Templation, Siem Reap

Cambodia is a country that is now so deeply entrenched in our travelling adventures here at Coolector HQ that we think about returning more or less constantly and, to be quite frank, it’s because of truly astounding boutique hotels like Templation, on the outskirts of the town, that we are so enamoured with the country. They say never go back but, upon our second visit to this magnificent property, we’re delighted to report that it was perhaps, if possible, even more exceptional this time around.

Templation Hotel in Siem Reap has the distinct advantage of being the closest hotel to the beautiful temples of Angkor Wat and if visiting these iconic structures is on your bucket list, this is the place to stay.

Serene in the extreme, Templation is nestled in a vast expanse of tropical flora, 33 villas, the majority of them with their own private pools, where you really will rest, relax and contemplate.

As with all the hotels we’ve visited in the stunning country of Cambodia, the welcome at Templation is so effusive and friendly that you’ll wish that you encountered this level of friendliness in every walk of life. The staff at this glorious boutique hotel are impeccable and nothing is too much trouble for them – from the reception staff to the brilliant waiting staff (with a particular mention to Uy, possibly the friendliest waiter you’re ever likely to meet). Templation Hotel has Siem Reap’s most expansive swimming pool which really is an oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city and the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day spent enjoying the majestic temples of Angkor Wat.

Stunning Suites

The minute you step foot on the grounds of Templation, you know it will be a stay to remember and these feelings are enhanced significantly upon being shown to your villa, with its own private pool (although such is the stunning nature of the hotel’s main pool, you’ll likely be torn between the two). Simplified elegance is the call of the day with Templation’s suites and villas which are dotted amongst the lush gardens. All Templation’s villas boast their own first class, private pools, while the suites open out onto their own terraces with views over the main pool.

Like many of the wonderful hotels we visited whilst in Cambodia, Templation is another advocate of sustainable luxury and the Templation Spa is a collaboration with Bodia, a renowned spa with an exceptional array of treatments and nature-based oils and lotions, inspired by traditional healing in Cambodia. The hotels main restaurant (where you’ll typically find the aforementioned, Uy) is a great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’ll find Asian and Khmer meals offered alongside Western cuisine classics restyled with flair. Templation Restaurant is also well known for the quality of its vegan dishes, in which local vegetables, flowers and spices are combined to satisfy the palate and the eye.

The swimming pool at Templation is, unquestionably, the first thing that will catch you eye after making your way through the incredibly serene lobby, and with good reason. It is one thousand cubic meters of aquatic bliss, which definitely makes it one of the largest swimming basins in the Siem Reap area and the finest we’ve come across at Coolector HQ. Its design effortlessly blends the expanse of water into the landscape all around and is ideally suited to relaxing with a cocktail or doing serious laps if you’re in a health kick.

Cambodia is streets ahead when it comes to the quality of their spas and the Bodia one at Templation is in a league of its own. With the objective to soothe and rejuvenate the body after a day of trekking along the jungle paths and through vast archeological sites, this top class spa has aroma therapy, facial and body scrubs, Khmer, Scandinavian or Thai-style massages which are available all day long so, in the unlikely case that the hotel itself isn’t relaxing enough, a visit here will definitely put you in a relaxed state of mind.

Jewel in the Crown

There is absolutely no question that we’ll be returning to Cambodia again in the future and there is an air of inevitability that we’ll be heading back to the breathtaking surrounds of Templation because it draws us back like a tractor beam with its relaxing vibe, eco-friendly luxury and phenomenally friendly staff.

Siem Reap is so much more than just the legendary temples that surround it and hotels like Templation are playing their part in driving a trade based on luxury, sustainable tourism and that’s certainly something to be celebrated. The beauty of Templation comes in the fact that it really does represent the best of both worlds insomuch its perfectly suited to just relaxing and enjoying the spectacular grounds for the ultimate in serene breaks but is also a stone’s throw from all the temples if exploration is on the agenda.