepts bookings subject to the following conditions –
Travel the World acts as the co-ordinator for all persons taking any service* and in the making of arrangements for the service. Travel the World does not own, manage, control or operate any component of the delivery of services and all coupons, receipts and tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the laws of the country where a service is provided.
Travel the World acts only as an agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers of services and assume no responsibility for the loss or damage to baggage, property or for injury, illness or death, or for any damages or claims of damage to persons or property, delays, transport failures, strikes, wars & uprisings or acts of God etc over which we have no control. Clients are strongly advised to insure adequately for the full duration of their travel arrangements in respect of illness or injury, death or loss of baggage and/or personal effects.
While Travel the World will use its best endeavours to ensure services* are performed as advertised, reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made without notice where deemed necessary or advisable by Travel the World or the operator. Further, whilst Travel the World will take all reasonable steps to provide enjoyable services*, Travel the World accepts no liability for any loss of enjoyment whatsoever and howsoever experienced by a passenger.
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