traditional Thai longboat. The on-site
kitchen serves up cocktails and tasty
island fare, and if the soothing sound
of water lapping the sand gets a bit
“meh”, you can book a private sala
(complete with daybed and
bathroom) closer to the saltwater
pool, or get a massage in one of the
secluded Shambhala treatment rooms.
High ceilings and airy, open
spaces highlight the architectural
splendour of the resort’s common
areas. And while it’d be easy to feel
overwhelmed by the vastness of the
place (this is no boutique hotel), it’s
a well-oiled hospitality machine.
These kinds of hotels often run the
risk of becoming cold and impersonal
in their quest to tick all the luxury
boxes, but ě here have
perfected the art of making you feel
like both a VIP customer and
a friendly acquaintance. They’ll give
you the inside tip on where to go
forthe best tom yum, but equally
maintain a safe distance when you
and ¢ ę
watching a romantic sunset from
one of the outdoor tables at La
Sirena,the hotel’s Italian restaurant.
In fact, t Ě
throughout, both in the chic interiors
- black, blue and white with jolts of
neon orange – and the cart that serves
up hand-churned ice-cream every
day at 4pm. La vita è bella.
comohotels.com/pointyamu
PHUM BAITANG,
CAMBODIAH
idden away in the bucolic
countryside among paddy
ęǰ
a boutique hotel designed
to imitate a traditional Cambodian
village. While nearby Siem Reap is
overrun by tourists visiting Angkor
Wat temple, this 45-villa complex
feels a world away from the bustle.
Choose from a terrace villa – best
for taking in the lush green views- or a pool villa – for those who’d
rather soak in their own private
plunge pool than hang by the main
one. The beautiful interiors speak
to the minimalist in most of us:
wooden villas are raised on stilts
and feature thatched roofs, while
woven rugs add welcoming texture.
The Spa Temple payshomage to
medieval-era Cambodia– a grand
stone structure featuring a sauna,
ǰ ę ǰ ¢
pavilion and chill-out zone.
Despite the appeal of hanging
around the hotel, there are plenty
¡ ěǯ ¢
for a scenic drive in a Vietnam War-
era Jeep, swim under waterfalls at
Phnom Kulen National
Park or – if you want to
take thingsreallyslow
Ȯ ¢ ě
go about their business.
A converted farmhouse on the
¢ ¢Ȃ ę
the Cigar & Cocktail Lounge –
a nod to the country’s colonial
¢ǰ Ȃ Ĵ
wing chairs and oriental carpets.
a boozy lunch (order a glass of
Quinta do Pessegueiro, from the
owner’s father’s vineyard in
Portugal). Incorporating the spirit
ǰ Ȭ ¢
ě
guests can select their own fresh
ingredients and spices to be used
in their meal. You can also test out
your produce-picking skills with
a cooking class. After joining the
hotel chef at the local market, you’ll
hit the on-site garden for fresh herbs
then learn the secrets to traditional
Khmer meals in the kitchen. The
way to anyone’s heart is through
their stomach, so forgo cheesy
souvenirs and whip up something
special when you arrive home.@
phumbaitang.comTIME FOR A DIP
Thankfully, the pool looks
as chic after dark as it does
under sunlightTRAVEL
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