Rosewood Phnom Penh

Centrally located in the tallest tower in all of Cambodia, the Rosewood is a deeply stylish property, with 360-degree views and large, beautifully designed rooms.

• The spa with a 65-foot indoor lap pool
• Sora Sky Bar, which has the buzzy rooftop bar and incredible views of the city below
• The Rosewood’s Explorer program for kids, complete with a Polaroid treasure hunt
• Incredible lunch menu of Cambodian dishes
• The light-filled gallery that features rotating exhibitions of Cambodian artists (the hotel can also arrange studio visits)

Occupying the 25th through 39th floors of Cambodia’s highest building, the Rosewood could be at home in Bangkok, Hong Kong or even Tokyo. But the team works hard to bring contemporary Phnom Penh to life: a light-filled gallery features rotating exhibitions of Cambodian artists (the hotel can also arrange studio visits) and the restaurant serves Khmer dishes prepared by local celebrity Chef Nak who spent more than a year traveling all across Cambodia recording family recipes.

The 175 guest rooms, including 37 suites are generously sized and all come with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the views across this surprisingly bustling urban place. The interior design is understated and chic, with muted colors, polished-wood furniture, and sliding lacquer doors that open onto the spacious bathrooms. Technology is state of the art (during the week, this is mostly a business hotel).

Thoughtful, beautiful design continues in the hotel’s common spaces, all of which feel like they are in a separate world from Phnom Penh’s crowded streets. The wellness center especially, with a 65-foot lap pool, 24-hour fitness center and complimentary morning yoga, is a wonderful place in which to decompress from touring. Of course, a drink at striking rooftop bar Sora is a must (whether you’re staying here or not), even though travelers craving a fix of old-world style should also drop by the Raffles nearby to visit classic Elephant Bar.

The Rosewood is the city’s uncontested top choice. Anyone visiting Phnom Penh who likes contemporary design, sleek accommodations and a buzzy atmosphere.

Indagare Tip: Get the prix-fixe Khmer lunch menu to try such specials as tea kanh (fried duck salad) and local fish curry, cary trei.