JAYA HOUSE RIVER PARK

Angkor is a magical place, mysterious and vibrant, a silvered city of temples and towers so high, only the gods were meant to see the tops. It rises above the jungle, shining with the spirit of kings and conquerors, artists and poets, gods and goddesses. This was once a flourishing society, sophisticated and creative, influenced by the Indian traders who settled there. Today, it’s a World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most important and dynamic destinations.

In its shadow, a 36-room boutique hotel stands, listed among the world’s most iconic and luxurious hotels. The vision of its general manager and noted environmentalist, Christian de Boer, Jaya House River Park stands out among hospitality’s most revered brands. “We attract a global and sophisticated audience,” says de Boer. “Our guests are drawn by the mystique of Angkor and the authentic experience of Cambodia we offer.”

Every aspect of the hotel reflects Angkor’s spiritual and artistic heritage while projecting a modern and eco-conscious influence. Public rooms and guest accommodations mix Art Deco, contemporary prints, Cambodian silks and woodwork. Exquisite Khmer statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities are placed throughout the hotel and on the grounds. Guests can gather at the rooftop Sunset Bar to watch the sun slip behind the spires of Angkor Wat, then feast on Cambodian fusion dishes in the charming Deco restaurant. 

A NATURAL PATH
Jaya House River Park is an exceptional experience. Airport pickup, daily breakfast, laundry, daily massage at the hotel spa and a free in-room minibar are all included in the room rate. The hotel also blends sustainability and solutions to contemporary climate concerns with ancient and powerful remedies. In fact, the exclusive amenities brand, Jaya Organics, used in guestrooms and at The Spa at Jaya House, are created with indigenous Cambodian plants in a growing line of skin and hair products. Kampot salt, lemongrass, and the magical Moringa oil are packaged in refillable, recyclable glass bottles and shipped worldwide. (All products are available at jayaorganics.com.)

A visit of Cambodia will reveal the country has a fresh view. After the horrors of the Pol Pot regime, the country rebuilt its tourism industry only to be closed by COVID-19. Officials rallied to make many positive changes—new roads, a cleanup of the Siem Reap River and new bicycle paths to Angkor Wat. The Siem Reap Angkor International Airport opens this year. 

A DYNAMIC PRESENT
Visitors will be able to see many of the priceless statues looted from local temples and deeply mourned by Cambodians who see these sculptures as their gods and ancestors. Some were returned by various museums and collectors, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, thanks to the help of New York’s State Attorney General.

If Angkor Wat represents Cambodia’s fabled past, Siem Reap embodies its dynamic present. Many galleries showcase a vibrant art scene. Shops are Aladdin’s caves of silks, silver and statuary. At night, Siem Reap glows – its pubs, clubs and restaurants welcoming all nations and persuasions.  

A visit to Angkor is a personal and spiritual experience. One can view it by helicopter, hot air balloon, or on the back of an elephant. But the Khmer gods are in the details and their magic is most potent in the quiet forest, the light glowing on the sandstone carvings.  

For more information on Jaya House River Park, visit jayahouseriverparksiemreap.com