Overlooking the sleepy, leafy Siem Reap river, this new design-driven hotel shines a spotlight on contemporary Cambodian artists
1. An artful ode to the past
The Angkor temple complex – located on the fringes of Siem Reap – is one of the world’s biggest tourist attractions, and plenty of new hotels have opened to accommodate these visitors: from mega properties through to swish boutique resorts filled with Angkor-inspired stone statues and lush gardens. Treeline Urban Resort takes the latter concept to another, more design-driven level: guests are greeted at the entrance by a replica of one of the Bayon’s carved faces, the stone sculpture wrapped up in a twisted tree trunk; foliage tumbles over the building’s clean, minimalist lines; and its ponds and courtyards mimic those of Angkor Wat.
2. Handcrafted furnishings
The resort’s 48 rooms are an elegant blend of Japanese minimalism, Scandinavian sensibilities and Cambodian artistry. Slate floors and white walls are juxtaposed with handcrafted Mid-Century Modern-style furniture and exquisitely woven Khmer textiles. In a whimsical nod to its environs, the hotel has also placed copies of The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben in some of the rooms.
3. A platform for modern Khmer art
The resort is built as an open-air gallery. In the foyer sits a striking seedpod crafted from bamboo and wire, the work of Cambodia’s most internationally recognised artist Sopheap Pich. Self-taught artist Thang Sothea’s sculptures and installations are hung in rooms; conceptual elephant sculptures by Asasax are scattered through the gardens; and a huge “cosmic wheel” water feature by the design firm of Hok Kang – the hotel’s owner and chief architect – takes pride of place next to Seed restaurant.
4. Enticing natural surrounds
Treeline Urban Resort’s pièce de résistance is its second-floor saltwater infinity pool. Designed to blend into the thick canopy below it, it’s the perfect spot to take in Cambodia’s dreamy sunsets, the trees suffused in soft, golden light
5. Top-notch cuisine
Breakfasts are served at Seed, and include both a la carte options such as pork belly hash, num pang (Cambodia’s version of banh mi) and a velvety lemon soufflé pancake, as well as a buffet of pastries and tropical fruits. There’s also Hok – a noodle bar dishing up moreish dumplings; succulent and smoky grilled skewers of beef, eggplant or crispy chicken skin; and Cambodian curry noodles – and a Brown Coffee branch next door for anyone in need of a caffeine fix.
SEE ALSO: Why Siem Reap is Southeast Asia’s newest foodie destination (and where to eat)
This article was originally published in the May 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine
