Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Between French Elegance and Khmer Heritage

When French Art de Vivre Meets Khmer History

Ideally located on the northern edge of Siem Reap, the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort skillfully combines serenity and proximity. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, lily-covered ponds, and a lagoon-style pool with graceful curves, the property boasts an exceptional location: just ten minutes from the majestic temples of Angkor Wat and only moments away by tuk-tuk from the Old Market and bustling Pub Street. This enchanting setting offers travelers a peaceful escape without ever straying far from the region's cultural and historical riches.

The luxury hotel charms with its timeless elegance, the result of a sophisticated blend of colonial refinement and Khmer tradition. From the moment you step inside, the high ceilings of the lobby assert their grandeur, while long tiled corridors poetically wind around a lotus pond. From the rooms to the spa, every corner of the hotel reveals an extreme attention to detail, enhanced each evening by the enchanting ritual of lighting candles, which transforms the gardens and their traditional salas into a magical setting. Contemporary artworks by Khmer artists punctuate the spaces, highlighting the subtle alliance between local heritage and cosmopolitan sophistication.

Timeless Elegance and Absolute Comfort

Spread across graceful colonial-style buildings, the 238 rooms and suites of the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort immerse guests in an atmosphere of tranquility and refinement. Thoughtfully designed, the interiors blend French elegance with Khmer artistic touches, giving the space a subtle and evocative identity. The rooms, opening onto serene views—exotic gardens or the lagoon pool—stand out with their impeccable finishes: gleaming parquet floors, elegant furniture, exceptional bedding, and a range of high-end amenities for absolute comfort. The bathrooms, with a delicately retro style, are elevated with Balmain products.

We had the pleasure of staying in a Luxury Room with a king-size bed and a private terrace, a true 46 m² haven where colonial charm harmonizes with a contemporary local aesthetic. From the terrace, we enjoyed a lush panorama of the carefully landscaped gardens and peaceful lake, ideal for daydreaming. The Sofitel MyBed, enveloping in comfort, helped make this getaway a moment of pure well-being.

Gourmet Buffet and a Journey of the Senses

The Citadel masterfully celebrates refined international cuisine where Eastern and Western flavors converge. Every morning, the restaurant delights guests with an ultra-generous and varied breakfast buffet. Crispy homemade pastries, eggs prepared on live cooking stations, freshly cut tropical fruits, whole grains, muesli, cold cuts, aged cheeses, and other gourmet offerings create a morning experience that is both hearty and elegant. Authentic Cambodian specialties and light Asian-inspired dishes add diversity for those looking to venture beyond the typical continental breakfast.

An Exceptional Dinner at Mouhot's Dream

Nestled on the edge of the tranquil Sala lake, Mouhot's Dream is a true ode to French gastronomy, enhanced with a Khmer touch and a hint of poetry. This signature restaurant at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort embodies elegance and excellence, from its romantic setting to its inventive cuisine. Under the direction of Executive Chef Eric Berrigaud, who brings twenty years of experience with top French establishments, each dish becomes a unique creation, blending fresh ingredients, local inspiration, and refined French techniques. For the duration of a dinner, whether at the intimate Chef's Table or on the terrace facing the lake, Mouhot's Dream promises a superb experience.

We had the privilege of savoring the tasting menu in the exclusive and intimate setting of the Chef's Table, an ideal setting for an exceptional culinary experience. Dinner began with a starter as refined as it was indulgent: duck foie gras, mango, and candied cashews. This first dish delights with its subtle balance, where the creamy foie gras pairs with the sun-kissed sweetness of the mango and the delicately sweet crunch of cashews, all elevated by an elegantly presented plating.

The lobster bisque, served in a pristine deep plate, reveals a coppery hue and silky texture, the signature of a long-simmered broth with marine aromas. In the center, a quenelle of light cream adds a soft touch that tempers the dish's iodized intensity. Rich, delicate, and perfectly executed, this soup exemplifies the classic savoir-faire of French cuisine in a clean and modern format.

The next course highlights a Mekong lobster, surrounded by daikon petals and thinly sliced radishes. The ensemble rests on a honey emulsion subtly brightened by the vibrant acidity of passion fruit juice. This dish offers a refined interplay of sweet, tangy, and briny contrasts in a harmony of colors and textures that delight both the eyes and the palate.

For the main course, the braised beef cheek is a masterful homage to traditional French cuisine. Meltingly tender, it's topped with a rich, deeply flavored sauce and served with creamy mashed potatoes, enhanced by a delicate truffle aroma. A glazed carrot adds a sweet, colorful note, while a few fresh shoots lift the dish with lightness. A generous and comforting dish, elegantly plated with restraint.

The meal ends on a light, floral note with a revisited rum baba. Placed on a delicately soaked soft biscuit, a rosette of airy cream hosts thin segments of pink pomelo, whose refreshing acidity perfectly balances the dessert's sweetness. A few mint leaves and an edible flower complete this delicate tableau, crowned by a fine chocolate disc marked “Sofitel.” A graceful conclusion to an exceptional dinner.

Explorer's Tales, the Jewel of Elegant Evenings

Freshly renovated, the Explorer's Tales bar has become a must-visit address in Siem Reap for bubble lovers and elegant nights out. This Champagne & Cocktail Bar with French colonial charm offers a cozy, chic, and intimate atmosphere—ideal for relaxing or starting the evening with style. With more than 100 sparkling wine and champagne labels, including rare and vintage cuvées, the menu is as impressive as the setting. Add to that a selection of creative signature cocktails and homemade tapas. We chose to start the evening with a glass of Taittinger, the perfect prelude to our dinner at Mouhot's Dream.

Sofitel Spa with L'Occitane, an Invitation to Absolute Relaxation

Nestled in the heart of the tropical gardens of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra, the Sofitel Spa with L'Occitane offers a haven of absolute serenity in a sumptuous setting. This award-winning sanctuary combines French cosmetic expertise with ancestral Khmer traditions for a wellness experience of rare finesse. In the privacy of one of its eleven treatment rooms, including two stunning spa villas with peaceful views of the surrounding nature, therapists deliver personalized treatments using natural L'Occitane products. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to try it during our stay.

Phokeethra Country Club, The Art of Golf in Siem Reap

Located a few kilometers from Sofitel Angkor, the Phokeethra Country Club offers golf enthusiasts a spectacular setting to enjoy an exceptional sporting experience. This 18-hole, par 72 course winds through the Cambodian countryside, between natural lagoons and strategically placed bunkers. It impresses with both its technical challenges and its scenic beauty, appealing to both seasoned players and beginners. Considered one of Cambodia's finest golf courses, it has also hosted several prestigious international tournaments. With its well-maintained Bermuda grass fairways, complete facilities, and elegant clubhouse overlooking the course, Phokeethra Country Club promises an unforgettable moment of sport and relaxation in an exceptional natural environment.

A Refreshing Haven Beneath the Palms

At the heart of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra's tropical gardens, the lagoon pool gracefully winds between palm trees and exotic flowers, offering a true haven of coolness and relaxation. Lined with comfortable loungers and elegant umbrellas, it invites lazy moments under the Cambodian sun or a few laps in its clear waters. Its organic design, inspired by natural forms, blends harmoniously with the tropical setting, creating a peaceful and revitalizing atmosphere.

My Opinion

My stay at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort was a true escape into elegance and serenity. I was charmed by the beauty of the place, the refinement of every detail, and the exemplary hospitality that permeates the entire hotel. The subtle blend of French art de vivre and Khmer heritage gives the whole property a unique soul, where every moment becomes a precious sensory experience. From the tranquility of the gardens to the magic of dinner at Mouhot's Dream, the cozy comfort of the room, and the charm of the Explorer's Tales bar, everything is designed to offer discreet yet deeply felt luxury. A rare address that successfully combines authenticity, refinement, and emotion.

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Many thanks to the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort for the invitation to discover their property. Of course, I remain free in my opinions in this article!