Best hotels in Cambodia

In the trendy stomping grounds of Phnom Penh urban centre, Rambutan welcomes you with the promise of top notch hospitality. The airy interiors tap into Cambodia's art scene with evocative paintings and sculptures whilst maintaining a casual feel. Most of the rooms are found in a retouched Khmer-style villa with plenty of locally-crafted furnishings and Cambodian silks to add character. Although the hotel doesn't sit in the historic heart of the city, it's close to streets of tempting restaurants and a tuk tuk will have you standing at the Royal Palace in minutes. A cocktail in the quiet garden is just the ticket after a day's exploits.

If your dreams of Cambodia wouldn't be complete without a whole lot of adventure, the jungle-packed world of Cardamom National Park is the place you need to be. Under the never-ending creativity of designer Bill Bensley, every inch of Shinta Mani Wild was created to share something utterly unique. Join the chef on a foraging expedition (for that evening's dinner ingredients), take a dip in the 33m-long clifftop Cistern and explore the hidden spaces of the park with your Adventure Butler. The best part? Shinta Mani works even harder to protect Cardamom's wildlife than it does to impress its guests.

Hidden away on a tiny speck of island in the Koh Rong archipelago, Song Saa is a romantic, forget-your-worries resort. This piece of paradise was discovered by chance, but nothing about its construction was thoughtless. In a marine reserve set up by its owners, Song Saa was built in harmony with nature - salvaged wood from fishing boats has literally become part of the furniture. Hidden amongst the palm fronds or over-the-water with steps leading into the sea, the luxury villas have plenty of Cambodian soul. Enjoy down time on the sugary beach or put your flippers to good use on a dive of the coral reefs.

Emerging from a pure blue sea, Krabey has the appearance of a seaweed-encrusted shell dropped off Cambodia's southern coast. In actual fact, it's private resort island where shaded loungers sit on a secluded patch of beach, pearl-infused body masks await at the spa and the lush Ream National Park is a speedboat ride away (look out for dolphins on the way!). True to form, Six Senses was built to leave the smallest footprint and a conservationist will gladly show you the island's butterfly haven. Chic villas are dotted throughout 30 acres of jungle and wall-to-wall glass means the vistas are always a 10/10.

As a top contender for one of Cambodia's bucket list-worthy towns by the sea, Kep was once the holiday spot for the rich and glamorous. The eye-catching villas at Knai Bang Chatt are proof of that (they've had some rather aristocratic owners over the years!) and after a facelift, the resort looks like it was plucked from the pages of ArchDigest. Knai Bang Chatt was created with the ethos of travel as an art form, while taking care of nature and the people who call this sunny coast home. Despite its past life as a hotspot, Kep is an under-the-radar gem with a boatload of ocean exploits and excursions into the countryside.

At first glance, the triple-decker ship has the look of a hotel adrift on the Tonle Sap Lake, water rippling like silk at the bow. Dressed in a coat of wood and metal, the Aqua sails takes you past ancient floating villages before embarking on a journey along the Mekong Delta. Along the way, trace the country roads on a bicycle or birdwatch from the comfort of a rooftop lounger - cameras at the ready! Serene interiors create a relaxing place to rest after a busy day packed with activities. Evenings are spent watching a classic at the cinema or enjoying the sunset over a cocktail.

In a melee of lotus ponds and palms, Maison Wat Kor does simplicity so well. Traditional wooden abodes are scattered across the grounds (ask the gracious staff about their history), which house just 10 rooms and a rustic restaurant. In a tranquil setting just outside of Battambang, the resort is well-positioned to explore the city's bucolic surrounds on a bicycle or bamboo 'train', which is an experience not soon forgotten. Battambang is an enigma in itself, where sleepy country town meets a burgeoning creative scene - and food stalls to be tried on every corner. Retreat from the world in this little slice of tranquility.

After days of grand temples and dizzying cities, a change of pace comes in the form of Koh Russey Resort. Enjoy a breath of fresh, sea air and sun-drenched relaxation where the views are exquisite, the seafood is grilled to perfection and there's always a stretch of sand with your name on it. The resort's style is refreshing, with steely-grey and glass villas inspired by the geometric Cambodian Karma fabric, and greenery cascading down the walls. Enjoy a selection of cooling libations served on the beach, luxuriate with soaks in your outdoor tub or throw yourself into holiday mode with kayaking or snorkelling in the crystal water.

Amongst the elegant mansions of Siem Reap's French Quarter, Shinta Mani is in refined company - and it holds its own with signature aesthetics to make Bill Bensley proud (each room has bespoke artwork from his studio). Greeted with a sunny 'welcome home' after meandering through the bustling Old Market streets or the iconic temples of Angkor Wat, you'll feel well looked after but never smothered. Sheltered by leafy gardens, the boutique hotel centres around a pinstriped pool (but more on that later) and every room has an airy veranda for enjoying those quiet mornings just outside of enticing Siem Reap.

As the 30s were rolling into town, Raffles Le Royal took its place as one of Phnom Penh's top hotels. With a grand look and famous guest list (Jackie Kennedy has a cocktail named after her), Raffles occupies one of the best addresses in Cambodia's capital city. The hotel has one new wing, but its interiors hark back to a different time with black-and-white photos along its elegant corridors and a fine blend of Khmer and French styles. After laying out on peppermint-striped loungers by the pool, dive right into the city's whirlwind of royalty, history and eye-watering market places.

Where Cambodia's high society once flocked for a sun-touched getaway, Kep is a low-key resort town with the Gulf of Thailand on its lapping shores. A sea shell's throw away, in the lush fringes of Kep National Park, the resort feels secluded enough to be on its own island. Spread across 2.5 hectares, the rooms and villas are inspired by their natural surroundings from rustic pebbled walls to bespoke wooden decor. In true Cambodian style, Veranda keeps it simple with warm service and a laid-back approach - not to mention spectacular views everywhere you look!