Executive Chef Memo Hernandez for Siem Reap Easter brunch 

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is partnering with Siso, a celebrated artisan bakery in Phnom Penh, to host a special Champagne brunch in celebration of Easter Sunday on April 5.

Siso, known for its Japanese-French-inspired cakes and pastries made with premium fresh ingredients, will offer a selection of tempting treats, including lemon yuzu eclairs, spiced carrot pineapple tart, triple chocolate crunch cake, strawberry milk tart, and more. Siso Bakery is one of Phnom Penh’s most beloved pastry cafés and recently opened a location at the city’s new Techo International Airport.

The Champagne Brunch with Siso will be held at Café d’Angkor, the hotel’s popular monthly brunch venue. The event is priced at $60++ per person, with an additional $35++ for unlimited Champagne, and will be served from 12 pm to 3 pm.

Siso Bakery

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s new Executive Chef Memo Hernandez will oversee the culinary offerings for this exclusive Easter brunch.

“I am honored to collaborate with our local partners and draw inspiration from Cambodia’s exceptional fresh produce. This Easter, I look forward to celebrating within our vibrant culinary scene,” Chef Memo said.

Having joined Raffles last month, Chef Memo heads the culinary teams at Café d’Angkor, 1932 (the hotel’s Khmer fine-dining restaurant), The Conservatory (famous for Afternoon Tea), and the hotel’s banquet services.

For more details or to reserve a table for the Easter Sunday Brunch, please call +855 23 982 598 or visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.

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Raffles Hotel Le Royal, one of Southeast Asia’s most renowned luxury heritage hotels located in Phnom Penh, is marking its 96th anniversary this month with a charity gala and the launch of a new art exhibition spotlighting talented young Cambodian artists. The hotel will host a charity gala dinner and art auction on Friday, Nov. 24 at its award-winning Restaurant Le Royal. The evening will feature a three-course gourmet dinner with fine wines, accompanied by a live auction of artworks created by the children of Sunrise Cambodia, a local non-profit charitable organisation.

All proceeds from the dinner and auction will directly support the care and education of underprivileged children through Sunrise Cambodia’s various programs. Tickets are priced at $96 for two persons and the evening begins at 6 p.m.

Earlier this month, Raffles Hotel Le Royal launched a heartfelt art exhibition titled ‘I Spy – The Magic of Raffles’, which invites guests to look closer at unique details of the storied hotel, a longstanding cultural landmark with a strong commitment to community, education and the arts. The children’s artworks from the exhibition will be part of the auction on Nov. 24.

“Through the eyes of Cambodia’s youth, this unique art project captures not just the beauty of our historic hotel, but also the essence of heritage, imagination and hope,” Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons said.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal 96th anniversary charity event will include art projects

As part of the project, Raffles Hotel Le Royal organised an art competition for 25 children from Sunrise Cambodia. Guided by renowned Cambodian artist Chhim Sothy and supported by fellow artists Li Ming Hang and Emmeline Mulder, the children were invited to artistically interpret ‘The Magic of Raffles’ in their own way.

On Children’s Day, five outstanding artworks were selected and transformed into limited-edition postcards, now available at the Raffles Boutique, with proceeds benefiting Sunrise Cambodia’s creative education programs.

Green Globe Certification

The 96th anniversary celebrations come as Raffles Hotel Le Royal was also recently recognised for a second-straight year with an industry-leading Green Globe Certification highlighting the hotel’s commitment to sustainable practices.

The designation was awarded based on the hotel’s efficient resource management, its innovative and engaging community programmes, unique environmental initiatives and other best practices.

The Green Globe programme traces its roots back to the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, where 182 heads of state from around the world endorsed the Agenda 21 principles of sustainable development. Today, Green Globe has grown to become the world’s leading certification for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism worldwide.

The Green Globe Certification Standard includes 44 criteria in four groups and supported by over 380 compliance indicators. The standard has been developed over three decades and guarantees the highest level of sustainable operations and management.

For more information on the gala dinner and auction, or to make a booking at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please contact +855 23 981 888 or visit www.raffles.com/phnom-penh.

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Cambodia has entered a new era of travel with the official opening of Techo International Airport (KTI), the country’s largest aviation project and one of the world’s biggest airports by land area.

A New Gateway to Phnom Penh

Located just south of Phnom Penh, KTI is designed as a modern hub that will transform the way travelers, businesses, and investors connect with Cambodia. The airport’s first commercial flight, operated by Air Cambodia and greeted with a ceremonial water salute, marked the beginning of this historic milestone.

Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC) — a joint venture between the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) and the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) — the airport reflects Cambodia’s growing commitment to infrastructure and regional connectivity.

With an initial capacity of 13 million passengers annually, KTI is set to enhance tourism, expand trade routes, and position Phnom Penh as a competitive aviation hub in Southeast Asia.

Global Partners for World-Class Standards

Exterior shot of the new Techo International Airport Cambodia

To deliver international-quality service, CAIC has partnered with industry leaders including Vinci Airports, Lagardère Travel Retail, Newrest, and Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC). Their combined expertise ensures top-class operations, dining, shopping, and aircraft maintenance, helping KTI expand regional and long-haul connectivity in the years to come.

“Welcoming the first passengers at Techo International Airport is a defining moment,” said Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of OCIC and CAIC. “It opens new doors for Cambodia’s visitors, businesses, and investors, while shaping a stronger future for our nation.”

Architecture Inspired by Khmer Heritage

Designed by the renowned British firm Foster + Partners, the terminal showcases a striking blend of Khmer tradition and contemporary architecture. Bamboo-patterned domes reflect Cambodia’s weaving culture, while a nine-meter Buddha statue in the Abhayamudra pose welcomes passengers with peace and protection.

This unique design not only emphasizes cultural pride but also embraces sustainability, symbolizing Cambodia’s vision of progress rooted in tradition.

A Landmark Project by OCIC

The launch coincides with the 25th anniversary of OCIC, one of Cambodia’s most influential conglomerates. Over the past two decades, the group has contributed to the country’s transformation through real estate, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and industrial projects. With more than 10,000 homes, bridges, and flyovers built, the new Techo International Airport stands as OCIC’s most ambitious achievement to date.

What It Means for Travelers

The first passengers arrive at Techo International Airport

For visitors, KTI represents easier access to Cambodia’s rich cultural and natural attractions — from the temples of Angkor Wat to the beaches of Sihanoukville and the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh. The airport will streamline travel experiences, offering modern facilities, wider flight options, and smoother connections.

