Dreamy Stays for Couples in Cambodia

The Rainbow Lodge, set on the edge of the South Cardamom Mountains Protected Reserve, offers a unique glimpse into a side of Cambodia few travellers get to see. Rainbow Lodge conforms to an ecolodge philosophy and offers a quiet, secluded escape that’s completely sustainable. There are seven ecolodges in a natural setting that’s been meticulously preserved with indigenous plants and animals in mind. Surrounded by wild jungle vegetation, the riverside area is blissfully romantic – ideal for relaxing in a hammock or cooling off in the water to the soundtrack of exotic birdsong.

Located on a tranquil bend of the Kampot River, the GreenHouse guesthouse is ideal for an idyllic escape in the Cambodian countryside. Bungalows constructed with simple, natural materials provide breezy comfort with sweeping views of the surrounding riverside landscape. With the option of riverfront, deluxe or garden views, bungalows are perfect for couples and contain a double bed, fan and mosquito net, plus a private bathroom. A refreshing breeze flows through the cane shutters, which also provide a great view of the cascading river and lush gardens. At the onsite kitchen, the chef’s Kampot pepper specialities are a must-try – served on an open deck overlooking the river.

Set in a restored 1930s mansion, Plantation styles itself as an urban retreat located in the heart of Phnom Penh, just 660ft (200m) from the Royal Palace and National Museum. The hotel features a swimming pool flanked by vegetation, where you can swim or sunbathe, followed by a couple’s spa treatment using traditional Cambodian ingredients. Feast on Western and Khmer cuisine by the pool and enjoy the dizzyingly extensive breakfast buffet in the morning.

Situated on the Siem Reap river banks, Jaya House is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Here, a tuk-tuk will take you to Angkor Wat’s magnificent temples in just under six minutes. There are only 36 rooms in this intimate hotel – each with a balcony or garden access – plus two swimming pools, a spa and an all-day dining restaurant. Relax by the poolside and enjoy the on-site spa, which uses ancient Khmer and South-East Asian massage techniques.

Song Saa Private Island, located along Cambodia’s coastline, is a retreat inspired by the beauty of its natural surroundings. As the name suggests, you’ll find plenty of privacy in this resort, as well as luxurious villas, a coral reef, a pristine beach and spa centres. All four villas feature thatched roofs, canopy beds and antique decor, alongside repurposed pieces of furniture, fashioned from driftwood or discarded oil drums. The chefs rely heavily on fresh, local ingredients: seasonal fruits and vegetables, wildlife-friendly Ibis rice from the north and meaty cashew nuts and coconuts from nearby villages are all menu mainstays.

This charming village, with 11 traditional wooden houses on stilts – just 5mi (8km) from Angkor Wat – contributes to the preservation of Cambodia’s architectural heritage. The houses were recovered from the Cambodian countryside, dismantled and transported to the Sala Lodges site, where they were reassembled. Each one has its own story, architecture and history – the oldest house dates back to the late 1950s. The modern infinity pool and sleek restaurant and bar areas offer a pleasingly modern contrast to the traditional Cambodian lodges.

Ren Resort is one of the most popular hotels in Sihanoukville, which is approximately 7mi (11km) from the city centre, close to the infamous Otres Beach. Relax and unwind at a beachfront hotel with secluded beach views and blissfully tranquil surroundings. The neutral, modernist architecture and electric-blue swimming pool are a counterpoint to the vegetation of the surrounding jungle. Ren Resort’s key goal is to leave you with a lasting impression of the beauty of the landscape and its warm Cambodian hospitality.

The 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is an eco-luxury lodge located on the Tatai River, at the foot of the Cardamom Mountains. Within minutes of arrival, you’ll feel a sense of calm and tranquillity. A soundtrack of wildlife – birds, insects, monkeys and perhaps even an elephant – plays in the background as you listen to the flowing river from your floating villa. Take advantage of the sundeck on your tented villa, cool off in the water, go kayaking, explore the rainforest with the help of a tour guide and enjoy first-class Cambodian cuisine from the comfort of this top-notch resort.

At the zenith of Cambodia’s luxury offerings is Amansara. Once a residence for guests of King Sihanouk, it’s a magnificent example of 1960s New Khmer architecture – only 10 minutes from Angkor Wat. The lush gardens, soothing spa, curved pool and abundance of ancient trees lend the hotel a sense of tranquillity worthy of its name, which translates as “peace” in Sanskrit. Amansara’s suites, with terrazzo and wood finishes, combine a bedroom and living area with a step down into a light-filled bathroom and an island bathtub. Each suite has a private terrace with sun loungers and a reflection pond, providing you and your partner with ample privacy.

In the middle of Cambodia’s picturesque countryside lies Zannier Hotels’s Phum Baitang, a luxury resort set between the bustling Siem Reap and ancient Angkor Wat; a Unesco World Heritage Site. Located in a slow-paced world of rice paddies, lemongrass fields and swaying coconut palms, “green village” is a fitting name for this resort. Every villa is elevated on stilts and features high ceilings, bamboo walls, antiques, beautiful wooden shutters and a day bed to take in the spectacular views from. An authentic Cambodian farmhouse pays homage to its colonial past with rattan chairs for perching on while you sip sundowners. Be sure to visit the hotel’s Spa Temple, which offers treatments inspired by ancient Khmer therapies amid the tropical gardens.