Jaya House River Park

Jaya River House Park is a real find in Siem Reap. Its ethos is family (its staff) first, and this really shows. You can tell the owner worked with Richard Branson in a previous life. We also liked the plastic free pledge - the hotel is an impressive 95% plastic free. The location is superb - just 8 minutes by tuk tuk from down town Siem Reap, but also 15 minutes from the temples. Perfect - seeing as every room comes with its own tuk tuk and complimentary local mobile (just give the number saved a call and the tuk tuk will come and collect you). Jaya can be a romantic hideaway for couples on a honeymoon, or a perfect halfway house for families seeing the temples, and wanting to get around. It is what you want it to be. The hanging jungle courtyard around which the hotel is built (with the lovely pool in the middle) makes you instantly forget the bustling world outside. Flop in from your tuk tuk tours, hop in the cool pool, and by the time you haul yourself out you’ll find a cool glass of water, or even a small refreshing ice cream waiting for you. The staff really were excellent and extremely discreet. There’s also another pool on the lawn, just in case you want to do some lengths. Or head to the spa - 1 hour free is included per day of every stay - and have a Khmer treatment to tease out those knots and pressure points with a wide range of services to suit everyone, ranging from blissful aromatherapy to a more dynamic Khmer traditional stress-relieving massage that eases muscle pains previously unidentified. The food at Jaya is good - breakfast is a proper affair (not an accolade this reviewer lays lightly). Order from the a la carte menu for a sumptuous smoothie bowl, or possibly eggs benedict to set you up for the day. Or just head to the buffet where there’s something for everyone: fresh juices, Khmer specialities, cheeses, cereal, fizz, fruit…. If you’re around at midday, then hang out in a swing table around the pool and enjoy a light lunch. Or later, post spa, head up to the Sky Bar on the roof for a sundowner at happy hour (yes, that means $3 for a delicious margarita - oops) and watch the sun sink beneath the treeline over the Siem Reap river. Make sure you dine in once before heading out to explore the local cuisine. The chef is clearly ambitious, and wants you to try Khmer food. Start with sizzling beef and red ants (!), or fresh spring rolls if you prefer, followed by a chicken curry, or braised pork belly with aubergine. It’s refined, but retains the Khmer flavours, and is very reasonably priced by European standards. The rooms themselves are large and airy. White wash walls have concrete features in the bathrooms and on the roof, and deep wood panelling. It feels minimal, but stylish. Mod cons are all there - flat screen TV, AC, a complimentary mini bar, complimentary laundry service and daily fruit deliveries to the room. Rooms come with an outdoor balcony and some have an indoor ‘sitting room’ area to chill out after a long day of temple-wandering. The bathroom is a treat - a deep stone bath in a wet room with a heavenly rain shower just next to it. Not to mention that the hotel make all their own toiletries. You’ll find it difficult to leave for the sunrise call to see the temple of Angkor Wat!