Hotel de la Paix

Opened in July 2005, the Hotel de la Paix is one of Siem Reap’s chicest destinations.

With 107 rooms, this luxury property has taken aspects of Khmer traditions and created a unique, striking and contemporary design. An art deco style exterior reveals a modern interior, with fresh takes on the traditional Apsara figures and arched corridors which are reminiscent of the temples themselves.

Rooms follow a dramatic black and white colour scheme, again combining modern design with strong Khmer themes. Wrought iron fixtures in an Angkorian style overhang sleek minimalist beds, whilst ornate tap fittings pour water into ultra-modern stone bathtubs. Duplex spa suites even have a private rooftop terrace with outdoor bathtub. In room iPods are pre-programmed with the history of Angkor, Siem Reap and Cambodia itself.

This unusual combination of tradition and modernity extends to the restaurant Meric, where the chefs are trying to revitalise Khmer cuisine and give it a fresh new look, using rare jungle herbs but with nouvelle cuisine presentation. The Café de la Paix is a lively restaurant popular with locals and the Arts Lounge is a bar which doubles as an exhibition space for local artists.

PRICES Prices start from £51 per person per night in a Deluxe room or £79 per person per night in a Deluxe Suite, based on two people sharing, including breakfast. Fly via Hong Kong to Cambodia on the fabulous services of Cathay Pacific Airways. Prices start from only £499 including taxes and fuel surcharges, but hurry, these fares have limited availability.