Luxury Travel Advisor - August 2007 - (Page 22) AMANSARA’s swimming pool provides a shaded escape. each suite has its own personal, two-seater fringe-on-the-top motorized tuk-tuk and driver—a charming and efficient way to get to and from the nearby temple ruins and also to get around town for shopping. One local told us that Bill Clinton loved his stay at the Amansara, but couldn’t say whether the former president used a tuk-tuk himself. For VIP inquiries, contact General Manager Toby Anderson (tanderson@am anresorts.com; 855-63-760-333). Phnom Penh is an elegant city, and the Raffles Hotel Le Royal (www.phnompenh.raffles.com), which is on one of its wide treelined avenues close to the Royal Palace and the National Museum, is a blend of Khmer and French colonial architecture. Former guests include Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Caroline of Monaco and Colin Powell. Cool marble and high ceilings set a tone of grandeur in the lobby and long corridors. The Restaurant Le Royal (reservations are recommended), whose ceilings were painted by former King Sihanouk’s court painter, has a Khmer degustation menu, which is a great introduction to traditional Cambodian cuisine. The more relaxed Café Monivong is very popular for its selection of grilled steaks. The hotel’s suites and rooms, 16 of which offer connecting options, are in the main building and the new low-rise wing. The 1,500square-foot Landmark Suites have a living room and bedroom, bathrooms with original claw-foot bathtubs, sleigh beds, original antiques and artwork and private balconies. For families, a good choice would be the large and gracious top-floor Le Royal Suite (2,500 square feet), which also has magnificent sunset views. Similar views can be enjoyed from the Personality Suites (210, 218, 310, 318) and the Landmark Rooms on the second and third floors, all of which, like the Le Royal, look out over the front garden. Reservations Manager Sharon Lozada (sharon. lozada@raffles.com; 855-23-981888, ext. 1334) handles routine inquires and bookings. For a stay during peak season, which runs from October 1 to March 21, Lozada advises booking at least one month ahead. Ms. Shanti Gunasekaran (shan ti.gunasekaran@raffles.com; 85523-981-888, ext. 1332), director of sales and marketing, is the per- son to contact for high-profile guests, those who plan to arrive in a private jet at the international airport (just four miles away) or anyone who might require special or high-security facilities. The Spa has five treatment rooms, and reflexology by the pool can be arranged by Spa Administrator Ms. Riezl Belleza (amaritaspa.leroyal@raffles.com; 855-23981-888, ext. 1338). We hear the most popular massage therapists are Ms. Khemera Pech, Ms. Tang Hour, Ms. Phanach Puth and Mr. Chan Nara. Amrita Spa Private label products are used for massages, Dermalogica products for other non-massage treatments. Chief Concierge Mr. Pen Yon (concierge.leroyal@raffles.com; 855-23-981-888, ext. 1122) can organize transfers via shuttle or limo, private visits to museums and helicopter transportation, a fast way to reach the former capital Udong and the Angkorian temples of Tonlé Bati. Tip: Yon says good shopping spots include Khmer Attitude for clothing, Angkor Heritage for Cambodian art and craft souvenirs and Private Collection, an international heritage shop. ACCESS: Suggested dining in Siem Reap Sugar Palm Restaurant, Taphul Road, 855063-964-838. Local Khmer cuisine is served in a delightful old wooden house and garden. Local salads are flavored with lemongrass and coriander. Chicken saté and the amok, fish or beef curries are excellent. Viroth’s, 246 Wat Bo Road, 855-063-761-998. Contemporary Khmer cuisine is served under an open-air, thatched-roofed frame. The pork kari (curry) with aubergines and green beans is delicious, especially with a spicy green papaya salad. Carnets d’Asie, 333 Sivatha Street, 855-063965-105. Khmer and French food served in elegant alcoves and free-standing tables around a central courtyard. The adjoining art gallery sells regional antiques and paintings by local artists. 22 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | August 2007 Terrasse des Elephants, Sivatha Boulevard, 855-063-965-570. Traditional Khmer cuisine in a French colonial mansion. Don’t miss the fresh, deep-fried nem (miniature spring rolls). Chez Sop’Héa, just opposite of the Angkor Wat entrance, 855-063-858-003. Excellent Khmer and French food. Open for lunch and until 7:30 for early dinners. Reservations are recommended. Meric, in the Hotel de la Paix, Sivutha Boulevard, 855-063-966-000. Australian and French chefs create the gourmet Khmer menu. Low tables surround a courtyard with a pond and 50-year-old Ficus tree. Suggested dining in Phnom Penh Friends, 215 Street 13, next to the National Museum, 855-023-426-748. Part of a program to teach former street children how to cook and serve. Excellent chicken and fish curries, fresh fruit juices and tropical fruit daiquiris. Malis, 136 Street 41/Norodom, 855-023-221-022. Minimalist décor and Angkor-inspired architecture are the backdrop for the nouvelle and traditional Khmer cuisine served in this superlative restaurant. Extensive wine cellar. Private dining available. FCC, 363 Sisowath Quay, 855-023-724-014. The Foreign Correspondents Club is an institution in Phnom Penh. On the Mekong riverfront, it serves international and local food. Very popular at cocktail hour. Khmer Surin, 9 Street 57, 855-023-887-320. Individual fish amok appetizers with nem make for an inviting starter. Follow with beef with asparagus and green chicken curry for a traditional Khmer meal. Opt for low tables upstairs or regular seating on the ground floor. http://www.phnompenh.raffles.com
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