A Luxurious Staycation at Victoria Angkor Resort – Siem Reap, Cambodia
My
body was ready to retire at eight o’clock in the morning. We just had a
midnight layover at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to catch our early
morning flight to Siem Reap and we haven’t had a decent sleep for the past 24
hours. Arriving on our home for three days, we were greeted by the gracious
staff at Victoria Angkor Resort. It was too early to check in at that time so
they offered us to have breakfast first, a sweet gesture from them. We were then
ushered to our room for three days right after the meal and the moment I
entered into our lovely Prestige Suite, I knew that we won’t be leaving it
anytime soon (which actually what happened).
Me
and my buddy were on the fourth year of our annual summer backpacking trip.
This year, Same Same Summer Trip 2017, we intended to visit some key
destinations in Southeast Asia that we failed to see during our past trips.
This year was different though as we brought along our respective moms with us
during the first leg of the trip in Malaysia. We showed them around on our
favorite spots in Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Penang for two weeks. We had to part
ways afterwards; them going back home to the Philippines while me and my buddy continued
our trip.
We
had to stay at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for our early morning flight
to Siem Reap which wasn’t new to us as we’re used to sleeping at airports. My
body was aching for proper rest when we arrived at Victoria Angkor Resort. Our
accommodation included an airport pick-up which made everything easier. Our
friendly driver attended to our every request and he made sure that we could ask
him about anything on this particular trip. He then ushered us to the reception
area for the checking in process.
Refreshing saltwater pool in the middle of the resort.
Victoria
Angkor Resort & Spa is categorized as a 5-star hotel in the middle of
downtown Siem Reap. Its unique French colonial 1930’s architecture is clearly apparent
all throughout the layout and design of the resort as well as within the 120
rooms and 10 suites. The elegant and beautifully-designed resort is truly a
haven for those who are yearning for a lovely staycation in the city (check here for discounted tours, transportation and activities in Siem Reap).
Open-air resort
It
was too early to check in at that time so they offered us to have breakfast first
while they prepare our room. We were then ushered to our Prestige Suite right
after our satisfying breakie.
French colonial design at the lobby.
The
moment I tapped on the keycard, I was blown away with our spacious room. Billeted
on Prestige Suite, me and my buddy were speechless for a minute or so as we
inspect each corner of our 73-sq.m. room (check here for discounted rates).
Specific areas were clearly established and you’d actually feel that you’re in the
comforts of a home rather than a hotel room (each suite in Victoria Angkor
Hotel is unique that no two rooms looked the same, at that time, we were
assigned on Victoria Suite).
Prestige Suite (Victoria Suite)
I
examined the living area first and noticed the animal print sofa cover on the
couch, too bold as pattern but it worked pretty well with everything. There
were also some fresh flowers that adorned the center table and two fresh potted
plants on the arch leading to the bedroom.
Classic furniture
A
classy minimalist layout was utilized and the fixtures and furniture truly reflected
the French colonial era; wooden hidden mini-bar, old school director’s chair at
the work table, art pieces on the wall, and more.
Classy and elegant design with fresh plants and flowers.
I
then went to the bedroom where a four-poster bed rested in the middle of the
room. The homey vibe of the suite was highlighted by the wooden furniture and
fixtures plus the element of nature from the fresh potted plants. The sheer
canopy was romantic while the lamp shades added a dramatic feel to the room.
There’s an HD TV that rested on a wall and an iPod dock on the entertainment
rack as well.
Romantic four-poster bed with sheer canopy
I
went into the glass door that was covered with sheer drapes that opened up to a
private balcony; it enfolds up to the living area. There were fresh potted
plants, clothes rack, two rattan lounge chairs and a coffee table. Swivel
wooden windows revealed a nice view of the saltwater swimming pool and lush
greeneries.
Private balcony
The
en suite toilet and bathroom was a unique space in itself. The unique layout
covers the length of the suite with two access points; from the living area and
from the bedroom.
Bath tub with eco-friendly ceramic dispensers for liquid toiletries.
There’s
a bath tub and a separate shower stall, his & hers lavatories, his &
hers wardrobe closets, in-room safe, full body mirror, luggage rack and a
separate stall for the toilet. What’s unique about this space is that there are
sliding doors that provide privacy when you only want to use a certain space.
For intimate gatherings, the toilet may also function as powder room when the
sliding door is shut.