As Cambodia strengthens its position in regional and global air networks, KTI is more than an airport — it is a gateway to discovery.

For more on Cambodia’s tourism and travel updates, visit the Ministry of Tourism Cambodia.

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For centuries, the mere mention of Cambodia has conjured an image of mystery and adventure. From Angkor, the seat of the mighty Khmer empire, which flourished as one of Asia’s most important civilisations, to Phnom Penh, a modern, bustling royal metropolis, Cambodia today is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from around the world.

Now, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in the capital and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap have come together to introduce an exclusive new 7-day stay package, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, billed as ‘a journey like no other, where grand history, enchanted glamour and extraordinary adventure entwine’. The experience takes in the wonders of both destinations, including the iconic luxury hotels – both in their ninth decade – which are historic landmarks in their own right.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Landmark Suite

The curated journey begins in Phnom Penh, where guests stay at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which opened in 1929 and combines an elegant past with a bold, contemporary style inspired by French colonial, Khmer and Art Deco influences, including spacious rooms and suites. Here, visitors meet their Raffles Butler, who will assist with local excursions and hotel activities. The Resident Historian is also on hand to guide visitors through the hotel’s storied legacy.

The following two days include outings with the official biographer of Cambodia’s royal house who guides visitors to the nearby Royal Palace of Cambodia. Guests also visit the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture and much more, where they are privately led by the museum’s lead curator. And a special afternoon tea is arranged with Cambodian royalty, Her Highness Princess Chansita Norodom.

The experience in the capital also includes special local culinary activities, an architectural tour and a Khmer fine-dining meal at the hotel’s Restaurant Le Royal, including a five-course wine dinner highlighting the ultimate in Cambodian gastronomy.

On Day Four, guests travel by private helicopter from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, where they check into Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, whose design features an authentic expression of 1930s French Art Deco style. They are welcomed by their Raffles Butler, who will guide them to their poolside suite or glorious royal villa.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s ‘Lost Civilisations of Angkor by Vespa’ tour

In Siem Reap, visitors explore the ancient Khmer archeological site of Angkor – one of the world’s most popular UNESCO heritage sites – on a cozy Vespa scooter. The tour includes stops at the temple ruins of Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm, along with some of the complex’s lesser-known architectural wonders.

The next morning, guests watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat and further explore the surrounding archeological sites before visiting a local art gallery and the floating village of Chong Kneas at Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. The evening concludes with an exceptional Khmer dinner at the hotel’s 1932 restaurant.

Guests also visit Banteay Srei, considered to be the most intricate of all of Cambodia’s temples, the crown jewel of Angkorian art. They also visit a dance school under royal patronage and the last remaining elephants of Angkor in Kulen National Park.

In the evening, guests culminate their ‘journey of a lifetime’ with a magical temple dinner at Angkor Archeological Park, illuminated by blazing torches and flickering candles.

The final morning includes a hot-air balloon ride above the temples of Angkor that also takes in the bucolic countryside dotted with sugar palm trees – a fitting farewell to this legendary tale of two cities.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

The package is part of Raffles’ global ‘The Butler Did It’ campaign, which features one-of-a-kind, signature experiences across five continents, with a focus on the uncompromising levels of personalised service performed by Raffles’ legendary butlers since 1887.

To book part or all of this itinerary, Raffles requires two months’ advance notice. Seasonalities, royal duties and the availability of hosts and other elements of the itinerary are subject to change. Pricing is available upon request. More details on ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ can be found here: www.raffles.com/siem-reap/experiences/A-Tale-Of-Two-Cities/.

For more information on Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please contact +855 23 981 888 or visit www.raffles.com/phnom-penh. For Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please call +855 23 982 598 or visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/

The post Raffles Cambodia Unveils Exclusive 7-Day Journey appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

London Curates a Hong Kong Art Trail

The Hari Hong Kong has launched a cultural immersion experience that guides guests through the remarkable rota of art adorning its walls and Wan Chai neighbourhood’s exciting art scene. “The Hari Art Trail” is underpinned by a personalised art tour with the hotel’s in-house art ambassador, practicing artist Bibek Rai, who shares anecdotes behind the hotel’s eclectic art collection and contemporary design. Spanning a variety of mediums including installations, mixed media, surreal photographs, graphic paintings, three-dimensional images and digital film pieces, the art is curated by London-based art advisory A Space For Art, which also selects works for sister hotel The Hari London. Following Bibek’s art tour, guests are encouraged to continue the art trail by visiting two of Wan Chai’s hidden gems; 1960s tenement block turned creative hub Foo Tak Building and appointment-only gallery PHD Group.

An Umbrella Village in the Sky

In a salute to Chiang Mai’s Bo Sang Umbrella Village, Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant Mai Restaurant and Bar and executive The Level Lounge make for a visual marvel. Guests enter the 21st floor under an arch that pays homage to a nearby temple, to be greeted by large lit installations of umbrella ribs clinging to the ceiling and various artworks of umbrella canopies hung on the walls, such as those made from antique Chiang Mai textiles and bamboo frames. Concentric patterns in the likes of gun metal gray, periwinkle and soft amber hues reference umbrella tops in a striking yet subdued way.

250 Oil Paintings Detail Life in Vietnam

Opening doors on Vietnam’s rich culture, talented Vietnamese artists were commissioned by The Anam Mui Ne, which opened in January 2023, to create 250 unique oil paintings for each room and suite, as well as the lobby and hallways. The artists include painters Bui Van Quang, who is renowned for his paintings portraying daily Vietnamese life, and Vu Trong Anh, who’s won acclaim for his modern, abstract interpretations of Vietnamese scenery. Pottery art, such as clay vases and statues, made by the Cham people has been included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.

The Giant Swing and Kites Galore

Remarkable artwork throughout INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit takes guests on an abstract journey across Bangkok by referencing some of the city’s famed attractions. Beside the hotel’s jewel in the crown, an awe-inspiring infinity pool on the 34^th floor, a compelling contemporary interpretation of Bangkok’s Brahman structure The Giant Swing makes for a dramatic photo backdrop. LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar’s striking angled lines and cabling pay tribute to Rama VIII Bridge. The Kites Eatery’s walls are adorned with kites, depicting the popularity of kite flying at state park Sanam Luang. In addition to striking black and white photography of Bangkok hung on the hotel’s walls, other artistic endeavours include a stairwell between the 31st and 32nd floors that makes for an optical illusion. The Open Living Lounge’s design takes cues from Wat Phra Kaew, with, for example, a golden counter inspired by the temple’s traditional Thai decorations gilded in gold leaf.

Delve Deeply in a Gallery for Wellness

TIA Wellness Resort has painted a new image of a well-rounded, wellbeing approach with the launch of its new art gallery space in May. Building on the tool of creativity as a way to calm the mind and regulate emotions, the new gallery sits alongside TIA’s Creative Space, where daily creativity workshops are hosted. The new gallery space features 32 images. Ten photographs were created by Jeff Courdrec, a French artisan photographer who used an analogue technique for this exclusive collaboration with TIA that delves deeply into its overall wellness philosophy. The abstract art on display reflects the resort’s Zen Splash concept, which is about inspiration, boldness, and creation. These ink images were created by a Hoi An-based calligrapher, Nguyễn Xuân Sinh.

700 Pieces of Art in a Single Setting

Palace Hotel Tokyo, a Forbes Five-Star property overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens, features such a vast art collection that the local gallery that helped install it offers a special tour for guests to introduce some highlights. The more than 700 artworks on display draw inspiration from the hotel’s unique setting, which faces, in one direction, the city’s rich past, with the historic palace grounds. In the other direction, it points toward the future and the vibrant business district of Marunouchi. Many artists who created works here are globally renowned and highly sought after by collectors. The Palace Hotel Tokyo art tour, led by Art Front Gallery, explores major works both in the public areas of the hotel, including the reception lobby, as well as in guest rooms and restaurants, delving into subject, technique, symbolism and more.

Did 13 Emperors Run Out of Luck?

In Vietnam’s former imperial capital, the 122-room Azerai La Residence, Hue is home to an art gallery featuring portraits of all 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Hue from 1802 to 1945. The gallery is believed to be the only place in all of Vietnam where images of all 13 leaders can be viewed in a single location. Hue is steeped in history, and Azerai La Residence, Hue is located just across the Perfume River from many of the area’s most popular historic attractions, including the Citadel and the city’s iconic flagpole.

Apsara in Another Medium

Two of Cambodia’s most iconic luxury heritage hotels – Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap – regularly showcase the works of leading Khmer contemporary artists. Raffles Hotel Le Royal recently presented “Sacred Dancers” at the hotel’s Restaurant Le Royal featuring DinArt, one of Cambodia’s most important abstract painters, and Ramya Chuon, who draws inspiration from the country’s legendary Apsara dancers. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor likewise launched a new on-property art series earlier this year featuring a celebrated Khmer painter. The works were displayed in the hotel’s elegant public areas and restaurants. Both exhibitions included partnerships with top local galleries.

Bring the Birds Inside

At Angsana Lang Co, the art isn’t just on the walls — it’s in the trees. The resort’s Birds Sanctuary Photo Gallery is a living exhibition dedicated to the region’s rich birdlife, featuring captivating images contributed by local photographers and nature lovers. Part of the resort’s Stay for Good initiative, the gallery goes beyond aesthetics, doubling as an environmental awareness project that highlights the importance of biodiversity and conservation in Central Vietnam. Open to all visitors, the space invites guests to slow down and engage with nature through photography — and perhaps even add their own work to the collection. For those inspired to look beyond the frame, Angsana also offers guided birdwatching excursions around its lush wetlands and coastline. It’s a resort where art, nature, and guest participation come together beautifully.

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ALL, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty program, and nine Accor hotels in Cambodia, launch the ‘Discover Cambodia’ campaign. Throughout August 2024, these hotels will offer a wide range of Khmer-inspired experiences for all guests, providing a perfect opportunity to explore Cambodia‘s rich culture, warm hospitality and stunning landscapes.

Members of ALL can make the most of the benefits and enjoy exclusive redemptions by redeeming their Reward points for exclusive hotel packages with up to 80% savings from 1 to 31 August.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Participating hotels include Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1, Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort, TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square, ibis Styles Siem Reap, and ibis budget Phnom Penh Riverside. This campaign is also supported by Les Celliers D’Asie and Heineken Cambodia.

Some highlight experiences during the ‘Discover Cambodia’ campaign include:

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, a historic icon where the grandeur of the past meets modern sophistication in the heart of Phnom Penh, will host an exclusive Khmer set dinner with live Cambodia classics at Restaurant Le Royal on 17 August, and a special cocktail menu inspired by famous Cambodia singers at the iconic Elephant Bar.

In the Old French Quarter of Siem Reap, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor will offer an extraordinary ‘Golden Age Tasting Menu’ ($60++ per person) from 1-10 August at the Khmer fine dining restaurant 1932, as well as an exclusive Sunday Champagne Brunch (from $60++ per person) at Café d’Angkor on 4 August to celebrate 1960s Cambodian pop music with the Khmer Magic Music Bus.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, a tranquil sanctuary amidst the skyscrapers of Phnom Penh, will host a weekday kids’ camp throughout August ($75 per child per day) with a wide range of sports and creative challenges. On 11 August, the hotel will host a special Sunday Brunch ($50++ per person) at Do Forni with an optional free flow of Champagne Taittinger ($110++ per person). Le Bar will host the Distillery, a unique Rum Explorer ($30++ per person) featuring a flight tasting on 9 August, and a Wine Affair ($30++ per person) featuring a variety of unique wines on 23 August.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, renowned for its harmonious fusion of French colonial charm and traditional Khmer sophistication, will present a special local inspired cocktail, The Garden Fizz Cambodian Cocktail ($14++), and Asian High Tea ($20++) at its Explorer’s Tales – Champagne Bar from 1-10 August.

Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1 will host a Basque buffet dinner (from $49++) on 16 August, where the rich and vibrant flavors of the Basque Country come alive to celebrate culinary traditions. A Cambodian rock ‘n’ roll night, featuring the enchanting Miss Saravan performing hits from the golden era of the 1960s, will enhance the dining experience. On 17 August, guests can enjoy a Basque brunch buffet (from $59++) while listening to live music by Miss Saravan, transporting them back to the golden era of Khmer music. Pintxos and Basque cocktails at Kaixo Bar will be available from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort, an idyllic beachfront retreat, will offer a Khmer set menu ($27 net) at Food Exchange from 19-30 August, complemented by an exhibition on Cambodia’s golden era. On 24-25 August, the main lobby will present a traditional Khmer desserts live station (from $2.50 net). The hotel’s Domrei Bar & Cigar Lounge and Aqua Bar & Grill will serve unique Khmer cocktails (from $5 net) from 19-30 August.

TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square, a design-led hotel, will serve a Khmer Fusion Themed Dinner Experience at its Hemisphere Sky Bar ($42 nett), with an after-party spotlighting music from the golden age of Cambodia by DJ StillCa$hRules on 15 August.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

ibis Styles Siem Reap, a stylish hotel that embraces creativity, will serve an afternoon ‘Cambodian Delights’ buffet on August 2, a ‘Carb-up Pasta Fiesta’ buffet accompanied by a live Cambodian R&R on 3 August, and a ‘Weekend Late Breakfast’ buffet on 4 August. The hotel will also feature a Cambodian Delights Tray and a fresh sugarcane juice station from 1-10 August.

Members of ALL can redeem hotel packages at participating hotels with a minimum of only 1,000 Reward points. For more information, please visit https://limitlessexperiences.accor.com/discovercambodiafestivalredemptionsale

ALL is the free lifestyle loyalty programme of Accor that goes beyond hotels, offering members special savings, reward points, and privileges. Reward Points can be earned on hotel stays as well as at thousands of restaurants and bars throughout the network which can be used to redeem a range of experiences. Becoming a member is simple and free of charge. To join, visit all.com.

About ALL

ALL is a booking platform and loyalty program embodying the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay. Through the ALL.com website and app, customers can access an unrivalled choice of stays from more than 45 Accor brands in 110 countries, always at the best price. The ALL loyalty program gives members access to a wide range of rewards, services and experiences, along with over 100 renowned partners. ALL supports its members daily, enabling them to live their passions with over 2,000 events worldwide each year: local activities, chef masterclasses, major sports tournaments and the most eagerly awaited concerts. ALL is the loyalty program preferred by travellers. Discover ALL.com

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Sit with Mom by a Moat

Though many hotels invoke the majesty of the word palace, few can claim such palatial trappings as a moat. The Palace Hotel Tokyo can. The property’s regal waterside setting can be enjoyed on Grand Kitchen’s outdoor terrace, or through the floor to ceiling windows of The Palace Lounge while enjoying their springtime afternoon tea. The Afternoon Tea “Stones” feature seasonal sweets and savories with prices starting at JPY 8,000 for the set (or JPY 11,000 with champagne). Round out the afternoon with a treatment at evian SPA TOKYO^®, the Alpine-inspired spa at Palace Hotel Tokyo. The hotel’s spa was recently awarded a prestigious Five-Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide, making it the very first Japanese-brand hotel to achieve a Five-Star rating for both its hotel and spa.

Mom Retreats to DaNang

While a massage never goes astray on Mother’s Day, TIA Wellness Resort’s retreats move beyond short-term fixes to offer guests lifelong skills to help alleviate stress and anxiety and connect to their creative selves. The ‘Creative Healing Retreat’ harnesses the power of breath, art, energy healing, and nourishing plant-based cuisine over a four- or seven-night stay. The ‘Body & Mind Cleanse’ is all about nourishing raw food cuisine combined with intermittent fasting, detox therapies, and holistic wellbeing practices from sound healing to private yoga sessions. The week-long stay includes excursions to local places of spiritual significance, such as a private Tai Chi session in the Marble Mountains.

Letting Mom Go Solo

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, in the uplands of Bali caters to a broad range of travelers ranging from families to couples. Mothers craving a break from daily routines might enjoy the gift of some solo downtime with the resort’s ‘The Art of Solo Serenity.’ The two-night stay package for one includes a 60-minute private yoga or meditation session at Dua Dari, a Residence by Hadiprana, followed by an afternoon tea; a 90-minute signature Tanah Gajah Jade massage (4 hands massage) at The Spa; half board including two three-course meals at The Tempayan; and complimentary return airport transfer.

Getting Mom Stoned

Spa journeys, cooking and cake-making classes, afternoon tea and more are on offer at Alma Resort Cam Ranh to spoil mothers on May 12. Le Spa will “relax, recharge and renew” mothers with its 110-minute “Energizing Therapy” and “Le Spa Day Package with Sothys” spa journeys. Energizing Therapy comprises back stone or bamboo therapy, as well as foot stone therapy and a nourishing facial. The day package includes steam and sauna, Sothys body exfoliation, a signature massage treatment and facial. La Casa’s three-hour Italian cooking will focus on pizza and pasta. Kids from five to 15 years of age will have the chance to make cakes for their mothers at the Pastry Kitchen. La Casa will serve afternoon tea with a 30% discount for mothers, and Alma Lounge will concoct “Beloved Mommy” cocktails from 5pm.

A Special Mother’s Day Market

Two iconic heritage hotels in Cambodia are preparing to celebrate Mother’s Day on May 12 with exclusive Sunday Brunch offerings and more. In honour of the occasion, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap will host a live painting session with Tribe Gallery along with Raffles’ Signature Champagne Brunch, priced at $60++ per person, with an option for unlimited Champagne, wine and mimosas for an additional $35++. Local gourmet restaurant Tatie’s will help prepare the cuisine. Meanwhile, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in the capital, Phnom Penh, will present a special Mother’s Day market, a brunch at Le Phnom 1929 (priced from $35 net per person; 50% off for children; and complimentary for children under 5), and an extended Happy Hour from 4pm-9pm at the hotel’s fabled Elephant Bar.

A Box of Chocolates for Mom

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the Grand Dame of Vietnamese hospitality, will host two special Mother’s Day events on May 12, including an exclusive Mother’s Day Brunch at modern French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu. All mothers will receive a rose and box of chocolates alongside a sumptuous brunch priced from VND 2.5 million++ per adult, with optional wine for VND 3.8 million++ or wine and Champagne for VND 4.8 million++. The iconic luxury hotel, which recently reopened its historic Heritage Wing following an extensive and inspired refurbishment, will also serve an exquisite Afternoon Tea with an assortment of sweet and savory treats and refreshments. The tea will be served in Le Club Bar from 3pm to 4:30pm on May 12.

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Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the luxury heritage hotel in the Cambodian capital, has earned a prestigious Four-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, whose designations are among the most highly sought after in the global luxury hospitality industry.

“Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been Phnom Penh’s defining word in opulence ever since its doors first swung open in 1929,” the guide’s inspectors wrote in their review of the hotel.

“It’s still the go-to for Cambodian high society looking to host wedding banquets and celebratory balls, while the colonial wood-paneled Elephant Bar is a must for post-event drinks. This is also the best place in Phnom Penh to enjoy afternoon tea; the refined airs and immaculately attired staff practically transport you back in time,” it added.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal was one of only two hotels in Phnom Penh to be recognized by Forbes Travel Guide last month. The Four-Star rating denotes “exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match.” Forbes Travel Guide, originally launched in 1958 (then as Mobil Travel Guide), is the oldest travel guide in the United States and the creator of the original Five-Star rating system for hotels.

The guide’s inspectors further praised Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s timeless elegance, saying, “While all accommodations [at the hotel] offer Old World luxury, the Landmark Rooms serve as a beautiful time capsule. The high-ceilinged rooms appear much as they did in 1929, including their enticing claw-foot baths.”

They also gave their highest approval to Restaurant Le Royal, the hotel’s signature Khmer fine-dining venue, calling it “one of the best meals in town.” Raffles Hotel Le Royal features 175 rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Forbes award

“There is no greater honour for a hotel than to be recognized by Forbes Travel Guide. Our staff understand we are all caretakers of an incredible legacy in the Grand Dame of Cambodian hospitality, and we look forward each day to providing warm and attentive service to all of our cherished guests,” said Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s General Manager Dennis de Groot.

The Forbes Travel Guide designation adds to a growing list of awards for the historic property. In January, the UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine named Raffles Hotel Le Royal one of the world’s best city hotels (No. 24 overall). Travel + Leisure named it one of the top city hotels in Cambodia last year. And it was voted the No. 1 hotel in Cambodia by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards the previous year.

For more information on Raffles Hotel Le Royal, or to make a booking, please contact +855 23 981 888 or visit www.raffles.com/phnom-penh.

The post Raffles Hotel Le Royal Award from Forbes Travel Guide appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the luxury heritage hotel in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, was recently voted one of the world’s best city hotels by readers of the UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. The hotel placed No. 24 on the list and was the only hotel in Cambodia honored in its category in the LLM Readers’ Travel Awards 2023, which were announced last month.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal originally opened in 1929 and today features 175 rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019. The latest award adds to a growing list of recognitions for the historic property.

State Room Pool View at Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Last year, the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific named Raffles Hotel Le Royal one of the top city hotels in Cambodia, General Manager Dennis de Groot was honored as one of the country’s top hotel GMs, and the swimming pool was declared the very best in all of Cambodia.

It was also voted the No. 1 hotel in Cambodia by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in its popular annual Readers’ Choice Awards the previous year.

For more information on Raffles Hotel Le Royal, or to make a booking, please contact +855 23 981 888 or visit www.raffles.com/phnom-penh.

ABOUT RAFFLES

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

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The iconic Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal won four honors at the “Top 30 Bars Cambodia” awards for 2023, earning recognition for its signature cocktails, impeccable service and distinctive special events. The outlet was recognised as the “Top Bar of the Year” in the awards, which were announced on March 30. It was also named one of the “Top 30 Bars in Cambodia” and landed two honours for “Top Bar Team of the Year” in separate awards presented by Heineken and Chivas Regal.

“The Elephant Bar is a long-time institution in Phnom Penh,” General Manager Dennis de Groot said. “Over the past nine decades, we’ve welcomed the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham and Jacqueline Kennedy, who sipped our first Femme Fatale, which is now a signature cocktail.” The awards were announced as the bar introduces many unique special events this year.

The World Gin Tour, launched in January, showcases highlights from one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse and thoughtfully curated gin collections, with more than 150 labels. Each month introduces a new special cocktail menu featuring refreshing drinks made with a different country’s gin, in addition to a “gin masterclass” that includes cocktail flights for two hours highlighting the featured gin (priced at $28).

Additionally, Elephant Bar’s popular “bar takeover” series has welcomed top regional bartenders, such as Wong Wee Siong of the renowned Smoke & Mirrors rooftop cocktail bar in Singapore who mixed exclusive drinks for Elephant Bar patrons in April.

In March, Raffles Hotel Le Royal hosted the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or, the worldwide organization dedicated to the noble art of Champagne sabrage. The group is globally renowned among Champagne aficionados for the ritual, which involves severing the top of the bottle with a sword.

Elephant Bar exudes timeless charm and sophistication with its rich wood accents, colorful ceiling frescoes and historic photographs on the walls, while wicker chairs and leather sofas bask behind high French windows and arched colonnades in true colonial style.

Voted the No. 1 hotel in Cambodia by readers of the US-based travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards in October, Raffles Hotel Le Royal originally opened in 1929. The hotel features 175 rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019.

For more information or to make a booking, call 023 981 888 or email dining.leroyal@raffles.com.

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The iconic Elephant Bar at the 90-year-old Raffles Hotel Le Royal has launched a new “World Gin Tour” showcasing highlights from one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse and thoughtfully curated gin collections. The yearlong “World Gin Tour” spotlights select labels from Elephant Bar’s collection of more than 150 distinctive gins from around the world. Whether classic concoctions or modern inventions, Elephant Bar’s expert bartenders can make them all.

Each month will introduce a new special cocktail menu featuring refreshing drinks made with a different country’s gin, in addition to a “gin masterclass” that includes cocktail flights for two hours highlighting the featured gin (priced at $28). Upcoming stops on the tour include Australian gin (February), Spanish gin (March), Cambodian gin (April) and Irish gin (May). The “World Gin Tour” kicked off in January with French gin. Each stop on the tour begins with an exclusive, one-night “bar takeover” featuring guest mixologists.

Guests are invited to fill up their “gin passes” and win exciting prizes. The pass consists of 12 stamps. Those who get six stamps will receive a complimentary Elephant Bar gin masterclass; nine stamps wins a complimentary bottle of Elephant Bar Dry Gin; and 12 stamps earns a cocktail tailormade by the guest to be featured on Elephant Bar’s menu for one month.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s iconic Elephant Bar

With its rich wood accents, colourful ceiling frescoes and historic photographs on the walls, Elephant Bar is a long-time institution in Phnom Penh. Wicker chairs and leather sofas bask behind high French windows and arched colonnades in true colonial style. Among the bar’s guests over the past 90+ years have been Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham and Jacqueline Kennedy, who sipped the first Femme Fatale—now a signature cocktail at Elephant Bar.

Elephant Bar was recently nominated for Cambodia’s Top 30 Bar Awards. Voted the No. 1 hotel in Cambodia by readers of the US-based travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards in October, Raffles Hotel Le Royal originally opened in 1929. The hotel features 175 rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019.

For more information or to make a booking, call 023 981 888 or email dining.leroyal@raffles.com.

