CAMBODIA
CAMBODIAN DREAM VILLA JOURNEY
A unique and original program combining culture and tradition with ancient heritage and history, this 12-day journey reveals the many hidden splendors of Cambodia. Focusing only on the best, this tailor-made experience starts in the colonial capital of Phnom Penh, explores the ancient temples of Angkor and ends in the quiet, coastal town of Kep-Côte d’Opale. Staying in dreamy private villas handpicked just for you, this program is the ultimate in luxury, comfort and style.
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Kep
12 days, 11 nights
ARRIVAL IN THE “PEARL OF ASIA”
Known as the “Pearl of Asia”, the beautiful city of Phnom Penh was once considered among the loveliest cities of French Indochina. Noted for its historical architecture, the city is defined by prominent colonial buildings scattered along grand boulevards. After arriving at the airport, a chauffeured black limousine transports you to your magnificent private villa. Elegantly situated by the mighty Mekong River, Villa Yary is a stunning 5-bedroom property complete with swimming pool and serene river views - a peaceful respite from the bustling city. Experience the unassuming charms of traditional Khmer hospitality and the refined taste of Royal Khmer cuisine while luxuriating in the charming, locally inspired residence.
Overnight at Villa Yary, Phnom Penh
Meals: Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS OF PHNOM PENH
After a restful night in your private villa, wake up to the wonderful sights and sounds of the beautiful riverside surroundings. Spend the day at leisure, with plenty of time to explore the city if you wish. The villa provides a shuttle boat service so you can head into town and discover the highlights of Phnom Penh such as the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Serving as the royal residence of the King of Cambodia, the structures offer a fascinating look at the extravagance of Khmer architecture. Nearby, the National Museum presents Cambodia's largest display of cultural and historical artifacts. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely cyclo ride around the city to view various colonial structures and heritage buildings.
Overnight at Villa Yary, Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast
SHOPPING, DESIGN OR SUNSET COCKTAILS
Prepare for another exhilarating day in Phnom Penh, where the choice is totally yours! You may “shop ‘til you drop” at the local markets, or delve into the city’s burgeoning arts and design scene. You may even find some interesting couture pieces to take home! Your visit is not complete without afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, or perhaps a taste of their famous Femme Fatale cocktail - the drink created for Jacqueline Kennedy. If you prefer your cocktails with unbeatable views, stop by Le Moon, a stunning bar idyllically situated at the confluence of two rivers. End the day with a sunset cruise and dinner by the Mekong where you will see the Royal Palace lit up at night, creating a perfect memory of Phnom Penh.
Overnight at Villa Yary, Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A CHARMING COLONIAL TOWN
Take a domestic flight from the bustling city to the quaint town of Siem Reap in northwest Cambodia. Most famous as the gateway to the legendary Angkor Archeological Park, Siem Reap is a charming town with French colonial shop-houses, tree-lined boulevards and a slow-flowing river. You are greeted at the airport and transferred to your private villa at Shinta Mani Angkor. Under the canopy of palace trees, you enter a tranquil space of complete privacy where you can relax in ultimate comfort surrounded by a tropical garden complete with a personal swimming pool. Later, visit the Conservation d'Angkor to explore the collection of over 5,000 original Angkor pieces including sculptures, stone heads, Buddhas and lingas.
Overnight at Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ANGKOR
Begin early this morning to experience the magical sunrise over Angkor Wat. Watch the first rays of the sun hit the ancient stones and bathe the scene in magnificent color, a perfect photo moment. Discover the decorative details and skilled architecture of the temple, a spectacular achievement of Southeast Asia's greatest civilization. Then you may return to your villa for breakfast or continue exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing through the South Gate of Angkor Thom to tour the ancient walled city with its famous 4-faced Bayon. In the evening, dine in marvelous style in an intimate setting amidst lush rice fields where you can float a traditional lantern on the water as a way of letting go of your worries.
Overnight at Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
ANGKOR AND BEYOND
Continue exploring ancient Angkor, starting at Ta Prohm, a mysterious temple entwined by strangler figs which retains much of its lost-temple-in-the-jungle charm. Then continue to Banteay Srei, a picturesque 10th-century temple which pre-dates Angkor Wat. Built entirely of pink sandstone, the temple is covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. You may choose to explore further afield and visit some outlying temples by helicopter. Fly over beautiful scenery to reach Koh Ker, an ancient pyramid-like structure deep in the Cambodian countryside. Then continue to Preah Vihear perched amid the Dangrek Mountains. Then return to Angkor with optional champagne and canapés served on a gondola at sunset.
Overnight at Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
CUISINE AND CULTURE
Discover local culture in Siem Reap through cooking and shopping. Experience “Living Cambodian Cuisine” in a private session at Malis Restaurant where you learn the secrets of Khmer cooking with celebrity chef Luu Meng. Alternatively, mingle with the students of Siem Reap’s Ecole d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule, and collect fresh ingredients from a village market before beginning your class at the school’s training restaurant. You may also enjoy an optional shopping tour to discover boutique designers around town such as the Madagascan-born Eric Raisina who has re-imagined Cambodian silk, or Theam, a local artist whose elegant house is a museum displaying paintings and sculptures, plus a tranquil garden.
Overnight at Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
AN OASIS OF PEACE AND SERENITY
Depart Siem Reap today and trade-in ancient temples for a seaside experience. Take a domestic flight to the coastal town of Sihanoukville, then continue on a 2-hour drive to reach your next luxurious villa in the small, sleepy town of Kep Côte d’Opale. In a remote region of Cambodia, Kep is home to many wonders including lakes and caves as well as a pre-Angkorian temple. Ideally placed in this tranquil setting, Villa des Palmes is an exclusive 4-bedroom property with 2 design villas - the Grande Mansion and Sala Thmei, complete with 2 infinity pools and a luxurious tropical garden. Surrounded by the discreet charm of a bygone era, the villa is an oasis of peace and serenity - the perfect place for a relaxing escape.
Overnight at Villa des Palmes, Kep Côte d’Opale
Meals: Breakfast
DISCOVERING THE BEST ‘KEP’ SECRETS
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and remote surroundings of Kep. Discover infinite possibilities for rejuvenation where you can indulge in time to reflect, read, swim or simply relax in your comfortable private villa. Spend the days at leisure with various options to keep you entertained. Take a boat trip to the untouched island of Koh Tonsay where you can snorkel or swim in isolation. Embark on a cruise along the Kampot River to discover mangroves and a pepper farm that grows the famous Kampot pepper using traditional methods handed down through generations. You may even take the time to develop your sailing skills at the local sailing club. A six-hour course is available for beginners and intermediate sailors.
Overnight at Villa des Palmes, Kep Côte d’Opale
Meals: Breakfast
DEPARTING THE SIMPLE LIFE
In this remote region, you have a sense of the Robinson Crusoe lifestyle where you can spend countless hours lost in idle thought, contemplating the complexities of life or simply getting in touch with the natural surroundings. If time permits, you may enjoy your final morning at leisure, take a stroll in the garden or a dip in the pool before checking out of the villa. Then hit the road for the final transfer back to Phnom Penh. The leisurely 3-hour drive takes you through the remote Cambodian countryside and you can watch laid-back scenes of rural life unfold as you pass by. Accompanied by your guide, you are transferred directly to the airport in time to catch your return flight home, or to your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast