Thirteen years ago, I visited Siem Reap as a solo traveler, pedaling through Angkor’s ancient ruins on a creaky push bike, sweating under the Cambodian sun and only half-understanding the incredible history before me. Returning now with my family, I experienced it all in an entirely new way — one that was comfortable, curated, and surprisingly child-friendly.
Our Stay with Anantara Angkor Resort
Everything about the resort is gorgeous. Designed to make you feel like you’re walking through Angkor Wat, it’s a modern take on an ancient classic, with a nice big swimming pool, beautiful flowers hanging from the walls, and spacious suites that are perfect for families.
With 39 suites set around a courtyard pool and only 15 minutes from Angkor Wat, it has a great location and a boutique feel.
But easily the best part of the experience is the service, with staff who anticipated our needs before we even thought to ask. From the resort itself to the private tours and dining experiences offered, this is an incredible stay in Siem Reap!
Booking with Benefits
As an Anantara Journeys advisor, I’m able to offer my clients something truly special when staying at Anantara properties. Beyond the impeccable service and stunning design, you’ll receive exclusive perks such as:
- 🏡 Upgrades upon availability
- ⏰ Early check-in and late checkout upon availability
- 🥐 Daily breakfast for two
- Archeological artifact tour
- 🌺 VIP recognition and personalized welcome amenities
When booked through Muse Bespoke Escapes, you’re not just reserving a stay — you’re unlocking the kind of thoughtful extras that make a trip feel seamless from start to finish.
A Private Tour of Angkor Wat — Family Style
Our private tour of Angkor Wat was a world away from that long-ago bike ride. We explored the temples at our own pace with an air-conditioned van (a parent’s dream in the Cambodian heat) and an incredible guide who balanced deep historical knowledge with a warm, kid-friendly approach. He was also our personal photographer for the day, and we had a driver as well who greeted us after every exploration with cold towels and chilled water (always in a glass bottle – you won’t find plastic at Anantara Angkor).
We followed our own schedule, including a return to the resort for nap time — because traveling with a toddler means flexibility is everything. Throughout the day, the locals were so kind and fascinated by our little one, many asking to take photos with him. (Those photos are some of my favorite memories, though I’ve kept them private as they include other children.)
Dining by Design
One of the highlights of our stay was Anantara’s Dining by Design — a private, seven-course meal paired with a five-dance performance created just for us.
The evening featured Cambodia’s iconic apsara dance, performed gracefully under the stars. It was intimate, cultural, and unforgettable — the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience Anantara does so well.
The meal includes a wine pairing with each course (or a mocktail in our case), and despite being a rather long affair, my toddler was so entranced with the dancing, and it is entire meal while watching the show. Best of all, it’s a private show just for you, so if you have to get up to use the bathroom, you’re not going to miss anything!
The Spa: Where Time Slows Down
I’ve had a lot of massages over the years, but the chakra massage at Anantara Angkor might be the best I’ve ever experienced. The spa itself is beautifully serene, and every guest enjoys private access to the steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and cold plunge — included in every stay. It’s the perfect reset after temple-hopping or long travel days.
The Anantara Explorer Suite
Our suite was pure serenity. Spacious and beautifully designed, it featured:
- 🛁 A jetted bathtub and outdoor shower
- 💆♀️ A private in-room massage area
- 🏊♀️ A private plunge pool and large deck just for us
- 🍽️ A dining table and sitting room — perfect for relaxing once our son was asleep
It even had two bathrooms and two refrigerators – one for wine and one for other drinks, as well as a coffee bar. We had our own butler as well, who left a little bowl of koi fish for our son!
We could order from the extensive in-room dining menu, letting us unwind completely without leaving our sanctuary.
Like our other Anantara experiences, this one very much lived up to the level of luxury they are known for. Read our Anantara Golden Triangle and Anantara Mai Khao reviews.
What Truly Makes It Special
The food was excellent, with a full morning breakfast spread and an a la carte menu, and a massage therapist giving out free head and shoulder massages to boot. But what really made our stay stand out was the staff. They seemed to anticipate our every need before we even voiced it — from having water and cool towels ready after excursions to discreetly packing up our breakfast when our toddler lost patience.
The resort’s architecture mirrors the grandeur of the temples themselves, yet every moment feels peaceful and personal. It’s luxury that doesn’t just pamper you — it connects you to place and people.
Plan Your Stay
If you’re dreaming of a luxury, family-friendly escape near Angkor Wat, Anantara Angkor Resort is an experience that blends comfort, culture, and care in the most magical way. It was the first stop on our week in Cambodia, followed by a few days on Song Saa Private Island and the Six Senses Krabey Island to round things off. It was the perfect vacation and we didn’t want it to end!
✨ Book through Muse Bespoke Escapes to access our exclusive Anantara Journeys perks and let us design your own unforgettable Siem Reap story.
*A big thank you to Anantara Angkor for hosting our stay and activities. Per usual, we have no hesitation recommending Anantara to other families, and have booked dozens so far this year!
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