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Love is in the Air at Ho Tram Beach

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort will offer romantic private dining experiences, a spa journey, cake, cocktails and more to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The resort’s scenic beach garden and lake island will be set aside for one couple each for lavish private dining experiences paired with wine, and a romantic dinner by the beach will also be available for only two couples from February 11-18. Sasa will serve an intimate five-course dinner on its terrace accompanied by live music. The resort’s scenic beach garden and lake island will be set aside for one couple each for lavish private dining experiences paired with wine, and a romantic dinner by the beach will also be available for only two couples. Promotions include a free tapas selection with a bottle of rose Champagne or sparkling wine at Breeza Beach Club, the Pool Bar and for in-room dining, and the ‘cake of love’ and ‘cocktail of love’ served at Elyxr and Muoi respectively. YHI Spa’s ‘Valentine’s Day Spa Escape’ includes a 30-minute bath with rose petals, a glass of bubbles per guest, a chocolate bonbon and a 60-minute couple’s massage with mint chocolate oil. ‘Cupid’s Arrow Toss Game’ and a movie night are among the resort’s outdoor experiences. For more information, visit melia.com, email info@meliahotram.com or call +84 (0) 254 3789 000.

The Art of Romance in Bali

‘The Art of Romance’ is a two-night stay with all the romantic trimmings at a secluded resort in the uplands of Bali. Upon arrival at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, each couple will find a floral aromatherapy bath already drawn in their room and a welcome cake. After that it’s time for afternoon tea, served picnic style while overlooking the scenic rice paddies the property is known for. A photo session, shot throughout the grounds, uses mythical stone sculptures, ponds graced with swans, rice paddies, temples, and the verdant landscape as a backdrop. At the resort’s Tempayan restaurant, housed in a traditional bale-inspired building, the duo will enjoy a three-course candlelit meal. A 120-minute couples spa ritual in a deluxe double spa suite, with an oversized semi-outdoor terrazzo bath, and private steam shower, rounds out the romantic stay and is accompanied by a bottle of sparkling wine to be enjoyed in or out of the tub. The package is on offer for bookings until June 30, 2023. Rates start from USD 1,190 nett. For more information visit: https://www.tanahgajahubud.com/en/offers-promotion/the-art-of-romance

Sipping Strawberry Champagne in Koh Samui

Lauded by many a travel writer as one of the leading hotels in Asia, Banyan Tree Samui creates the most spectacular and romantic setting for a dinner for two. On February 14 only, visitors are invited to savour a sumptuous “Be My Valentine” dinner at the resort’s beachfront restaurant Sands for 6,969 Baht per couple. The 7-course feast commences with an amuse bouche of poached quail eggs with Caspian Sea Pearls, followed by scallops and salmon, duck liver foie gras, a cassoulet of lobster, and, as a main course, Australian Black Angus beef tenderloin and Alaskan snowfish, before a delightful dessert of hot chocolate lava cake with ice cream. For those who prefer a sunny afternoon with a stunning sea view, a strawberry-themed Valentine’s Special “I Love You” High Tea will be served at the resort’s Lobby Lounge, perched high above the palm-tree fringed beach. Macarons, mille-feuilles, strawberry tarts, scones, mousse, cheesecake and even strawberry sushi will be on the menu, which also includes an alluring Strawberry Champagne Cocktail. The price for the High Tea Set on Valentine’s Day is just 1,699 Baht per couple. For more information or reservations, contact: samui@banyantree.com or tel:+66 077 915

Igniting Amour in Quy Nhon

If one way to the heart routes through the stomach, guests of Fusion Hotel Group’s gastronomy-focused property Maia Resort Quy Nhon are getting a head start when it comes to love. Maiamour, the resort’s recently unveiled package, is designed for couples and blends wellness and cuisine over the course of a three-night stay. The stay is inclusive of an array of personalized offerings including Once Upon a Table, a four-course chef’s table style experience served in the resort’s intimate specialty restaurant, ad hoc, or Destination Dining which can be enjoyed on the powdery sands of Phuong Mai Bay or in villa. Daily pre-dinner sunset cocktails are also included as is a one-time artisanal afternoon tea set. Maia’s seaside spa, Vēla, invites couples to enjoy a signature 90-minute wellness journey inclusive of an infrared sauna therapy session; body rejuvenation rituals inclusive of massages; healing therapies or anti-ageing facial care treatments. Carefully appointed in-villa décor, including a customized floral arrangement and romantic bath ritual, are also part of the Maiamour offering. Rates start at VND 23,7000,000 for a three-night stay.

For more details regarding inclusions or rates, please contact the Reservations Department via email at reservations.mrqn@fusionhotelgroup.com or visit Maia Resort’s website: https://quynhon.maiaresorts.com/

Commemorating that Special Someone in Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo‘s celebration-worthy stay experience ‘Commemorating Tokyo‘ presents ten elements specially curated to mark the Forbes Five-Star property’s ten-year anniversary milestone. Ideal for couples highlights include: A three-night stay for the price of two; ‘Blooming’ cocktails for two at Royal Bar, the hotel’s Old-World bar, or at Lounge Bar Privé, made with a refreshing blend of yuzu liqueur, sakura liqueur, Lillet Blanc and the hotel’s signature 1-1-1 sake; daily moat-side breakfast at Grand Kitchen, a bottle of Palace Hotel Tokyo’s private-label Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux to take home or indulge during the stay; a box of the hotel’s signature chiyo choco chocolate imprinted with distinctive Japanese motifs; a prix-fixe dinner for two at contemporary French restaurant Esterre, teppanyaki-style restaurant GO, or Wadakura, known for its exquisite Japanese kaiseki; two 120-minute ‘Blissful Moments’ treatments at evian SPA TOKYO; and afternoon tea for two. The package is available for stays until May 31, 2023. Rates start at JPY 410,000. For more information, please visit: https://en.palacehoteltokyo.com/offer/tokyo-anniversary-celebration-package

Soak in Some Romance in Saigon

Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour,” may be the perfect tune to play on repeat while enjoying Fusion’s signature hammock tub at Fusion Suites Saigon. Two nights in the Corner Suite Room, with 180-degree floor-to-ceiling windows and an insta-worthy bath, is the core element of the hotel’s “Ma Cherie” romance package. The limited-time stay includes flower decoration (on the bed or in the tub), a bouquet of roses, a bottle of wine and one daily spa treatment per guest. Rates start at USD 342 for two-nights, inclusive of breakfast. More details can be found here. Ma Cherie is available for stays until the end of February.

