Cambodia has managed the COVID-19 situation remarkably well with zero deaths and just a few hundred cases. Borders closed very early and community transmission has been minimal which has left the country amongst the very few not to face a health crisis as a result of the pandemic. However, with toursim being key to the economic growth and fundamental for the employment of many, Cambodia has suffered in a very different way.
With 2020 drawing to an end and the borders still effectively closed, the hotels and businesses that have survived are looking at locals, expats and staycations as a way to remain trading and keep their vauable staff teams employed. This a great news for those of us that call Cambodia home and also means that once tourism is again possible, they will still be there for all to enjoy.
Treeline Urban Resort
This is a true urban oasis in the heart of Siem Reap. The exemplary team are clearly passionate about the visionary concept at this luxury hotel. Treeline Urban Resort embraces art, culture and design and you can not fail to be be impressed by the strong commitment to these key attributes. Public areas boast clean lines and a unique style that is enhanced by impressive installations and artwork that adorns the walls. The rooms and suites are simply delightful with bespoke furniture and beautiful photography, artwork and ornaments throughout. With no single plastic in the guest rooms, it is a breath of fresh air to stay at a hotel with such respect for the environment, whilst the stunning pool which is nestled amongst the majestic, riverside treetops makes for the perfect place to kick back and relax. This is one seriously cool hotel.
Le Méridien Angkor
Located less than 4km from the breathtaking Angkor Wat, Le Méridien Angkor is the perfect option for those who want that combination of luxury and adventure. Spend your time relaxing at the resort style pool surrounded by manicured tropical gardens, before hopping onto one of their mountain bikes and heading into the jungle. Just 1km from the hotel you will find the starting point for the brand new 23km of cycle tracks that have been created to allow your temple exploration to be planet friendly, healthy and oh so much fun. Upon return, expect to be welcomed with a friendly smile and an ice cold towel which will most certainly be required after your self guided, cycle temple tour. For the ultimate culinary adventure, pre book one of the 5 Course Chefs Table experiences. Our Italian feast with Chef Andrea was the perfect blend of traditional Italian cuisine and modern culinary creativity, an Italian foodies tour in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Sadly, since the publication of this article, Le Méridien Angkor has had to temporarily close it’s doors due to the business downturn caused by COVID-19. This highlights just how precarious the situation in Siem Reap is right now and we wish the staff team all the very best in their search for employment.Angkor Wat cycle paths
As we all take more time to consider the environmental impact of travel we search out more eco friendly tours and activities. There really is no better way to explore the temples of Angkor than on 2 wheels and the recently opened cycle paths are a very welcome addition. Wind your way through the jungle, shaded from the relentless sun and stop wherever you wish to admire the natural beauty of your surroundings such as the picture perfect moat that surrounds Anglor Wat. Priceless.
TemplationTemplation offers ‘Pool Suites at the Temples Gates’ to discerning travellers who are looking for privacy and exclusivity. The one and two bedroom pool suites are simply divine, the toughest decision you will have to make is if you ever want to leave your gilded paradise. If you dare venture outside, then you can enjoy yoga next to the lagoon pool, a spa treatment at the Bodia spa, or for those of you that are more adventurous, borrow a mountain bike and explore the cycle paths that commence just a few hundred metres from the resort. The proximity to the temples is unrivalled, allowing guests the luxury of viewing the memorable Angkor Wat sunrise (followed by a poolside breakfast) without having to rise at an unearthly hour.
We hope you enjoyed our suggestions and we look forward to bringing you further #openinsiemreap and #openincambodia features over the following months. In the meantime, please support those who are open however you can, as without tourism times are challenging for those that rely on the industry to survive.
Paul Eyers is Founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.
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14 Comments
Having lived in Siem Reap for 8 years it’s very sad to see tourism ravaged in the area. So many people in the town have lost employment and of course the infrastructure is no longer in place should tourism return soon. It’s good to see a few hotels/restuarants are still fighting not only to offer their services but also keep employing their staff. It’s a difficult time for all.
Very difficult time indeed Terry ao we can only hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for us all…
WOW, I loved reading this blog. I also think it is a fantastic idea that you’re focusing on places that are #openinsiemreap. What a great insight for expats and locals. I am currently in quarantine waiting patiently to be back home in Siem Reap and I am so excited to purchase temple tickets to explore the new cycle paths. After reading your review about Treeline and seeing the fantastic pictures I am even more pleased that we have booked to stay there next month!
You’re right, this is definitely a time where locals and expats can help support local businesses in Cambodia as it truly is sad how much of an impact COVID-19 has had on tourism. I am also sad to learn that Le’Meridian has closed temporarily.
Thank you for the brilliant reviews and I look forward to hearing about more places #openinsiemreap over the coming months.
Thanks for your comment Jodie, with your quarntine nearly over it’s certainly time to start getting excited about staying at Treeline!
I loved my trip to Siem Reap and would love to return one day. I’ve just looked at their website and Treeline looks excellent, will have to remember that for when I come back!
