90 GOLF VACATIONS 2011 GOLF VACATIONS 2011 91

AS ANCIENT AS TIME, A WALK AMONGST THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR WAT CONJURES UP IMAGES OF THE PAST AND THE MUSKY FRAGRANCE OF HISTORY. NOW, THIS CULTURALLY RICH DESTINATION ALSO OFFERS

MAGNIFICENTLY CRAFTED GOLF COURSES AND RESPLENDENT HOTELS FOR THE BESPOKE VACATIONER. BY JUSTINE MOSS

90 GOLF VACATIONS 2011

LUXURY

SIEM REAP

Previously, a short break in Siem Reap usually consisted of a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site - Angkor’s Archaeological Park - exploring the temple ruins and capturing a sunset or sunrise vista over Angkor Wat. Hauling a set of clubs and playing a round of golf might not have featured heavily in visitors’ itineraries, however that has all changed

now with the establishment of three exceptional golf courses. And, while Angkor Wat and its sister temples are undoubtedly a well-deserved draw card as well as the piece de resistance of this Cambodian city, Siem Reap is fast establishing itself as a choice location for many luxurious hotels and gol!ng properties, !rst class restaurants and spas, and fashionable watering holes.

In turn, rather than a relying on the temple-hopping visitor, the city is attracting a number of repeat travellers – many of them golfers - wanting to experience a luxurious gol!ng holiday with all the trimmings of an easily accessible destination. While the city’s landscape has changed with the development of these prestigious residences and establishments, it still retains its unique charm, romance and history.

"e golf course at Phokeethra Country Club was the !rst to be built in Siem Reap in 2007, and is part of the So!tel Phokeethra Royal Angkor Golf & Spa Resort. In January 2008, the Angkor Golf Resort opened and this year, Prime Minister Hun Sen opened a third course, the Angkor Lake Resort Golf Club.

GOLF VACATIONS checks out these three outstanding layouts in addition to a number of luxurious hotel properties.

Angkor Golf Resort

92 GOLF VACATIONS 2011

GOLF ESCAPADESAngkor Golf Resort"e 18 holes, designed by former world number one and six-time major winner Nick Faldo, have been constructed on former paddy !elds and are literally a !ve-minute drive from the airport. "e 7,239-yard par-72 layout, one of South-East Asia’s !nest, is challenging with large expanses of water on every hole, mainly hugging the fairways but some splitting it from the greens.

"ere are two signature Faldo holes – the par-4 2nd and the par-5 13th. "e 13th, with its index 1 rating, is thus so purely due to bunker positioning le# and right of the fairway. At 559 yards from the Faldo (black) tees, it is the second longest hole in the layout. To further compound matters, there is even a large stretch of water on the le# hand side that extends all the way down the fairway circling the back of the green.

The second hole – relatively short at 381 yards from the Faldo tees – is a dogleg right where the smallest green on the course is also guarded by bunkers. The drive off the tee has to be straight to avoid a water hazard on the left. “The backdrop is beautiful”, says golf operations manager Adam Robertson. “There are some indigenous sugared palm trees out the back and Faldo just thought that hole number two had an incredibly good second shot to get into play.”

Facilities here include a 300-yard driving range complete with target greens, a pro-shop stocking the usual apparel, balls, souvenirs and an excellent restaurant in the modern clubhouse, which has an extensive Asian and Western menu.Kasekam Village, Sra Nga Commune , Siem ReapTel: +855 (63) 761 139; Fax: +855 (63) 761 140 Email: info@angkor-golf.comwww.angkor-golf.com

Angkor Lake Resort Golf Club"e most recent addition to Siem Reap’s golf courses, the Angkor Lake Resort Golf Club opened in January 2011. Designed by renowned golf course architect Kentaro Sato, this par-72 7,396-yard layout is truly magni!cent with its immaculate fairways and greens. Sato-san has also made full use of the surrounding nature to cra# these 18 holes, with only

one hole (number two) without water and bunkers. "e par-3 seventh is long – 252 yards from the back tees – with a water hazard before an undulating green and bunkers on both sides. "e par-4 10th takes the prize for scenic beauty with a lake hugging the right length of fairway and local trees and $owers surrounding the green, while the par-3 16th is a close second with its large expanse of water, bunkers and coconut trees.

