Checking into the Park Hyatt I felt sure that I was staying in the best hotel in Siem Reap. Only a couple of minutes from the centre of town by foot, yet a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. That’s the beauty of the Park Hyatt, it remains a place of peace and tranquility despite its incredibly central location.

A perfect day would go something like this: drag yourself out of their blissful double beds nice and early, enjoy a breakfast of fresh fruits, french toast and Khmer iced coffee. Then catch a tuk tuk to the magnificent Angkor temples which you’ll have all to yourself in the early morning. At around midday when the crowds start to appear and the sun starts to get unbearably hot, head back to the infinity pool to rest your feet and soak up the sunshine. In the evening, head downstairs to the Hyatt Dining Room for a traditional Khmer dinner overlooking the beautiful courtyard and its 100-year old Banyan tree. Every evening there’s a cultural performance with Cambodian ballet and Cambodian martial arts which is best enjoyed with one of their carefully crafted cocktails in hand.

One of the things I loved most about my stay here was the focus on traditional Cambodian culture. Khmer influences can be seen throughout the hotel, from the interior design to the cuisine to the entertainment. For further insight into Cambodian culture, you can embark on a wealth of experiences from cooking classes to quad biking in the Cambodian countryside, all of which can be organised with the attentive staff.

In truth I had never tried Cambodian cuisine before my stay at the Park Hyatt, but my goodness am I now a fan. Fragrant and flavourful, many of the dishes are seasoned with coconut milk, lemongrass, Khmer honey and Kampot pepper giving each dish a depth which other cuisines lack. I would highly recommend their set menu which includes two of their most celebrated dishes: the roasted eggplant salad to start and the seafood amok to follow, made with curry paste, coconut milk and Nhor leaves.

I was fortunate enough to stay in one of their suites which are the epitome of luxury. After a busy day of exploring the temples and soaking up the sunshine, there’s no better way to wind down than in the cool, air-conditioned living room. Sometimes a bit of extra space goes a long way.