‘Pink’ Afternoon Tea and ‘Valen-Thai’ Dinner for Two in Chiang Mai

Cupid has aimed his bow at Meliá Chiang Mai, enticing couples with a ‘Pink Valentine’s Afternoon Tea’ for two and a ‘Valen-Thai’ romantic set dinner. The afternoon tea at Ruen Kaew Lounge from February 1-28 between 2-5pm is THB 999 net per set. Salmorajo shots with prawn skewers, golden fried potato-sausage balls with light aioli and brava sauce, mini burgers, mini strawberry sandwiches, classic Basque-style burnt cheesecake, churros with warm strawberry dipping sauce and Lychee ice popsicles are among savoury and sweet treats coupled with fine tea and freshly brewed coffee. On Valentine’s Day, 21^st floor Mai Restaurant & Bar will serve the ‘Valen-Thai’ dinner from 6-10pm for THB 3500 net per couple. Accompanied by a live violinist, the four-course dinner starts with ‘Love’s Samplers’ of tasting size portions of three different delicacies before dried squid in seasoned consommé with pork ravioli and plums. The main course is a choice between a secret recipe of angus beef steak on braised beef cheek curry with butterfly peas flower rice or baked banana leaf-wrapped king salmon with spicy tomato relish, fish sauce brined mushrooms and sticky spring roll, followed by red velvet tres leaches cake. Call +66 (0) 52 090 603 or email fb@meliachiangmai.com

Vegan Beachside Bliss in Danang

TIA Wellness Resort is helping guests enjoy the ocean this Valentine’s Day, without taking any gifts from the sea for their plates. The wellbeing-focused property, set along a stunning stretch of powdery white sand between Da Nang and Hoi An, is serving up a creative 100% plant-based feast for couples wishing to enjoy a romantic waterfront perch. Contemporary flavours and an innovative touch runs throughout the new multi-course, family-style dining menu with dishes like seared king oyster mushroom with vegan caviar and a potato-chive mousseline, and grilled spiced squash with truffle risotto. The course menu starts at VND 990,000 ++ per person. With wine, from the resort’s fully organic & biodynamic wine list, at an additional cost. For more information visit: https://tiawellnessresort.com/

Flowing with Love Beneath a Waterfall in Mai Chau

A stunning waterfall at the heart of Avana Retreat stands as the inspiration behind the boutique property that is now nestled into the verdant mountainous landscape of Mai Chau, Vietnam. Couples who wish to dine at the base of the falls can book in this Valentine’s Day and beyond for the ‘Sense of Romance’ dining experience. The multi-course meal includes decadent dishes like tuna belly with caviar, lobster cognac flambé and smoked duck breast, served beneath a canopy of trees and lit by the glow of dozens of lanterns. Often referred to as the resort’s heart, the intimate waterfall space has touched many a guest’s heart, especially when combined with an unforgettable dining experience while taking in this wonder of nature. For more information visit: https://avanaretreat.com/

Poolside dining and a Private Cinema Screening on Scenic Cam Ranh Peninsula

An exquisite dinner at a picture-perfect poolside cabana, heart-shaped cakes, and a private cinema screening with bubbles are among Valentine’s Day offerings at 30-hectare beachfront resort Alma on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula. The resort’s Italian chef at fine dining Italian restaurant La Casa will craft a six-course romantic set dinner served at a private cabana beside one of the resort’s 12 swimming pools that cascade down to Long Beach, one of Vietnam’s most stunning stretches of sand. Romantic movies on request for private cinema screenings for two at 70-seat Alma Cinema are accompanied with sparkling wine and snacks. Other optional romantic touches include heart-shaped cakes at Alma Food Court’s French Bakery, a Valentine’s cocktail at American Lounge & Bar, suite or pavilion decorations, and flower bouquets at the resort’s mini-supermarket Alma Mart. Visit alma-resort.com or email info@alma-resort.com

Cinema Under the Stars and a Romantic Dinner for Two in Cambodia’s Capital

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic 90-year-old luxury hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special screening of Ghost, the 1990 romantic fantasy movie starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. The film will be played poolside, under the stars, at the hotel’s Cinema Paradiso, with a variety of food and drinks including sparkling wine served. Highlight dishes will include smoked salmon, roasted beef on crisp toast and strawberry eclair. The exclusive event is priced at $30 per person net. For something more traditional, the “Valentine’s Day Surf & Turf” at the hotel’s Le Phnom 1929 will feature a signature seafood tower, Taijma wagyu tomahawk, lamb rack and Saint Honoré cake, while a resident band performs classical love songs. The dinner is priced at $88++ per person for food only, with optional additions of $38++ for unlimited wine and cocktails (per person), and a bottle of Champagne from $98++. For reservations or inquiries, please contact 023 981 888 or email dining.leroyal@raffles.com.

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Restaurant Le Royal, the acclaimed Khmer fine dining venue at the 90-year-old Raffles Hotel Le Royal in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, has relaunched following an inspired refurbishment.

The restaurant’s new menu continues to spotlight authentic Royal Khmer cuisine alongside modern Khmer gastronomy whose offerings will be updated monthly. Restaurant Le Royal’s elegant and sophisticated interior features beautiful original artwork amid gleaming white walls and a bank of arched windows overlooking a lush courtyard.

For its reopening, the Royal Khmer menu at Restaurant Le Royal includes the following dishes, among others: Nhoam Svay (green mango salad with grilled prawns, Nuoc Mam sauce and peanuts); Phlea Trey Tonle (marinated bar fish cured with lime, lemongrass and a homemade spice mixture); Kd’arm Trung Kroeung Stuffed Crab (crab shell, coriander root, dried chili and fresh herbs); Takeo River Lobster Amok (served in young coconut with steamed rice); and for dessert Chek Chhoeng Skar (pan-fried caramelized banana with orange sauce) and Num Khmer Bai Mouk (a trio of Khmer sweets: sticky rice, taro cake and sweet potato).

The modern Khmer menu features Marinated Beef Carpaccio (cured with lime, chili and garlic, mixed fresh herbs, spiced foam); Kandal Province Pumpkin Soup (open foie gras ravioli, coconut cream); US Scallops, Amok Reduction (baby bok choy, river fish and curry cake); Seared Duck Breast(kale, garlic oyster sauce, organic rice); and Flambeed Banana (caramel banana mousse, crumble banana chips, sponge cake).

