A Luxurious Staycation at Victoria Angkor Resort – Siem Reap, Cambodia

My body was ready to retire at eight o’clock in the morning. We just had a midnight layover at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to catch our early morning flight to Siem Reap and we haven’t had a decent sleep for the past 24 hours. Arriving on our home for three days, we were greeted by the gracious staff at Victoria Angkor Resort. It was too early to check in at that time so they offered us to have breakfast first, a sweet gesture from them. We were then ushered to our room for three days right after the meal and the moment I entered into our lovely Prestige Suite, I knew that we won’t be leaving it anytime soon (which actually what happened).

Me and my buddy were on the fourth year of our annual summer backpacking trip. This year, Same Same Summer Trip 2017, we intended to visit some key destinations in Southeast Asia that we failed to see during our past trips. This year was different though as we brought along our respective moms with us during the first leg of the trip in Malaysia. We showed them around on our favorite spots in Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Penang for two weeks. We had to part ways afterwards; them going back home to the Philippines while me and my buddy continued our trip.

Just arrived in Siem Reap and went home to this gorgeous colonial style suite. And all I want to do now is to just sleep all day 😴 #SameSameSummerTrip2017 Photo by @lakadpilipinas

A post shared by blissfulguro (@blissfulguro) on Apr 23, 2017 at 8:28pm PDT

We had to stay at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for our early morning flight to Siem Reap which wasn’t new to us as we’re used to sleeping at airports. My body was aching for proper rest when we arrived at Victoria Angkor Resort. Our accommodation included an airport pick-up which made everything easier. Our friendly driver attended to our every request and he made sure that we could ask him about anything on this particular trip. He then ushered us to the reception area for the checking in process.

Refreshing saltwater pool in the middle of the resort.

Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is categorized as a 5-star hotel in the middle of downtown Siem Reap. Its unique French colonial 1930’s architecture is clearly apparent all throughout the layout and design of the resort as well as within the 120 rooms and 10 suites. The elegant and beautifully-designed resort is truly a haven for those who are yearning for a lovely staycation in the city (check here for discounted tours, transportation and activities in Siem Reap).

Open-air resort

It was too early to check in at that time so they offered us to have breakfast first while they prepare our room. We were then ushered to our Prestige Suite right after our satisfying breakie.

French colonial design at the lobby.

The moment I tapped on the keycard, I was blown away with our spacious room. Billeted on Prestige Suite, me and my buddy were speechless for a minute or so as we inspect each corner of our 73-sq.m. room (check here for discounted rates). Specific areas were clearly established and you’d actually feel that you’re in the comforts of a home rather than a hotel room (each suite in Victoria Angkor Hotel is unique that no two rooms looked the same, at that time, we were assigned on Victoria Suite).

Prestige Suite (Victoria Suite)

I examined the living area first and noticed the animal print sofa cover on the couch, too bold as pattern but it worked pretty well with everything. There were also some fresh flowers that adorned the center table and two fresh potted plants on the arch leading to the bedroom.

Classic furniture

A classy minimalist layout was utilized and the fixtures and furniture truly reflected the French colonial era; wooden hidden mini-bar, old school director’s chair at the work table, art pieces on the wall, and more.

Classy and elegant design with fresh plants and flowers.

I then went to the bedroom where a four-poster bed rested in the middle of the room. The homey vibe of the suite was highlighted by the wooden furniture and fixtures plus the element of nature from the fresh potted plants. The sheer canopy was romantic while the lamp shades added a dramatic feel to the room. There’s an HD TV that rested on a wall and an iPod dock on the entertainment rack as well.

Romantic four-poster bed with sheer canopy

I went into the glass door that was covered with sheer drapes that opened up to a private balcony; it enfolds up to the living area. There were fresh potted plants, clothes rack, two rattan lounge chairs and a coffee table. Swivel wooden windows revealed a nice view of the saltwater swimming pool and lush greeneries.

Private balcony

The en suite toilet and bathroom was a unique space in itself. The unique layout covers the length of the suite with two access points; from the living area and from the bedroom.

Bath tub with eco-friendly ceramic dispensers for liquid toiletries.

There’s a bath tub and a separate shower stall, his & hers lavatories, his & hers wardrobe closets, in-room safe, full body mirror, luggage rack and a separate stall for the toilet. What’s unique about this space is that there are sliding doors that provide privacy when you only want to use a certain space. For intimate gatherings, the toilet may also function as powder room when the sliding door is shut.

