Amansara, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Another luxury hotel with a chequered history in the Cambodian Kingdom. This one, built by French architect Laurent Mondet and completed in 1962 as a guest-house where Prince Sihanouk, then King of Cambodia, accommodated his diplomatic and celebrity guest overflow. The property, now an Aman home-style resort, is the epitome of swinging sixties pool-party cool. It’s all so unexpected but only too welcome in the tropical Angkor heat.

The facilities

The Aman story says that the luxury hotel was ‘designed when architects still sharpened pencils, worked from drawing boards and circular sweeping strokes of design were made with the hand’. Whatever the story, pack your Pucci for funky nights lounging in the dining room and days by the trippy-shaped pool.

In the evenings, when the sun sinks, it’s time to slip into your best bikini and some kitten heels for pool party action. Take a gang of friends and mix your own cocktails at the fully stocked bar. The pool at the centre of the party is overlooked by a rooftop terrace, and the restaurant spills out onto it.

Eat wherever you feel like: more formally inside, or barefoot’n’bikini-clad by the pool. For privacy, ask for dinner in your room. Along with the self-service bar there’s a walk-in wine cellar with a plate of cheese to help yourself from. Amansara is casual chic, so if you feel like lazing about in a silk paraya and bare feet, you can do it without feeling underdressed. Whatever you do, treat this luxury hotel like a home. It feels right.

With tourism in Siem Reap existing solely for the purpose of visiting the Angkor complex, Amansara is perfectly located; it also caters well for everyone. For the serious, the library is abundantly stocked with books, maps, and literature on the site. For absolute luxury after a hard day’s photography, arrive home to a tub filled with lotus flowers or venture over to the spa to transform yourself into a version of the goddess, Apsara. For everyone, there are genuine smiles and a staff who really believe that you’re their guest.

The rooms

Are all the spacious same, save the decision for a private pool or not. Choose one if you fancy floating naked beneath the stars; otherwise, content yourself with splashing about in the party pool or thrashing out 20-metre laps in the second pool. All rooms, whether they have a pool or pond, have a glass-walled rain shower with views onto your own very private terrace. Deep tubs, natural unguents and complimentary minibars will all help wash away the dust of the day.