Take a Look inside Siem Reap’s Hottest Luxury Resort, Phum Baitang

Belgian hotelier Zannier Hotels launched its latest property Phum Baitang in Siem Reap, Cambodia, in October to rave reviews. But the hotel has also earned the worldwide spotlight (and a flurry of bookings) after Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie stayed there for three months with her adorable kids while shooting her new Netflix film, First They Killed my Father.

And the spotlight resulted from the rural Cambodian charm blended with pure luxury visible in all the resort’s nook and crannies. The ruins of Angkor are already a major draw for tourists to come flocking to this emerging town, but the luxury resort may become another worthy attraction. Let’s explore further.

Location

Located in the Cambodian countryside of Siem Reap, Phum Baitang (which translates as “the green village”) is an elegant hideaway some three kilometres away from the Cambodian Cultural Village theme park, a 15-minute drive from Siem Reap International Airport, and 12 kilometres from the Angkor Wat temple complex. Not only that, the luxury resort itself sprawls over three hectares of soaring sugar palms, paddy fields and herds of water buffalo, making it the ideal location for those seeking the tranquil confines of an oasis. 

Accommodations

The resort, which comprises 45 private villas, is designed by Paris-based AW₂ as a collection of stilted huts to resemble a Cambodian village set among swaying plantations of verdant lemongrass. The villas are divided into terrace and pool villas, with each coming in at 80 and 130 square metres and boasting a spacious living and dining room, a king-size bed, and an en suite bathroom with egg-shaped stone bathtubs and thatched cabana. The room’s décor also uses natural elements, such as wooden floorboards, shutters and water-hyacinth woven mats. The outdoor area, depending on guests’ preference, features a plunge pool or lush terrace complemented by the hum of nearby insects.  

Dining

Gourmands can indulge in a wide range of delicious contemporary Khmer cuisine at Bay            Phsar and Hang Bay. The first serves an array of vibrant Cambodian flavours created using local ingredients and rice that comes straight from the surrounding paddies, while the latter offers a fusion of cultural cuisine from the freshest seafood to the finest steaks, all in a modern and ambient setting with dishes that include nom banh chok or wafer-thin pizza. For drinks, guests can head to the Cigar & Cocktail Lounge set in an authentic 100-year-old Cambodian farmhouse, which serves locally inspired cocktails and features an extensive list of fine wines. The lounge also sells premium cigars that guests can try on the terrace while gazing at the lush sunset. 

Wellness

No trip is complete without a visit to the resort’s Temple Spa, which that features seven spa rooms, a sauna, steam rooms and a deluxe yoga pavilion. The therapies on offer are based on traditional Khmer rituals or massage techniques, such as Tibetan, Swedish and Ayurvedic. Another highlight at the Temple Spa is its Angkor-based architecture, which provides a serene ambience. 

Neighbourhood

It would be a shame to miss out on the chance of exploring the rich and vibrant neighbourhood during the stay. The most obvious attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor, best followed by a trip to Tonle Sap lake, dubbed the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. For retail therapy, guests can visit local and international boutiques that sell a bevy of stunning pieces, from silk scarves, lacquered bowls to delicate ceramics. 

(Photo Credit: Phum Baitang)