En suite toilet and bath
Another
notable thing was that Victoria Angkor Resort is totally eco-friendly. The
complimentary drinking water is placed on a reusable glass pitcher which can be
replenished any time of the day. The liquid bathroom amenities are stored on
ceramic dispensers while the rest were housed on recycled paper wrappers.
There’s also a detergent powder included, quite ingenious for I really want to
wash my swim wear every time I use it.
Siesta all day
Ten
o’clock in the morning. I climbed up our king-sized bed, examined the room from
that angle and then collapsed on the bed. The fluffy pillows and warm duvet
were the perfect refuge for my listless body. It was four in the afternoon when
I stirred to wake. Six solid hours of effortless sleep; the best I had in two
weeks.
Functional vintage Otis traction elevator
Invigorated
by our deep slumber, we went to grab a bite at L’Explorateur. A sweet lady was
serenading some guests using a traditional string instrument when we arrived. The
planned dinner was turned into an afternoon beer sesh as we enjoyed the happy
hour with the pleasant music that echoed through the al fresco dining area.
Khim, a traditional Khmer string instrument.
I
never had the urge to go out that day but my buddy insisted on going to Pub Street. He added that we needed some serious partying after taking care of our
moms for the past two weeks. That night, we reveled like teeners with raging
hormones; but no, we just enjoyed the party crowd on this famed street in Siem
Reap. Seeing those young ones having fun was nonetheless a great time to spend
the night.
We
woke up the next day feeling refreshed; a much needed rest from accrued fatigue
from the first leg of the trip. I looked for my buddy and found him on the
private balcony having his morning coffee. I mentioned that the breakfast time
will soon be over so we dashed to L’Escale to have our breakfast fix. We
specifically chose to dine al fresco (which we always wanted to) surrounded by
a mini herb garden and flowering plants.
L'Escale Restaurant
The
daily breakfast buffet was included on the room rates. There were different
sections for the buffet spread and as usual, I scanned my options before
digging in. I chose from a wide array of light to heavy meals and decided to
fill my plate with my comfort breakie food of waffles, fried eggs and pork
bacons.
My breakie plate
I
also noticed that they offer champagne on the buffet spread, quite quirky eh?
My buddy went on and tried the local dishes which he enjoyed. We also had some
fresh juices from the bar which completed the feast.
I
didn’t wanna go out that day. We're done with temple tours in Siem Reap during our first two visits so we want this particular trip to be a relaxing one. Plus, the punishing summer morning heat was unbearable
that all I wanted was to take a dip into the refreshing pool and lounge all
day. My buddy had other plans though.
This
recent trip was our third visit to Siem Reap and we’ve already been to almost
every major temple in the city. With the help of Victoria Angkor Resort, we
availed of their vintage car tour around the city which was a totally different
experience as we went to local areas and got a taste of the community vibe of
the city. We got used to odd stares that usually turn into a grin once they saw
that we’re taking pleasure in having a chauffeur-driven vintage car around
town.
City tour in style
That
afternoon, I completed my cycle of two-day siesta
while my buddy was busy with catching up with his work backlogs. After three
hours (or was that four), I woke up to the sound of hardcore grunge music
playing on the iPod dock. Surely, my buddy was enjoying his solitude moment
while I was in dreamland.
French colonial design
We
booked for a spa treatment that evening at Healthysens Spa. We were advised
that the Aromatherapy Massage is just the perfect therapy for us for we wanted
something that could relieve our stress and calm our senses. We were also asked
on our chosen pressure points in which we wanted for them to concentrate on.
We
had a couple’s room and were instructed on the treatment course. And the moment
it started, my body surrendered to every knead by my masseuse. I was in complete trance during the whole
procedure. We were treated to some hot tea and sweet treats after the whole
procedure.
Healthysens Spa
And
truly, after the 60-minute massage, I felt so good that the moment we went back
to our room, I slumped into the bed and effortlessly continued my slumber, only
to be woken up minutes after because of dinner.
The Aromatherapy Massage was really good!
The
next day, our last, we just lounged on the poolside and took occasional dips on
the saltwater pool. The tropical vibe was so relaxing that we almost missed the
check-out time.
Chill all day
Leaving
our home for three days was very hard. Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is
truly an oasis in the middle of a busy city that it renewed our spirits to
carry on with our adventure. It prepped us for the Cambodia leg of our
backpacking trip and it set the benchmark for our future trips; a relaxing slowdown
is important every now and then to keep on with the stresses of our backpacking
trip.
Ang ganda po ng interiors very vintage! Awesome
ReplyDeleteOne of the finest resorts in Siem Reap :)
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