Hope you manage to visit again some time soon Jamie…
Whilst it’s great to hear & see what is open in Siem Reap, it’s also saddening to hear of closures & how hard the pandemic has hit the town economically.
We can only hope this trend turns around in the not too distant future.
The hotels & what they have to offer look amazing…the pools so inviting, & the food sounds so good!
We’re really pleased to here of the cycle paths around the Angkor Park, what could be better than viewing such history at your own pace, whilst reducing the impact of vehicles on the environment.
We both can’t wait to come back & visit Siem Reap & all it has to offer soon! ?
the cycle paths are a great addition to Siem Reap for sure and with plans to add cycyle paths in the city too we can only hope that Siem Reap will continue to bcome more environmentally aware. Hope to see you back here soon!
Thank you, Paul, for the well-researched,informative and interesting reviews of three of Siem Reap’s luxury hotels. They each have so much to offer, it would be difficult to choose where I would like to stay when I (eventually) return.
I think my first choice would be Treeline as I like the thought of ‘an oasis right in the city’. I was also very impressed by Templations, I can see myself relaxing by my own private pool after cycling around Angkor Wat.
It was so sad to read that Le Meridien has been forced to close temporarily. As you say, everyone is suffering the effects of Covid. I hope the staff find alternative employment.
It must be heartbreaking to witness.
I know from what you’ve said previously in your blog, that the management in many of the resorts are very supportive of their staff group and will endeavour to help in whatever way they can to ease the situation.
I hope your blog will encourage people to visit Siem Reap and enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer.
Treeline is a great choice as they lead from the front in supporting their team which during the current situation is more important than ever. We love what they’ve created and their team really feels like one big family!
I noticed that a lot of articles in the pre-coronavirus era gives emphasis on tourist spots that are located in cities, and those located in the countryside are not given much attention. However, with the circumstances that we are facing today, it seems that interest in travel destinations has shifted from the busy hotels in cities and business districts to more remote villas and private islands. People are being careful and cautious about their travels. Cambodia may become one of the popular destinations this time even though there are resorts and hotels that were closed due to the lockdown imposed in the country. The growing interest of the people on destinations closer to nature or are more private will give way to discovering places they might not have thought of before.
I haven’t considered Cambodia before, and now I’m pretty sure that I want to visit it when I can. These hotels and resorts seem very relaxing and quiet. I am also sure that health safety protocols are strictly observed here. I can’t wait to start traveling again. Soon!
Thank you for commenting Jaimee and i hope you can get to travel agaimn soon! Cambodia is an amaizng place to visit, we have lived here for around 6 years and still have many places to explore. I also think that travel trends will chance post covid with demand for villas, private houses and hotels / resorts that offer space to their guests. All of these are available in abundance in Cambodia!
Stayed at Templation after reading this article. I wasn’t disappointed. The Pool Suite was lovely. We opted to take most of our meals in the suite on the outside table overlooking our pool. The staff were great. The hotel provided lots of free drinks, fruit bowls and even some free massage time, a really classy touch. Highly recommended.
Le Méridien Angkor
Located less than 4km from the breathtaking Angkor Wat, Le Méridien Angkor is the perfect option for those who want that combination of luxury and adventure. Spend your time relaxing at the resort style pool surrounded by manicured tropical gardens, before hopping onto one of their mountain bikes and heading into the jungle. Just 1km from the hotel you will find the starting point for the brand new 23km of cycle tracks that have been created to allow your temple exploration to be planet friendly, healthy and oh so much fun. Upon return, expect to be welcomed with a friendly smile and an ice cold towel which will most certainly be required after your self guided, cycle temple tour. For the ultimate culinary adventure, pre book one of the 5 Course Chefs Table experiences. Our Italian feast with Chef Andrea was the perfect blend of traditional Italian cuisine and modern culinary creativity, an Italian foodies tour in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Sadly, since the publication of this article, Le Méridien Angkor has had to temporarily close it’s doors due to the business downturn caused by COVID-19. This highlights just how precarious the situation in Siem Reap is right now and we wish the staff team all the very best in their search for employment.
Angkor Wat cycle paths
As we all take more time to consider the environmental impact of travel we search out more eco friendly tours and activities. There really is no better way to explore the temples of Angkor than on 2 wheels and the recently opened cycle paths are a very welcome addition. Wind your way through the jungle, shaded from the relentless sun and stop wherever you wish to admire the natural beauty of your surroundings such as the picture perfect moat that surrounds Anglor Wat. Priceless.
Templation
Templation offers ‘Pool Suites at the Temples Gates’ to discerning travellers who are looking for privacy and exclusivity. The one and two bedroom pool suites are simply divine, the toughest decision you will have to make is if you ever want to leave your gilded paradise. If you dare venture outside, then you can enjoy yoga next to the lagoon pool, a spa treatment at the Bodia spa, or for those of you that are more adventurous, borrow a mountain bike and explore the cycle paths that commence just a few hundred metres from the resort. The proximity to the temples is unrivalled, allowing guests the luxury of viewing the memorable Angkor Wat sunrise (followed by a poolside breakfast) without having to rise at an unearthly hour.
