Siem Reap's True Concept of Luxury

"There is much more to the concept of Luxury. It can be described as a feeling in which time plays an important role. A feeling of intimacy, exclusivity and care while not being rushed." 

A story written by Toni di Vincitorio

Working in the hospitality and travel industry can be brutal at times. Visiting all these hotels you never get to stay yourself, listening to all these wonderful holiday stories, and inspecting all these beautiful restaurants where you yourself never have time to dine with your family. 

Yes, hospitality is sacrificed at times. The more we get a moment to ourselves, the more precious that moment becomes. People these days travel pretty much with that same attitude. They don’t take much time to enjoy the moment, let it contemplate, and savor the experience. People rush through highlights and a moment to relax seems a luxury in any travel program. 

In a world where luxury seems to have become the standard and budget dictates that standard, it seems almost impossible to come up with exceptional activities that create that luxury and exclusive feeling. Especially if you want the budget for that activity to stay within to the range of what we used to refer to as a “flashpacker” budget. Luxury is more than a hotel that is up to a Western five-star standard and more than doing activities that are usually not within everybody’s budget. There is much more to the concept of Luxury. It can be described as a feeling in which time plays an important role. A feeling of intimacy, exclusivity and care while not being rushed. 

Being the highlight destination that Siem Reap is, very few people venture off the temple tracks and into the beautiful countryside that surrounds Siem Reap. Luxury can be found all around in different measures. Think of friendly people, authentic life, real life experiences and valuable time can be found here. One of the activities that really helps create an amazing day of rest, relaxation and extraordinary activities is a meal in the countryside. Having a meal on the spot takes away the transfer time you need to go back to the hotel or town. It adds boring time you spend on a car and takes away the potential lovely encounters you can have with the local community.

Imagine sitting at a local pagoda, in front of the Abbot. He blesses you with a chant and sprays water over you. He ties a red string around your wrist, which symbolizes a safe journey and eternal health. You walk around the pagoda with your guide and learn in depth the true meaning of Buddhism. Admire the tranquil and well-maintained grounds of the pagoda. A table is set up under a tree, it overlooks the pagoda and its Buddhist relics. A chef pours you a glass of cold sparkling water and explains your three-course meal to you. 

While seated on these mystical grounds, you know that everyone around you is there to provide you with a unique experience. Besides the birds chirping, the wind blowing through the trees and the footsteps of your chef, there is no other sound confirming life around you. Right at this moment, you are alone on this planet. Your moment of peace and quiet, to contemplate your travel experiences and reflect with your partner your incredible journey.

The chef returns and brings a Banana Blossom Salad, one of the typical Cambodian starters that goes very well with dried shrimps or fish. As you savor the tranquility and starter, the chef prepares your main course. A wonderful fresh water fish from the Tonle Sap Lake with a hint of tamarind follows the starter. Fresh fruits that surround you are served in a cocktail glass, sprinkled with honey to end a meal that you will never forget. How could you forget the afternoon that you took your time to savor the real life and taste of Cambodia?

photography by: Lolei Travel