Mr & Mrs Smith

 

The Babylonian-meets-metropolitan façade offers just the faintest clue to what awaits inside. Designer apsaras (heavenly maidens) guard the hallway and guests are ushered into the Arts Lounge for a welcome drink, a delectable enough concoction to bookmark the bar for a return visit. White is the shade of choice throughout, set against dark tiles and brooding black and white images of temples and carvings. The rooms have an understated elegance, continuing the modernist take on Khmer art deco, if ever there was such a thing. Floors are Makha wood, bathtubs subtle shades of terrazzo and beds king-sized platforms. Like the Arts Lounge, the iPods here have a bespoke music collection from Bed Supperclub in Bangkok designed to slip you into the tub or under the sheets.

 

The swimming pool blends ancient world fantasy with modern romance and is peppered with nooks and crannies for relaxing in peace. Part of the pool is covered, offering the rare chance for a midday swim when the thermometer is overheating, although it’s not designed for laps. Nearby, the Indochine Spa has three floors to showcase the Bill Bensley-inspired themes of fire and water, as well as a state-of-the-art gym to get in shape for exploring the temples.

 

Meric is one of the dining destinations in Siem Reap and an alternative place to work on your figure. Outdoor tables include the playful swing chairs and an array of inviting settings with views across the courtyard pool. At night, with the torches flaming, this is a meal to remember. The seven-course Khmer tasting menu entices with such local delicacies as green mango salad with dried snake and grilled frogs legs with tamarind jam. Then it's time to move to the Arts Lounge for that cocktail you promised yourself on check-in. The martini list is worthy of an A. Just ensure you don’t over-indulge, as that terrazzo plunge tub awaits.