“Restaurant Le Royal offers an extraordinary dining experience with Royal Khmer recipes that have been handed down to Raffles Hotel Le Royal by decree from the royal palace. It’s an authentic, distinctive and truly memorable place,” said Executive Chef Martin Becquart.

Regarded as one of Cambodia’s finest restaurants, Restaurant Le Royal operates from Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays) for dinner only from 6pm onward. A piano soloist serenades diners with traditional Cambodian classics from the golden era, and a regular sabrage ceremony is also featured.

Voted the No. 1 hotel in Cambodia by readers of the US-based travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards in October, Raffles Hotel Le Royal originally opened in 1929. The hotel features 175 rooms and suites that underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019.

For reservations or inquiries about dining at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please contact 023 981 888 or email dining.leroyal@raffles.com.

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Nicola van Heemsbergen from Belgium brings a wealth of culinary experience gleaned at some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants to his role as new executive chef at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh.

Nicola van Heemsbergen has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels all over the world

Van Heemsbergen embarked on his path as a professional chef almost 30 years ago when he completed a traineeship at t’Fornius, a Michelin-starred venue in the Belgian city of Antwerp that is rated as one of the country’s finest restaurants. And he has not looked back since those early years — setting out on a culinary odyssey as a chef that has taken him to glamorous locations around the world.

Notable assignments along the way include stints at Michelin-starred restaurants like Lasserre in Paris and the legendary La Pyramide in Vienne, France. Previous hotel experience, meanwhile, includes periods at properties like Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, Raffles Singapore, The Peninsula in Manila, and Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti in Tanzania. Most recently he worked at Marineau, one of the best seafood restaurants in Antwerp.

Now he is applying his culinary expertise to the new role overseeing the Food and Beverage offerings at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. The property has earned widespread acclaim since opening in January 2021. Most recently, it was ranked “top city hotel” in Cambodia at Asia’s Best Awards 2022 by leading travel publication Travel & Leisure Southeast Asia.

Van Heemsbergen will oversee the operations of all five food and beverage outlets, including the hotel’s two main dining venues, FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar and Market Café Restaurant & Lounge, while upholding Hyatt’s commitment to sourcing the most sustainable and seasonal products from Cambodia by working with local farmers, growers and distributors.

“I’m looking forward to showcasing my passion for cooking with fresh, natural and locally produced ingredients to create inspirational dining experiences for our guests,” said Nicola van Heemsbergen. “Phnom Penh‘s Food and Beverage scene is quickly maturing and through the hotel, my goal is to put the city’s culinary offerings on the map.”

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Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, the newest international branded hotel in Cambodia’s capital, is pleased to announce the appointment of experienced general manager Juan Mercadante. The well-traveled Mexican aims to maintain the high-performance capabilities of one of the city’s top-ranked luxury hotels.

With the lemon-coloured early 20th Century Colonial House serving as a counterpoint to the main hotel, the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is an alluring blend of the modern and the historic

The property has earned widespread acclaim since its opening in January 2021. Most recently, it was ranked “top city hotel” in Cambodia, as leading travel publication Travel & Leisure Asia published its Asia’s Best Awards 2022.

A 22-meter outdoor infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery is among the property’s leisure highlights

Mercadante, who takes the lead as general manager at the property this August, is looking forward to collaborating with the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh team. “I intend to enhance our personalized and inclusive service. I’m excited to share my knowledge and contribute to the hotel’s continued success,” he said.

He has overseen a succession of projects with Hyatt including rebranding, deflagging, and pre-opening properties. “In my tenure with Hyatt, I’ve had the privilege of working in five different continents, he said. “Each role has been a unique experience that has contributed to my knowledge and skills to become a better leader.”

Over the decades, he rose through the room and management ranks at Hyatt Regency Cancun Mexico, Hyatt Regency Almaty Kazakhstan, Hyatt Regency London -The Churchill and Hyatt Regency Dubai, and Galleria Residence. In 2012, he returned to his hometown to join Hyatt Regency Mexico City as a hotel manager before advancing as a pre-opening general manager at Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen Resort, which was the first Grand Hyatt brand in Mexico. Most recently he was selected as pre-opening general manager at the first Andaz brand in South Korea.

With shifts at high-profile city and resort hotels around the world in his background, Mercadante can draw upon extensive experience in the global tourism industry. The passionate world traveler from Mexico City is confident that his solid guidance will ensure Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh remains prominent among Cambodia’s elite hotels.

“Together with my team, we will strive to fulfill the owner’s vision of making Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh one of the leading hotels in the city,” he added.

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Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is stepping up to stem the scourge of cervical cancer in Cambodia by hosting a special fundraising event on August 12.With proper screening, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. However, the disease continues to wreak devastation in Cambodia where it is the most prevalent cancer among women.

The country lacks organized cervical cancer screening programs and national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination policies. As a result, the disease causes over 1,000 deaths per year in Cambodia.

Cervical cancer causes over 1000 deaths a year in Cambodia

In tandem with AmCham Cambodia, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is doing its bit to improve the screening process through its ‘Let’s Give Back!’ charity evening, which will be held on Friday, August 12. “Corporate Social Responsibility and giving back to the country and community where we do best is now one of AmCham’s highest core values,” said Mr. Travis Mitchell, AmCham Executive Director.

This year, AmCham has prioritized CSR more than ever. AmCham is the first chamber not just in Cambodia but the region to do so.

Proceeds from the event, which takes place in the hotel’s ballroom and will feature free-flow soft and alcoholic drinks, gourmet canapés and live music, will be donated to Cambodia’s Mercy Medical Center.

It will go toward cancer screenings and tests for garment factory workers. The drive is part of a wider goal to reach the estimated 500,000 women working in Cambodia’s garment industry through a mobile testing program that gets underway in November 2022.

The World Health Organization and the Cambodian Ministry of Health have designated cervical cancer as the number one priority for prevention, with a goal of eliminating cervical cancer deaths by 2030.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has joined forces with AmCham Cambodia for the Let’s Give Back fundraising event

One cervical cancer test takes between five and 15 minutes and costs only US $1 per person. All proceeds from the event will go toward screening as many women as possible.

It is also possible to donate directly to Mercy Medical Center. US $150 will cover the costs of screening ten women. For more information, please visit https://mercymedcambodia.org/

“No woman should die of cervical cancer,” says Herman Kemp, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. “But the disease remains a huge problem in Cambodia, mainly due to a lack of knowledge. “See and treat programs like the government cervical cancer task force program, in conjunction with public and private hospitals such as Uof P and MMCC, are preventing cancer and saving lives.”

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