General Manager Joseph Colina reveals how Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor blends 90 years of heritage & modern elegance to remain one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after luxury destinations.
In a new episode of the Where2FromHere podcast, Renae Leith-Manos sits down with one of Asia’s most dynamic luxury hoteliers—Joseph Colina, General Manager of the legendary Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia. With nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry and a career that’s taken him from the United States to Vietnam and Cambodia, Colina offers a rare blend of global insight and local sensitivity—qualities that define his leadership at one of the most storied hotels in Southeast Asia.
Originally opened in 1932 as a sanctuary for archaeologists and explorers visiting the nearby temples of Angkor Wat, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is more than a luxury hotel; it is a living monument to Cambodian heritage. Having just celebrated its 90th anniversary and undergone a sensitive yet stunning restoration, the property continues to set the standard for timeless elegance. Nearly all 119 rooms and suites have been meticulously refurbished, preserving the hotel’s original charm while embracing the sophistication expected by today’s international travelers.
Colina, who took the helm of the property in recent years, has played a key role in leading the hotel through its renaissance. In the podcast, he opens up to Renae about the journey that brought him to Siem Reap, including previous leadership roles at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Capella Hanoi, and MGallery Sapa. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning to Asia, from adapting to new cultural dynamics to rethinking leadership in a region with deeply rooted traditions and expectations around hospitality.
Throughout the conversation, Colina paints a vivid picture of what it means to manage a historic landmark in the heart of Cambodia’s cultural capital. He shares how Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has evolved without losing its soul, blending rich tradition with contemporary luxury. It’s a philosophy evident in every corner of the property—from the polished teak floors to the grand colonial architecture and the graceful charm of the staff who carry the Raffles legacy forward.
One highlight of the conversation is the exploration of the hotel’s acclaimed Khmer fine-dining restaurant, 1932, a culinary gem that pays homage to the nation’s flavors and food heritage. Colina discusses how the hotel is championing local cuisine, introducing global guests to the depth and sophistication of Cambodian gastronomy through elevated, elegant dining experiences.
The podcast also touches on the Raffles Marquee, a magnificent event space set against the hotel’s lush tropical gardens. It’s this seamless connection to nature, history, and culture that makes Raffles Grand d’Angkor not just a place to stay, but a destination in itself.
Colina also shares insight into the Butler Media Campaign, an innovative marketing initiative that reintroduced the hotel’s legendary butler service to a new generation of luxury travelers. The campaign, which garnered widespread attention, has helped deepen the guest experience, merging the personal touch of traditional service with the expectations of the modern traveler.
As the conversation unfolds, Colina and Renae explore the broader shifts in global luxury travel, especially as destinations like Siem Reap welcome back international visitors in a post-pandemic world. According to Colina, the revival of interest in meaningful, culturally rich travel is positioning Cambodia—and Raffles in particular—as a prime destination for those seeking authenticity without compromise.
“This is an exciting moment in Siem Reap,” Colina says. “Not only as international travelers return to one of the world’s most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but also as Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor writes its next legendary chapter after celebrating its 90-year anniversary.”
Among the enduring hallmarks of the hotel are its classic wrought-iron elevator, one of the last of its kind in Southeast Asia, and the iconic Elephant Bar, a throwback to the golden age of travel, where vintage charm meets refined indulgence. These details, Colina notes, are not just aesthetic flourishes—they are the soul of the hotel, cherished by loyal guests and newcomers alike.
The conversation concludes with a thoughtful discussion on the future of luxury hospitality, with Colina emphasizing the need for hotels to be not just beautiful, but also meaningful. He underscores the importance of storytelling, local engagement, and emotional connection in shaping travel experiences that endure.
For anyone interested in the evolution of luxury travel, the challenges of managing an iconic property, or the intersection of cultural heritage and modern hospitality, this episode offers a fascinating listen.
Click below or une in to Where2FromHere for an intimate behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic hotels in Southeast Asia—and discover why Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor continues to captivate the world’s most discerning travelers. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