We hope you enjoyed our suggestions and we look forward to bringing you further #openinsiemreap and #openincambodia features over the following months. In the meantime, please support those who are open however you can, as without tourism times are challenging for those that rely on the industry to survive.
Paul Eyers is Founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Having lived in Siem Reap for 8 years it’s very sad to see tourism ravaged in the area. So many people in the town have lost employment and of course the infrastructure is no longer in place should tourism return soon. It’s good to see a few hotels/restuarants are still fighting not only to offer their services but also keep employing their staff. It’s a difficult time for all.
Very difficult time indeed Terry ao we can only hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for us all…
WOW, I loved reading this blog. I also think it is a fantastic idea that you’re focusing on places that are #openinsiemreap. What a great insight for expats and locals. I am currently in quarantine waiting patiently to be back home in Siem Reap and I am so excited to purchase temple tickets to explore the new cycle paths. After reading your review about Treeline and seeing the fantastic pictures I am even more pleased that we have booked to stay there next month!
You’re right, this is definitely a time where locals and expats can help support local businesses in Cambodia as it truly is sad how much of an impact COVID-19 has had on tourism. I am also sad to learn that Le’Meridian has closed temporarily.
Thank you for the brilliant reviews and I look forward to hearing about more places #openinsiemreap over the coming months.
Thanks for your comment Jodie, with your quarntine nearly over it’s certainly time to start getting excited about staying at Treeline!
I loved my trip to Siem Reap and would love to return one day. I’ve just looked at their website and Treeline looks excellent, will have to remember that for when I come back!
Hope you manage to visit again some time soon Jamie…
Whilst it’s great to hear & see what is open in Siem Reap, it’s also saddening to hear of closures & how hard the pandemic has hit the town economically.
We can only hope this trend turns around in the not too distant future.
The hotels & what they have to offer look amazing…the pools so inviting, & the food sounds so good!
We’re really pleased to here of the cycle paths around the Angkor Park, what could be better than viewing such history at your own pace, whilst reducing the impact of vehicles on the environment.
We both can’t wait to come back & visit Siem Reap & all it has to offer soon! ?
the cycle paths are a great addition to Siem Reap for sure and with plans to add cycyle paths in the city too we can only hope that Siem Reap will continue to bcome more environmentally aware. Hope to see you back here soon!
Thank you, Paul, for the well-researched,informative and interesting reviews of three of Siem Reap’s luxury hotels. They each have so much to offer, it would be difficult to choose where I would like to stay when I (eventually) return.
I think my first choice would be Treeline as I like the thought of ‘an oasis right in the city’. I was also very impressed by Templations, I can see myself relaxing by my own private pool after cycling around Angkor Wat.
It was so sad to read that Le Meridien has been forced to close temporarily. As you say, everyone is suffering the effects of Covid. I hope the staff find alternative employment.
It must be heartbreaking to witness.
I know from what you’ve said previously in your blog, that the management in many of the resorts are very supportive of their staff group and will endeavour to help in whatever way they can to ease the situation.
I hope your blog will encourage people to visit Siem Reap and enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer.
Treeline is a great choice as they lead from the front in supporting their team which during the current situation is more important than ever. We love what they’ve created and their team really feels like one big family!
I noticed that a lot of articles in the pre-coronavirus era gives emphasis on tourist spots that are located in cities, and those located in the countryside are not given much attention. However, with the circumstances that we are facing today, it seems that interest in travel destinations has shifted from the busy hotels in cities and business districts to more remote villas and private islands. People are being careful and cautious about their travels. Cambodia may become one of the popular destinations this time even though there are resorts and hotels that were closed due to the lockdown imposed in the country. The growing interest of the people on destinations closer to nature or are more private will give way to discovering places they might not have thought of before.
I haven’t considered Cambodia before, and now I’m pretty sure that I want to visit it when I can. These hotels and resorts seem very relaxing and quiet. I am also sure that health safety protocols are strictly observed here. I can’t wait to start traveling again. Soon!
Thank you for commenting Jaimee and i hope you can get to travel agaimn soon! Cambodia is an amaizng place to visit, we have lived here for around 6 years and still have many places to explore. I also think that travel trends will chance post covid with demand for villas, private houses and hotels / resorts that offer space to their guests. All of these are available in abundance in Cambodia!
Stayed at Templation after reading this article. I wasn’t disappointed. The Pool Suite was lovely. We opted to take most of our meals in the suite on the outside table overlooking our pool. The staff were great. The hotel provided lots of free drinks, fruit bowls and even some free massage time, a really classy touch. Highly recommended.
glad you enjoyed your stay at Templation, the Pool Suites are amazing and we love the fact that the pool is actually a decenet size and so private!