On the opposite side of the river from the main town, away from the backpacker and ex-pat bustle, the Amber Kampot is a bit of a gem. It’s the kind of property where you can feel your shoulders lower and your body relax as soon as you walk down the path. Still pools shimmer between the buildings, allowing for that complete sense of unwinding. The water keeps each villa serene and separate, blurring the boundary between river and land. The effect is a balm; there’s no stiff pretence here, just simple, bright, private spaces.

The look of the place is instantly appealing. The architect has achieved the tricky balance of combining modern minimalism with a genuinely warm welcome, and at no point does it feel overdone. The flexibility of the accommodation is a huge plus, too. Every villa has a private pool, and the two-bedroom options are fantastically spacious for families while the one-beds make effortlessly cosy couples’ retreats. Breathe deep, feel the tensions melt away, and refocus your refreshed mind on exploring Kampot.

A true oasis in the heart of buzzy Siem Reap, the 1950s-inspired Viroth's Hotel displays eye-catching good looks and remains a popular choice for anyone who’s keen to explore the city.

The modernistic design shows immaculate attention to detail, impressively combining elements of ‘50s decor and vintage furniture with contemporary Khmer culture. It oozes sophistication and style. While boutique accommodation isn't for everyone, we love the cosy yet not over-fussy feel, and how each room boasts its own private terrace for total relaxation.

Viroth’s convenient location is complemented by a range of impressive facilities for such a small property; the 20-metre-long saltwater pool and surrounding sundeck are incredibly inviting after a day of temple touring, as is the tranquil spa if you’re looking for an evening of pampering.

A scattering of secluded villas face the ocean at the Royal Sands resort, a welcome addition to the Koh Rong waterfront. Although not completely isolated, the well-thought-out position of each villa creates an angle of privacy that’s perfect for enjoying views of, arguably, the best beach on the island.

Though the villas are fairly minimalist in style, the investment made by the friendly owners in creating the perfect island beach escape is clear in every detail. While we do love a private pool, if you can bring yourself to wander those few steps further, you’ll find equal refreshment and relaxation in the near-impossibly turquoise waters of the bay.

Shinta Mani feels like so much more than just a hotel brand. Alongside their refreshing signature style, which pops with Bill Bensley-led innovation, they embody an ethos of feeding back into the community. Their flagship hotel, the Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection Pool Villas sits pretty in central Siem Reap, offering up-to-the-minute, elegant accommodation within easy reach of Angkor Wat and the city’s major sights.

Surrounding and supported by the exquisite accommodation is the Shinta Mani Foundation: the charitable arm of the organisation which trains and champions underprivileged young locals to succeed in the hospitality industry and beyond, as well as feeding back funding into local health, schooling and direct assistance. It’s an inspirational way for an organisation to work, and feels like a leading example for other brands to follow. However you spend your time in Cambodia, a stay at Shinta Mani is a must - we can’t recommend it highly enough

Thanks to its elevated position, the views from the Veranda Resort are quite something. Overlooking the town of Kep and out to the Gulf of Thailand, with the Bokor Mountains to the rear, the rustic style of this resort is not everyone's cup of tea. However, for many of us, a few days here is exactly what mind and body are crying out for.

Laid out in a wonderfully higgledy-piggledy way, and designed in traditional Cambodian style using wood and bamboo, the rooms are well equipped and far from basic, proving that rustic does not have to mean run-down. The infinity pool is an enticing spot to spend a day relaxing, and The Spa is ideal for an indulgent treat. With a social, laid-back atmosphere, this makes a great base during your stay in Kep.

Le Royal has been the grande dame of Phnom Penh’s hotels since it first opened its doors back in 1929. Having sheltered journalists and foreign dignitaries during the war, it received a major refurbishment in the 1990s, and another one in 2019, and is now a picture of old-world elegance again, from the sweeping driveway up front, to the high ceilings and polished marble of its interiors. The rooms are classically furnished, with louvred windows opening onto immaculately kept gardens. Two invitingly large pools grace the grounds, which you can survey from the comfort of the clubby Elephant Bar, as frequented by A-listers, from Jackie Onassis to Angelina Jolie.