Amansara - Siem Reap, Cambodia

Shortly before the country was engulfed in the region’s wars and revolutions, Cambodia’s prince and future king, Norodom Sihanouk, tapped French architect Laurent Mondet to design a paean to mid-century modern on the edge of the ancient temple city Angkor Wat. Looking as if it might have been lifted out of swinging Southern California, the one-story Villa Princièr welcomed everyone from Jackie O to Peter O’Toole before falling into disrepair under the Khmer Rouge. Restored and rechristened by the Amanresort group in 2002, this contemporary design gem is once again an elegantly modern perch from which to explore one of the world’s ancient wonders. Perfumed with jasmine and ornamented with stylish objects, the Amansara is among a handful of truly luxe Cambodian properties, but with its breezy Zen decor and intimate vibe it feels more like a private guest house than a hotel. READ FULL REVIEW »