Amansara was originally built in 1962 as a guesthouse for visitors of King Sihanouk, and as such many famous dignitaries once graced the building. Today, it is a 24-suite garden compound that serves as a tranquil escape. This French modernist villa was restored in 2002 by a team that brought its signature minimalist style to bear on a spa, a lap pool and 12 new suites furnished with terrazzo floors, hardwood fittings, sandstone reliefs and private courtyard plunge pools. This refreshed architectural gem lies on the threshold of the Unesco World Heritage Site, and is home to Angkor Wat and the jungle-clad ruins of the Khmer Empire. Guests are provided with their own tuk-tuk and driver to explore the rich heritage. This hotel is where mid-century architecture meets 10th-century culture – a heavenly combination. Guests here can taste the tradional Cambodian end of the menu which is a colourful introduction to the cuisine of the country – one that is set apart from Thai with a distinct lack of spice but doesn’t skimp on flavour. Western tastes are also well catered for.