Spoiler alert: At the hotel, I gasped so much I almost ran out of breath. Rosewood Phnom Penh was a dream of a stay, and I dragged my feet when I had to check out.
I’ve never been to Phnom Penh, so when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance. New year, new travel destination, right? After a two-hour flight, I landed in Cambodia’s capital and was whisked away to Rosewood Phnom Penh, an ultra luxury hotel in Vattanac Capital Tower, the city’s first skyscraper. Upon reaching the hotel, the staff warmly greeted me and took me to the lobby on the 35th floor for check-in. The lift opened to a living room-style space with an amazing view of Phnom Penh. In hindsight, it was a preview of what to expect when I got to my room later.
A gorgeous room with a killer view
Saying that I was surprised when I stepped into my accommodation on the 31st floor is an understatement – I was floored. The Grand Premier Room is roughly equivalent to the size of a three-bedroom flat in Singapore!
My room faced the city, with stunning views of Phnom Penh. I spent several minutes taking in the vista and snapping photos. The windows come with blinds and blackout curtains, offering privacy and shade. Unless you don’t mind the sun shining down on your face in the morning…
The king-sized bed sits in the centre of the room. If you’re like Goldilocks, I’ll have you know the bed is just right: firm enough for your back, but still soft enough for a cosy lie-in. Did I mention it’s fitted with 600 thread-count linens and four soft pillows?
A sofa, an armchair, and a coffee table – perfect if you need to do some work – occupy one side of the room, while a standing lamp, a fully stocked private bar, and a coffee machine take up the other side. The wardrobe adjacent to the room door is sizeable enough to stow away your luggage. The room is tastefully decorated with art everywhere. There are plenty of power points, a wireless charger for your phone, and even Bluetooth speakers.
While the room looks fantastic in the daytime, it looks even better at night. Besides the beautiful skyline view, the bed invites you to climb in and rest. The curtains and dim lighting under the bed just pull you in.
The bathroom deserves its own shoutout
Now, let’s talk about the bathroom: it’s so large, it felt like a second living space! You know you’re staying in a luxury hotel when the shower and toilet areas are separate. While glass walls encompass the shower, the toilet is strategically placed behind a full-length mirror. It’s not apparent at first glance; you’ll have to feel your way until you find it.
The bathroom also comes with a tub, which sits just beside the bathroom window. You won’t have to worry about Peeping Toms though, since you’re on a high floor and there are blinds and blackout curtains for this window too. I, of course, enjoyed a nice, languid soak, reading the book I brought to accompany me on this trip.
The brass fixtures are another highlight of the bathroom, lending a nice touch to the entire space. I’m now inspired to do the same for mine at home.
Let go of the tension in your body
It’s tempting to remain holed up in the room, but Rosewood Phnom Penh has plenty of other things that deserve your attention too. First things first: the entire 33rd floor, which houses a fitness centre, an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and a nail salon.
Sense, a Rosewood Spa, offers wellness experiences you (and your body) sorely deserve. Each treatment is infused with the Khmer practice of using the earth’s resources to aid healing. I’m not into massages, but I decided to have one here to relieve the tension in my neck, shoulders, and legs.
The 90-minute massage was a calming experience: soothing music, a refreshing citrus scent wafting through the room, and a masseuse who paid attention to my problem areas with her firm strokes. I caught myself drifting off a few times! After the session, hot tea and dry mango slices were served. I’ve never felt more refreshed.
Enjoy active time at the pool or gym
If you’d rather get physical, head to the indoor swimming pool. At 22 metres long, it’s the perfect place to relax and go for a dip. The floor is decorated with gorgeous mosaic tiles that seem to dazzle in the sun. It’s a bit cold when you first get into the pool, but you won’t want to get out after a few laps.
The 24-hour fitness centre is just a short walk from the pool. This means you can squeeze in a workout just before retiring to bed. The gym is spacious and filled with standard exercise equipment. There are towels, a water cooler and glasses if you need to quench your thirst, and even light bites to keep your energy up. (I spotted bananas when I was there.)
The thought of exercising during a holiday sounds dreadful, but for some reason, I felt compelled to go to the gym after bar hopping one night. Yes, I know – who am I? There was no one around when I was there (obviously), which I was extremely pleased with. No need to fight with anyone for dumbbells and machines! It was such a good session I returned the following morning.
If you fancy a tipple or two…
Speaking of bar hopping, Rosewood Phnom Penh has two worth checking out. Sora is the hotel’s rooftop bar, perched on a terrace overlooking the Cambodian capital. Come here in the evening to unwind while the sun sets. If it gets too humid (or windy) for your liking, just head indoors and resume drinking.
Prefer somewhere more intimate? Make a beeline for Whisky Library. Tucked away in a corner, here’s where you can enjoy cigars and the widest selection of single malt whiskeys. With its leather seats, plush dark woods, and moody setting, you’ll feel like you’ve transported yourself somewhere fancy.
The menus at the two bars draw inspiration from Japanese lore: Sora’s The Book of Yokai is built around Japanese mythology and uses native ingredients, while Whisky Library’s menu pays tribute to Japanese samurais and their swords. The Sora .75 is my favourite: it’s citrusy-sweet, and you barely taste the alcohol in it, similar to a mimosa. If whiskey’s your thing, go for The Imperial, which pairs the spirit with Campari, fig, and ponzu.
There’s no lack of food here
When it comes to food, this luxury hotel doesn’t disappoint. There are six dining venues to choose from, each providing delightful gastronomical feasts. Head to Iza if you’re looking for Japanese cuisine, or pop by the Living Room and Patisserie for light bites and decadent confectionery.
Those into steak and seafood will enjoy the offerings at Cuts. This restaurant specialises in artisanal meats and carries over 200 varieties of wine. If you prefer Chinese cuisine, dine at Zhan Liang, which presents a modern take on Cantonese, Sichuan, and Northern Chinese fares. It boasts a culinary team headed by a Chinese-Malaysian chef with over 25 years of experience under his apron. Psst: the Peking duck is to die for!
What about breakfast? Brasserie Louis awaits. Savour French comfort food and Cambodian favourites, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the patisserie spread, filled with doughnuts, tarts, bread, and more. Doughnuts are my weakness – I had a second helping before I called it a day.
A luxury hotel you’ll keep coming back to
I was dragging my feet when it came time to check out. If only I could stay in Rosewood Phnom Penh forever! I went for another soak in the tub, mentally catalogued the room into my memory, and said goodbye.
The room is gorgeous, the facilities are top-notch, and the food is excellent, but all that can’t compare to the service. The staff were warm and attentive, and I felt well taken care of throughout my stay. I made a pact with one of the managers that I’d be back if I ever choose to revisit Phnom Penh.
Rosewood Phnom Penh, Vattanac Capital Tower, 66 Monivong Boulevard, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, 120211, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
