stuffed with hope that there’s gentle on the finish of the tunnel, we’re nonetheless offered with continued world journey challenges. Right here in Cambodia, with a superb vaccine rollout and a gradual transfer in the direction of ‘herd immunity’, the present restrictions are lastly being relaxed, quarantine free journey to sure areas will begin later this yr and proceed to be expanded as we transfer into 2022.

Within the meantime, for these of us that decision Cambodia dwelling, locals and expats alike, we are able to proceed to take pleasure in and help the luxurious inns and resorts that stay open. Unimaginable gives, decreased charges and that further particular Khmer hospitality are all out there if you recognize the place to look. For anybody who has a Cambodia journey as a part of their publish COVID journey plans, every of those properties current a superb choice. And in the event you’re on the lookout for a wholesome slice of plant-based luxurious throughout your keep, look no additional…

Our newest plant-based luxurious tour of the ‘Kingdom of Marvel’ sees us spend time in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Kampot. Collectively, they type an ideal trio of areas for anybody on the lookout for a mix of jungle, temples, historical past and coastal vibes as a part of their Cambodian journey. For these of us dwelling right here and planning a luxurious staycation, every of those luxurious properties are nicely value contemplating.

It’s solely proper to start out within the bustling capital metropolis of Phnom Penh, the place having opened in January 2021, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is the most recent, worldwide branded 5 star resort within the metropolis. The fusion of contemporary and modern design, a collection of artistic F&B retailers and multi purposeful occasion areas be sure that this luxurious resort is already on everybody’s radar. This curiosity will elevate to the following degree when ‘The Attic’ and ‘Metropole Underground’ re-open post-COVID. This critically cool spots will present a duo of wonderful additions to the thrilling nightlife scene in Phnom Penh.

We love how Hyatt have embraced plant-based meals at their inns all through Southeast Asia, together with that includes ‘future meals’ reminiscent of Past Meat on their menus. This initiative launched at Grand Hyatt Singapore again in 2018 and since then has seen a collection of additional launches, most lately proper right here in Cambodia at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. Dishes that includes Past Meat might be discovered at Market Cafe and likewise for supply through their web site. These dishes embody mushroom and Past Meat dumplings in a Sichuan type spicy dressing which have been an absolute favorite of ours. We additionally loved a plant-based ‘sharing’ meal at FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, their trendy signature restaurant on the 14th flooring. This pleasant eating expertise (with views to match) ended with lime and coconut sorbets, on a mattress of crunchy crisped rice with salted seed crackers, toasty coconut macaroon balls and a gloriously wealthy chocolate ganache. An indulgent vegan dessert which we are able to’t wait to attempt once more!

For riverside luxurious, with mountains, nationwide parks and the ocean in your doorstep, then look no additional than Amber Kampot which is the best luxurious resort on the town. A collection of nicely appointed one and two bed room villas, every with non-public swimming pools supply the final word in privateness, while the riverside pool, health club and Amber Spa by Samata present the final word in rest. This trendy resort is a real slice of paradise in a singular location that may impress and encourage on a number of ranges.

The a la carte menu at Amber Kampot featured a few scrumptious sounding vegan choices, together with a ‘Vegan Vegetable Cake’ which we chosen for our lunch and have been actually not dissatisfied. A candy potato, oatmeal, candy corn and chick pea pattie served with combined leaves, sliced avocado, tomato salsa and a balsamic discount. The spicy salsa and the sweetness of the balsamic have been an important combo which mixed nicely with the vegetable cake and salad leaves. For dinner, the manager chef ready an ‘off menu’ vegan meal which was scrumptious. The starter was a fragile salad of charred cherry tomatoes, cubed avocado, earthy beetroot and pomelo segments within the dreamiest of dressings which mixed orange and regionally sourced vanilla. This was one critically thrilling salad and the flavours have been highly effective and pleasing. Wow.

Final however under no circumstances least we head to our hometown of Siem Reap, the place Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort presents the prospect to discover the jungle temples of Angkor throughout your keep. Positioned simply 2km from the doorway to Angkor Archeological Park this luxurious resort is the right selection for many who want to be inside touching distance of the merely breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Set inside spacious grounds, with historic towering bushes and an enormous free type pool, Sofitel gives a collection of rooms and suites to swimsuit all tastes; while the polished service and French colonial magnificence make for a refined and memorable keep.

We stayed at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort through the persevering with pandemic, that means that the eating choices have been restricted attributable to decreased occupancy, however with any 5 star resort, they have been very happy to adapt and put together one thing wonderful and vegan upon request. The culinary director and his staff impressed us with their creativity; we loved 5 programs of French impressed, plant-based tremendous eating served within the upscale environment of their lakeside restaurant, Mouhots Dream. Dishes included a wonderfully cooked, polenta layer cake with Sicilian caponata, silky carrot purée and topped with a roasted chilli and capers. And a saffron infused risotto with each solar dried tomatoes and confit tomatoes, which was each expertly executed and completely scrumptious. Following our keep, this identical multi course vegan menu is now out there upon request for resort company and non company alike. Simply contact them 24 hours upfront and they are going to be blissful to accommodate you.

We love calling Cambodia dwelling and we’re blessed to have such an thrilling array of environments to discover. It’s been devastating to see the financial affect of COVID hit so exhausting, particularly in our dwelling city of Siem Reap the place tourism performs such an enormous half within the financial system and the lives of so many. Now we have continued to help the eating places, retailers, inns and resorts who’ve strived to stay open through the pandemic, and are actually tremendous excited that we are able to return to a ‘new regular’ publish pandemic, welcoming vacationers to this excellent nation as soon as once more.