Facilities here include a sleek clubhouse, within which you’ll !nd a

restaurant, locker rooms and a fully-stocked pro shop. Tropangrun Village, Khum Ompil CommunePrasat Bakong District, Siem ReapTel: +855 (63) 967 114; Fax: +855 (63) 967 133Email: s.tkcgolf@yahoo.comwww.angkorlakeresortgolfclub.com

Phokeethra Country Club"e course at Phokeethra Country Club was the !rst to be built in Siem Reap, and is part of the So!tel Phokeethra Royal Angkor Golf & Spa Resort. "e 7,327 yards 18 hole layout

was designed by V Golf Design and has been host to the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open since 2007. "is is premier golf at its best with !nely sculpted sweeping fairways, generous greens, natural lakes and tricky bunkers. "e 618-yard par-5 18th is its signature hole and provides a fantastic !nish to any round. Fringed by lagoons, a decent strong drive straight up the middle of the fairway and a long second shot over water gets you on in two. High handicappers may want to lay up on their approach, leaving a short but tricky chip across water onto a well-bunkered green.

Facilities include a clubhouse, putting green and practice pitching area, pro shop, restaurant and bar.Dontro Village, Lavea CommunePuok District, Siem ReapTel: +855 (63) 96 46 00; Fax: +855 (63) 96 46 10Email: golf@so!tel-royal-angkor.comwww.phokeethragolf.com

LUXURIOUS STAYS

Alila SotheaLocated 10 minutes from the airport

and 15 minutes from Angkor Wat, this resort’s landscaping features intimate gardens, fountains and water accents. Subtle hints of Cambodian heritage and Khmer artisanship have blended in nicely with a contemporary touch, and all 39 pool fronting rooms and suites have been elegantly furnished. All rooms have a private balcony, complimentary Wi-Fi, 37-inch LCD television, bathtub and rain shower and premium bathroom amenities. Guests wanting a more regal stay can book out a %ueen or King suite. Both come with personalised butler service and the King suite is equipped with a whirlpool Jacuzzi bath.Alila Sothea Phone, National Road No.6Khum Svay Dangkum, Siem ReapTel: +855 (63) 966 788; Fax +855 (63) 966 789Email: sothea@alilahotels.comwww.alilahotels.com

Amansara"is splendid property, designed by French architect Laurent Mondet, was once the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk and derives its name from

Phokeethra Country Club

Angkor Lake Resort Golf Club

ADVERTORIAL

Le Méridien AngkorWhen you walk

into Le Méridien Angkor a sense of

discovery comes immediately to mind. It’s about moods created through scent, sound and space. It is neither overdone with cultural motifs nor stark modernistic.! And the feeling increases upon!returning at day’s end. It is di"cult to hone, neither being one thing or another except it beckons a feeling of something is working there …..a subtle expression, perhaps it’s the hotel’s European DNA.!Yet, that is just one of the many appealing things about Le Méridien Angkor, a 213-room hotel, just minutes away from Angkor Wat.!#e design journey of the

hotel has been a$entively thought out.! #e hotel is light, calm and airy with design fusions where Europeaness meets Khmer chic.! With an interior created from a pale$e of ceramics, rich timbers and stone, the hotel’s Khmer sculptures hewn by local cra%speople re&ect caring a$ention to artistic richness.! Modern comforts enlivened by vibrant silks evoke a special sense of feeling content.!A taste for 'ne cuisine is well satis'ed by L’Angelo, serving Northern Italian specialities amidst stylish se$ings and chilled down atmospheres.! Full of delicious aromas, Angkor Royal Café o(ers authentic Khmer and Western fare. If you prefer alfresco dining then a meal poolside is

to be recommended, or, if a picnic is more your style, grab a lunch box for the day ahead.!A%er a day of discovery at Angkorian temples, PGA rated golf courses or!the arty vibes of Siem Reap, Le Méridien Angkor Spa promises to be a place in which to!completely zone out. !Indulge in a number of spa therapy options ranging from 30 minute treatments to more comprehensive spa packages or find solace at the hotel’s Khmer inspired swimming pool.!Explore Cambodia’s rich culture and heritage and, discover Le Méridien Angkor, voted Cambodia’s leading hotel for four consecutive years at the prestigious World Travel Awards.!

