October 2023 – Cambodia’s former royal residence Amansara, which once housed King Sihanouk’s diplomats and aristocrats, will reopen on October 1, 2023 after a royal renovation. Not only will there be new culinary experiences and events to mark the occasion, but thanks to a new direct flight from Vietnam Airlines, it’s now even easier to connect Amansara in the Laotian city of Luang Prabang with the legendary Angkor Wat. In the new season, Amantaka will also welcome guests with unique cultural festivals and wellness events – one more reason to embark on an Indochina odyssey this year.
A NEW BEGINNING AT AMANSARA
The Amansara reopened on October 1, 2023 after a brief seasonal closure, showcasing newly renovated rooms and redesigned gardens. As part of the renovation, each room has been equipped with an additional day bed in its private courtyard – the perfect place to relax and reflect after a morning exploring nearby Angkor Wat. The rooms have been perfected with the latest technology with additional lighting controls, smart toilets and new showers to ensure a comfortable stay. Room amenities have also been improved with minibars and coffee and tea making facilities completely renewed.
CULINARY EVENTS
The hotel is also pleased to introduce its new Executive Chef, Sattar Seikh Rabul. The Chennai-born chef will introduce an all-new Indian dining concept at The Restaurant – Amansara’s terrace restaurant – inspired by his grandmother’s recipes, including Seekh Kebob, Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Lamb Ragan Josh and Kulfi Ice Cream.
There is also a new healthy living menu, a specially designed children’s menu and international dishes such as Wagyu Tomahawk with Kampot pepper butter, grilled Australian beef with chimichurri sauce and a Fisherman’s Basket with grilled Mekong lobster, local shrimp, scallops and sea bass.
A NEW LINK TO AMANTAKA
In July 2023, Vietnam Airlines resumed service between the Cambodian city of Siem Reap and Luang Prabang in Laos with a 90-minute, thrice-weekly service. For another lighter crossing, Aman’s six-night Indochina Past & Present Experience is split between Amansara and Amantaka and includes airport transfers, breakfast, afternoon tea and a room upgrade at both hotels.
In Laos, activities at Amantaka include a temple and city tour in Luang Prabang, a 60-minute Lao massage, a morning alms offering, and a centuries-old Baci ritual led by the hotel’s master of ceremonies. In Cambodia, Amansara experiences range from traditional tours and bike rides to the Unesco-listed temples of Angkor to a special breakfast at Khmer Village House, a private curator-led tour of the Angkor Museum, a Jasmine Blessing and a 60-minute Ort Preng massage.
CELEBRATING IN AMANTAKA
The decelerated foothills of Mount Phousi will come alive this season with a new calendar of events in Amantaka. On October 29, 2023, locals will collectively celebrate Boun Awk Phansa – the festival of the last day of Buddhist Lent. Guests to Amantaka will take part in the festivities, which include the lighting of candles at temples, fireworks and street parades, and the holding of the Lai Heua Fai ceremony, in which floating flower boats (called krathongs) with incense and candles are launched on the river to drive away bad luck and bring good fortune.
Special events for Amantaka guests include attending a master class in krathong making and experiencing almsgiving – or Sai Bat – while presenting gifts to the monks of Luang Prabang. In addition, the Luang Prabang Half Marathon will take place the day before, October 28, 2023, giving guests the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective and raise money for a local hospital.
TIME TO REFLECT IN LAOS
While winter is setting in in many parts of the world, guests here have the opportunity to relax in warmer weather at the end of the year. Throughout November, meditation master Nun MeaKao Si will be on hand to offer guests the opportunity to begin or improve a mindfulness and meditation practice.
Dr. Buathon Thienarrom will be visiting from December 2-15, 2023 to share her extensive expertise in alternative medicine, Taoist practice and Tibetan medicine. To promote the harmonious integration of body, mind and spirit on the path to optimal health, guests can enjoy a series of three private 90-minute healing sessions designed to release excess energy and create renewed focus.
From December 20 to January 31, Vijaya Goyal, a specialist in yoga and holistic therapies, will offer a range of treatments at Amantaka, from holistic touch therapy and craniosacral therapy to tarot card reading and breath work. All treatments are tailored to each guest to relax the body and mind.
