Weekend in Siem Reap

The Shinta Mani hotel, designed by Bill Bensley, was my third of his hotels.

I loved Shinta Mani from the moment I arrived. The design is typically Bensley — interesting, slightly quirky and beautifully done. But it was the pool, the spa and, most of all, the lovely staff that really made the stay for me.

To see Angkor Wat in all it's splendour, you need to set your alarm early, 4am early. Sunrise is magnificent.

There was something rather special about standing in the stillness, watching the sky slowly change as the sun came up behind one of the world’s most famous temples. For a few moments, everything seemed very quiet and still. A tranquil start to the day.

We then spent some time walking around Angkor Wat before heading off for a very full day.

Our next stop was Phnom Kulen National Park, where we visited the River of 1000 Lingas, Lingaa are Ancient Hindu carvings carved directly into the riverbed. They represent Shiva and are central objects of worship in temples and homes alike. 

Phnom Kulen Waterfall was next, a spectacular two-tiered waterfall in the national park.  Watching the water cascade down to the pool and the cooling splash was worth the detour.

Ta Prohm - If it looks familiar, there’s a very good reason. Ta Prohm featured in Tomb Raider, and it’s easy to see why it was chosen as a location. The huge tree roots growing through the ancient ruins make it quite something to see.

I couldn’t resist a little Lara Croft moment — although there was no tree swinging or column jumping involved!

Our final stop was Bayon, with its 200 enormous stone faces looking out across the temple.   The outer stone walls feature thousands of carvings depicting everyday life. Cooking, markets and games. 

At the end of a long day, we were back at the hotel late afternoon, giving us time to take a dip in the pool and the chance to slow down was exactly what I needed. The massages were therapeutic and relaxing helping me to recover after 19000 steps of exploring.

At Shinta Mani, though, it wasn’t just the design that stood out, the staff were genuinely lovely — warm, friendly and attentive without being over the top.

For me, that’s what makes a hotel. It’s the little things that make you want to come back.

Siem Reap gave me an early start and my feet a workout, ancient temples and a hotel I was very happy to return to at the end of the day.

Siem Reap was a taster, so much more to explore..