94 GOLF VACATIONS 2011

complimentary Wi-Fi, widescreen LCD TV, pre-loaded iPod with self-guided temple tours and a selection of ambient music, Terrazzo soaking tub and rain shower. "e Duplex Spa suite includes hardwood $oors, handcra#ed lamps, rich textiles and intricate pewter artwork. Facilities within the hotel include a Khmer-inspired swimming pool, spa, !tness centre, and a number of excellent restaurants. In January 2011, it was named as one of UK Tatler Travel guide’s best 101 hotels in the world. "is hotel is simply exquisite.Sivutha Boulevard Siem ReapTel: +855 (63) 966 000Fax: +855 (63) 966 001www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com

La Residence d’AngkorLocated on the banks of Siem Reap’s river and within walking distance of the Psah Leu market, this Khmer-style property is part of the exclusive Orient-Express group. "ere are 62 rooms and suites in the hotel, which is decorated using traditional hardwood, bamboo and

natural textiles and you can opt for views overlooking the resort gardens, river or swimming pool. Facilities include a !tness centre, two boutiques, meeting rooms, renowned Kong Kea Spa and a number of !rst-class dining options where you can dine upon traditional Khmer and international cuisine.River Road, Siem ReapTel: +855 (63) 963 390; Fax: +855 (63) 963 391Email: info@residencedangkor.comwww.residencedangkor.com

Le Meridien"is !rst-class hotel, which has featured prominently in the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 World Travel Awards as Cambodia’s Leading Hotel and Spa, has the privilege of being the closest luxury hotel to the temples of Angkor Wat. "e 213 guestrooms and suites feature contemporary designs with local elements such as dark timber $oors, silks and Khmer stonework. Its Angkor Spa is a luxurious sanctuary where you can de-stress a#er a day of temple hopping. It o&ers traditional massages and health therapies designed to rejuvenate and

‘Aman’ (Sanskrit for peace) and ‘Apsara’ (the heavenly nymphs of ancient Hindu texts). On Conde Naste Traveller’s Gold List 2011 for best for service in Asia, it opened in 2002 and currently has 24 suites, 12 of them featuring private plunge pools. All suites contain a combined sleeping and living area, twin vanities, large soaking tub, terrazzo and timber !nishes and an outdoor courtyard with a cushioned banquette. Within the resort there is a circular dining room, with a walk-in wine and cheese cellar, which o&ers traditional Khmer and western cuisine, a library, gallery, roof terrace, spa and lap pool.No 262, Krom 8, Phum Beong Don PaKhum Slar Kram, Siem ReapTel: +855 (63) 760 333; Fax: +855 (63) 760 335Email: amansara@amanresorts.comwww.amanresorts.com

Hotel de la Paix "is superb luxurious !ve-star boutique hotel is within walking distance from a number of shops and restaurants and is only 8 kilometers away from the temples of Angkor. "ere are 107 deluxe guest rooms and suites, courtyard garden suites, pool suites and duplex spa suites all sporting chic interiors and elegant living spaces together with features such as

Wine & Dine In Siem Reap!ere are many excellent restaurants in Siem Reap, which vary from casual eateries to "ne dining establishments. Khmer cuisine, which is similar to !ai and Vietnamese but generally not as spicy, can be found just about in every pocket of Siem Reap together with excellent French and other international fare. !e Old Market area, which is home to the aptly-named Bar Street and Pub Street, have a number of excellent restaurants as does Alley West in addition to the Old French Quarter where the excellent Foreign Correspondents’ Club is located.

ABACUS RESTAURANT GARDEN & BARwww.cafeabacus.comCuisine: Modern European & AsianSignature Dish: #ere are a number of a la carte blackboard dishes and Chef Pascal Schmit’s specials change weekly.Feel: Indoor air-conditioned restaurant, alfresco terrace and private dining room available.Bookings: +855 63 966 156 or booking form on-line.

AHA RESTAURANT www.hoteldelapaixangkor.comCuisine: Khmer & WesternSignature Dish: Tapas style ‘small plates’Feel: Indoor air-conditioned restaurant or alfresco dining available.Bookings: +855 63 966 000 or booking form on-line.

