Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Opened in 2000, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is a picturesque property on the northern outskirts of Siem Reap. With 238 rooms and suites set among low-rise, colonial-style buildings and palm-filled gardens, anchored by a meandering lagoon pool and lily-pad-covered ponds, it's a veritable oasis from the active streets outside.
A wonderful base from which to explore Angkor Wat, just a 10-minute drive directly north on the Rue Charles de Gaulle, the hotel kickstarts your day with a sumptuous buffet of Western breakfast classics, local fresh fruits and a range of noodles and dim sum at The Citadel restaurant that’s a must before heading north to Angkor or south into the city for a morning's excursion.
After returning to the hotel, splash in the largest free-form pool in Cambodia and order a cocktail from the poolside Serpent Bar; or drive west to play a round on the emerald greens of the 18-hole Phokeethra Country Club. Then as the sun sets, settle into a lakeside seat at Mouhot's Dream, where superlative French dishes — like 55-degree-cooked cod and the chef's signature braised beef cheek in red wine sauce — are served atop white linen by candlelight, a suitably romantic ode to the legend of Henri Mouhot, the famous 19th-century French explorer who “discovered” the ruins of Angkor.
- The Siem Reap hotel seems like it's been around for much longer than two decades, as demonstrated by the wonderful Old World atmosphere of the Explorer's Tales bar.
- If you plan to visit Angkor Wat, the hotel’s convenient location makes it a snap.
- Take time to stroll the lush grounds teeming with tropical foliage.
- Dinner at the Chef's Table inside Mouhot's Dream — with its direct window onto the kitchen and lakeside views — is worth reserving.
- The hotel adopts a ''French Zest'' philosophy, which includes bridging between French and Cambodian cultures and traditions by having the staff welcome you with Cambodian heartfelt hospitality and a warm "Bonjour" greeting.
- As you can guess from the name, the luxury hotel draws guests who combine a visit to Angkor with a round or two — visit its website for details on the latest golf-and-stay packages.
- Check in from November to March (the dry season) to spend a special evening under the stars watching the remarkable apsara dance at the Royal Court.
- Pay close attention as you amble around the resort — along the walkways you'll find small plaques indicating props donated by the many film crews who have stayed here.
- For the entry-level rooms, we liked having the option of heading straight out to the pool, though couples or those seeking privacy might prefer accommodations with balconies.
- The room interiors intertwine traditional French style with Khmer artistic influences to create a contemporary colonial atmosphere that fits the modern explorer.
- For a better view, make sure you request a room that faces into the gardens and pool.
- Accommodations are enhanced with an exquisite selection of luxury Karl Lagerfeld toiletries, ensuring an indulgent and sophisticated experience.
- The Cambodia War Remnant Museum gives a sobering reminder of the kingdom's violent past, displaying numerous weapons, from Russian mines to Chinese tanks.
- It seems a shame to stay at the Sofitel and not head out for a day on the greens, so book a tee time at the world-class Phokeethra Country Club.
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