En suite toilet and bath

Another notable thing was that Victoria Angkor Resort is totally eco-friendly. The complimentary drinking water is placed on a reusable glass pitcher which can be replenished any time of the day. The liquid bathroom amenities are stored on ceramic dispensers while the rest were housed on recycled paper wrappers. There’s also a detergent powder included, quite ingenious for I really want to wash my swim wear every time I use it.

Siesta all day

Ten o’clock in the morning. I climbed up our king-sized bed, examined the room from that angle and then collapsed on the bed. The fluffy pillows and warm duvet were the perfect refuge for my listless body. It was four in the afternoon when I stirred to wake. Six solid hours of effortless sleep; the best I had in two weeks.

Functional vintage Otis traction elevator

Invigorated by our deep slumber, we went to grab a bite at L’Explorateur. A sweet lady was serenading some guests using a traditional string instrument when we arrived. The planned dinner was turned into an afternoon beer sesh as we enjoyed the happy hour with the pleasant music that echoed through the al fresco dining area.

Khim, a traditional Khmer string instrument.

I never had the urge to go out that day but my buddy insisted on going to Pub Street. He added that we needed some serious partying after taking care of our moms for the past two weeks. That night, we reveled like teeners with raging hormones; but no, we just enjoyed the party crowd on this famed street in Siem Reap. Seeing those young ones having fun was nonetheless a great time to spend the night.

We woke up the next day feeling refreshed; a much needed rest from accrued fatigue from the first leg of the trip. I looked for my buddy and found him on the private balcony having his morning coffee. I mentioned that the breakfast time will soon be over so we dashed to L’Escale to have our breakfast fix. We specifically chose to dine al fresco (which we always wanted to) surrounded by a mini herb garden and flowering plants.

L'Escale Restaurant

The daily breakfast buffet was included on the room rates. There were different sections for the buffet spread and as usual, I scanned my options before digging in. I chose from a wide array of light to heavy meals and decided to fill my plate with my comfort breakie food of waffles, fried eggs and pork bacons.

My breakie plate

I also noticed that they offer champagne on the buffet spread, quite quirky eh? My buddy went on and tried the local dishes which he enjoyed. We also had some fresh juices from the bar which completed the feast.

I didn’t wanna go out that day. We're done with temple tours in Siem Reap during our first two visits so we want this particular trip to be a relaxing one. Plus, the punishing summer morning heat was unbearable that all I wanted was to take a dip into the refreshing pool and lounge all day. My buddy had other plans though.

When they asked us if we wanna go around town, I didn't realize that it'll be in style. Getting ready for our coolest ride! 🚗 #SameSameSummerTrip2017

A post shared by blissfulguro (@blissfulguro) on Apr 24, 2017 at 11:28pm PDT

This recent trip was our third visit to Siem Reap and we’ve already been to almost every major temple in the city. With the help of Victoria Angkor Resort, we availed of their vintage car tour around the city which was a totally different experience as we went to local areas and got a taste of the community vibe of the city. We got used to odd stares that usually turn into a grin once they saw that we’re taking pleasure in having a chauffeur-driven vintage car around town.

City tour in style

That afternoon, I completed my cycle of two-day siesta while my buddy was busy with catching up with his work backlogs. After three hours (or was that four), I woke up to the sound of hardcore grunge music playing on the iPod dock. Surely, my buddy was enjoying his solitude moment while I was in dreamland.

French colonial design

We booked for a spa treatment that evening at Healthysens Spa. We were advised that the Aromatherapy Massage is just the perfect therapy for us for we wanted something that could relieve our stress and calm our senses. We were also asked on our chosen pressure points in which we wanted for them to concentrate on.

We had a couple’s room and were instructed on the treatment course. And the moment it started, my body surrendered to every knead by my masseuse. I was in complete trance during the whole procedure. We were treated to some hot tea and sweet treats after the whole procedure.

Healthysens Spa

And truly, after the 60-minute massage, I felt so good that the moment we went back to our room, I slumped into the bed and effortlessly continued my slumber, only to be woken up minutes after because of dinner.

The Aromatherapy Massage was really good!

The next day, our last, we just lounged on the poolside and took occasional dips on the saltwater pool. The tropical vibe was so relaxing that we almost missed the check-out time.

Chill all day

Leaving our home for three days was very hard. Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is truly an oasis in the middle of a busy city that it renewed our spirits to carry on with our adventure. It prepped us for the Cambodia leg of our backpacking trip and it set the benchmark for our future trips; a relaxing slowdown is important every now and then to keep on with the stresses of our backpacking trip.