Welcome back to all hotel review seekers and travelers. Today we will check probably the most Instagrammable hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We are talking about Sarai Resort & Spa which is built by Moroccan inspiration and that’s not all. As you might know, we already posted their Seasons SPA Review, where you can see a few bits of this stunning luxury hotel. Today we are presenting you with more succulent photos and a sleek Sarai Resort & Spa Review.
Welcome to the little slice of Morocco in Siem Reap!
Ambiance
Piece of Morocco in Siem Reap features impeccable ogee curves and high ceilings that defy hot weather. Of course, AC is on, but not at the inner courtyard where you can freshen up in the large hotel pool. By the looks of it, one is easily transported across the globe to Morocco. However, an open hallway on the way to the Sarai hotel room sets you right in Siem Reap and so does the food.
This Moroccan style somehow fits to this Tropic climate.
A pool in the heart of Sarai Resort cools the air in the courtyard.
What we loved was an abundance of natural light and charming details Morocco is famous for. Then there is the story of an act where ancient Siem Reap meets Cambodian second-largest city. So why not mix colonial French legacy with the Instagrammable hot spots?
Arches are no strangers to the Khmer architecture and neither to the Moroccan.
Can we all agree the hallways here at Sarai are cinematic.? Especially when the sun goes down and the golden light comes to the scene.
Check-In
Before I got a tour around the “lobby charms”, Ian was waiting for me with the keys in his hand. What can be better than fast check-in, right? In a word, Ian described staff here at check-in as fast, nice and welcoming.
This is the Lobby of Sarai Resort and Spa. I love the open space with plenty of natural light coming in.
Our Room
Most of all, we loved the reusable water bottles that staff changes every day. Minimalizing single-use plastic waste is on top of our demands that luxury hotels fail to fulfill. And here we are talking about big names like Mandarin Oriental, Sofitel, Intercontinental, Four Seasons…
Comfort is guaranteed at the most Instagrammable hotel in Siem Reap.
Our Room was 307. Lovely tags, by the way.
Glass bottle of refilled water at the hotel. This is what I am talking about! Well done Sarai Resort & SPA!
We also loved the bathroom sink at the doors, after all, washing hands should be the first thing after entering the private quarters. To point out, our room had an interesting layout. It stretches over two floors, where the lower space has a bedroom and bathroom, and the upper floor vast terrace.
Our hotel room was cozy even without the upper floor.
The layout isn’t bad, but some toilet doors would be nice. And if you ask me, the shower would be a much better option than a cramped bathtub.
We’re talking about the semi-enclosed terrace with very comfortable sitting and hanging daybed. Suddenly we were faced with the temptation of sleeping outside, but the cozy king bed downstairs sorted this “problem”. In general, the room was clean and neat, providing everything we need. Wow, it’s rhyming. To continue… However, some maintenance show wouldn’t hurt, though.
Our terrace could host the whole squad and the lucky one could have the swing as well.
This two-story hotel room is perfect to play with the camera.
Facilities and Amenities
If you aren’t feeling right for a Sarai Seasons SPA, you’ll enjoy a cooling inner courtyard. Especially thanks to the salt-water swimming pool. Although, we urge you to visit Seasons SPA, at least for a relaxing foot massage. If not you can pull out Ian. Cold cocktail by the pool and he is all cool.
Playing with the setting sun is the best, can you spot it?
Cozy common space is what every hotel needs!
By the way, this layout of the pool is a traditional Moroccan trick that keeps the place cooler. The pool is especially charming after dark, possibly for a post-workout cool-off. Guests can exercise their hearts out at the hotel gym if the meal at the Goat Tree Restaurant was too big.
Goat Tree Garden Restaurant
Sarai Resort’s buffet breakfast happens every morning from 6 am to 10 am at the Goat Tree Garden restaurant. In that time frame, guests can choose among the western breakfast classics and local must-haves. Let’s not forget the fresh fruit and salad selection, which got replenished as needed. Then there is the egg menu that soothes the hungriest souls. The breakfast selection is broad enough to keep you full till lunch.
Goat Tree Garden restaurant is a lovely place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
From noon till 2:30 pm anyone can visit the Goat Tree Restaurant for some tasty Khmer dishes. We tried some of their signatures, like Combination platter and Chef’s mix. Both plates included different local Khmer salads, with the winning chicken and green mango salad. We proclaimed it unanimously due to the wonderful alliance between fragrant herbs, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken. Here we must admit that the rest was very tasty as well, especially the rich plum sauce that was perfect with the fried spring rolls.
Breakfast at Sarai Resort and Spa, Siem Reap is simple yet delicious.
Following toothsome starters, we tried creamy yellow chicken curry with sweet potatoes, carrots, and long beans. It wasn’t too spicy and tasted very nice, but we preferred the luscious coconut soup with a shrimp ball and fresh Kampot pepper. We finished our delightful meal with a scoop of coconut ice cream and passion fruit sorbet. Both were spot on and we recommend a meal at the Goat Tree Restaurant during your stay at the Sarai Resort & SPA.
We enjoyed authentic Khmer cuisine for lunch.
Final Thought
Indeed, we loved the most Instagrammable hotel in Siem Reap with all its charms and plant abundance at the ground level. Although it isn’t quite as luscious as the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra, it is picture-perfect. However, it has something that many hotels lack; in-room reusable glass bottles and infused water in the lobby. We get that pandemic changed the rules and single-use plastic soared, which is just heartbreaking. Hopefully, with unforeseen reset, we will change our attitude towards earth. It is now or never! Thank you for reading our Sarai Resort & Spa Review and see you next time.
A Saltwater pool soothes skin, doesn’t irritate the respiratory system, and is better for the environment.
Price
A room like ours at Sarai Resort & SPA will cost you about 150 USD.