CAMBODIAN SOUP RESTAURANT Pub StreetCuisine: Khmer

Signature Dish: BBQ dishesBookings: +855 15 999 909

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS’ CLUB www.fcccambodia.comCuisine: Khmer & WesternSignature Dish: Fish Amok and Cambodian Curry, Papaya Salad and Fried ‘Char Yor’ (Vegetable Spring Rolls)Feel: Indoor restaurant or alfresco dining pondside availableBookings: +855 63 760 283

KHMER FAMILY RESTAURANT Pub StreetCuisine: KhmerSignature Dish: Fish with mango, amok, soup m’chou Kreung, duck with honeyFeel: Indoor, balcony and curbside seatingBookings: +855 15 9999 09

LE MALRAUX CAFÉ RESTAURANT www.le-malraux-siem-reap.comCuisine: Khmer & French

Signature Dish: Grilled specialties (beef, pork, poultry, seafood)Feel: French brasserie-style establishmentBookings: +855 63 966 041

PICASSOAlley West Cuisine: TapasSignature Dish: Tapas style dishesFeel: Trendy cocktail and Tapas bar – indoor or curbside diningBookings: +855 12 403 158

TRATTORIA ITALIA (formerly Samot)www.samot-restaurant.comCuisine: ItalianSignature Dish: Pizza & Brusche$aFeel: Indoor or curbside diningBookings: + 855 92 410 400

VIROTH’Swww.viroth-hotel.comCuisine: Contemporary KhmerSignature Dish: Khmer AmokFeel: Terrace garden with covered and open-air seatingBookings: +855 12 826 346

La Residence d’AngkorAlila Sothea

Alila Sothea

Hotel de la Paix

Hotel de la Paix

Le Méridien

Ra"es Grand Hotel d’Angkor

relax your mind and body in complete tranquility. A wide range of dining options to suit all tastes and palates are spread throughout the hotel, and there is an iconic Khmer-style swimming pool and !tness centre to enjoy.Vithei Charles De GaulleKhum Svay Dang Kum, Siem Reap Tel: +855 (63) 963 900www.lemeridienangkor.com

Raffles Grand Hotel d’AngkorSpread over 15 acres of landscaped French gardens, this luxurious property has won a slew of awards over the years, and been a feature of Siem Reap’s landscape since the early 1930s. Its blend of old-world Cambodian grandeur and modern elements is simply gorgeous, such as its cage elevator that still transports guests to their rooms. "e hotel, which underwent extensive renovation in 1996, currently has 131 rooms, almost twice the original number. Facilities include the award-winning Ra'es Amrita Spa, a 35-metre lap pool, four delectable restaurants and bars, library and map room, and Ra'es Butlers who are available around-the-clock to cater to each guest’s needs. 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang KumSiem Reap, Kingdom of CambodiaTel: +855 (63) 963 888; Fax: +855 (63) 963 168Email: siemreap@ra"es.comwww.ra"es.com

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa ResortTogether with the golf club, this exquisite property o&ers a balance of contemporary Cambodia with the ancient Khmer Empire, but in its own inimitable signature So!tel style. "e French colonial design features 238 rooms and suites that are spacious, yet intimate, with timber $oors, period furniture, four-poster beds and wrap-around terraces. Each is nestled in a picturesque garden sanctuary overlooking the swimming pool, garden or lake. Personalised butler service is available if you stay in the Prestige or Opera suite. "ere are seven !rst-class restaurants and bars within the resort including Mouhot’s Dream which serves Oriental and French fusion cuisine, and the Royal Court with its Cambodian style bu&et menu and local cultural performance. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a luxurious spa and Jacuzzi pool.Vithei Charles de Gaulle Khu Svay Dang Kum, Siem ReapTel: +855 (63) 96 46 00; Fax: +855 (63) 96 46 10Email: So!tel@so!tel-royal-angkor.comwww.so!tel.com

Victoria Angkor Resort & SpaFeaturing wooden $oors, exclusive fabrics and original decorative artifacts this is an immensely comfortable haven in the heart of Siem Reap. "ere are 120 rooms and 10 colonial suites to choose from, and facilities include a spa, outdoor Jacuzzi, saltwater swimming pool, a kid’s club, and two excellent restaurants and a bar. Le Bistrot de Siem Reap is a contemporary French restaurant while L’Escale o&ers a blend of Cambodian and international cuisine. At the Victoria Spa you can enjoy therapeutic oil and traditional massages, beauty treatments, body wraps and scrubs. To really get into the colonial feel, you can hire one of their three vintage Citroen limousines to transfer to the airport, or to visit the hotels and town.Central ParkPO Box 93145, Siem ReapTel: +855 (63) 760 428; Fax: +855 (63) 760 350Email: resa.angkor@victoriahotels.asiawww.victoriahotels.asia

So!tel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

So!tel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa