The Sothea

For connoisseurs of Asia’s villa hotels, the concept is the thing: small-scale luxury, physically up to international standards, yet painstakingly localized. That last bit is important when you’re talking about a destination like Siem Reap, a place where the city’s cultural inheritance is practically as palpable as the 400-thread linens or the deep soaking tubs. This is The Sothea, a 39-room villa resort in a contemporary Khmer style, a few miles from Angkor Wat, which itself happens to be one of the architectural wonders of the world — a building that, to say the least, sets a rather high standard.

Of course a little bit of restraint is in order, given the gravity of the location, and The Sothea is less a monument than an inward-looking compound. The rooms are all immersive privacy, laid out like studio apartments, and the suites, all with butler service, are self-contained — the Queen Suites feel sequestered, designed for romance, while the grander King Suites feel geared towards entertaining. Either way you’re in a world all your own; it’s a short drive into town or to the temples, but with a very fine spa and a stunning Khmer-French restaurant it’s easy to imagine days and nights spent in.

How to get there:

The Sothea is located 10 minutes from the Siem Reap International Airport. The hotel provides complimentary "tuktuk" transfers (drop off and pick up only) to the city center. Car transfers from the airport are $15 USD each way. Please contact CustomerService@TabletHotels.com for assistance with airport transfers.

• 39 Rooms
• Style: Contemporary Classic
• Atmosphere: Quiet

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