French Colonial Comfort

By Jane Batchelor

Le Méridien Angkor offers an all-pampering, alldancing, Khmer experience.

Situated six kilometres from the magnificent Angkor Wat, Le Méridien attempts to emulate the impressive temple’s design with replica towers and an exact-sized moat, while also offering some of the best pampering in town. The close-by temple complex is as mystical as it is majestic and has been the inspiration for the newest international hotel in Siem Reap. A certain essence of Angkor has been captured here, with imitations of stone carvings, an internal courtyard, lily ponds and expansive gardens that encompass the hotel. Fringed by softly-lit palm trees, the lawns are an idyllic environment for soirées on special occasions, including the annual Songkran New Year celebrations. The hotel’s exterior, which to a certain degree resembles the namesake temple in layout, endeavours to recreate a modern Angkor Wat where guests can soak up Khmer culture in a upto- the-minute setting. The swimming pool and ponds are central features; whittled pillars criss-cross in the water, an afternoon dip in the pool or a break in the Jacuzzi may succeed in invigorating guests whose trip to the temples may have left them somewhat weary. If that fails, however, Le Méridien’s must-have spa treatments will revive even the most fatigued visitors. The quaint spa includes a roofless room where a melting massage will soothe away any aches and pains. The entrance to the spa represents stepping into the inner chambers of Angkor Wat, and treatments range from an ancient Angkor massage to a hot stone facial. Both have been passed down amongst the Khmer people for thousands of years and the facial claims to have the properties of a mini face-lift. Throughout the spacious hotel, the quirky idea of philosophical quotes add a touch of originality. Beer mats claim: ‘I’m as sober as a judge,’ while bedroom stationery offers more insightful remarks: ‘The world is a book and those who do not travel need only one page – Saint Augustine.’ A citation from Matthew Arnold that states ‘culture is properly described as the love of perfection’ rings throughout the hotel, as both the design and ambience here attempt to embody the quixotic sense of Khmer culture and hospitality.