Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Review, a luxury Escape in Cambodia’s magnificent Siem Reap
We visited Siem Reap, for the first time as a family and the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort offers a sublime, calming Cambodian retreat immersed in nature and a memorable stay.
Combining French colonial elegance with authentic Khmer charm, this vast yet gracious resort seamlessly blends Cambodian cultural authenticity with world-class amenities and breathtaking grounds and amenities.
When Angelina Jolie filmed Tomb Raider, she moved in to Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort with her crew, and stayed for the duration of filming.
The film crew gifted the hotel with two spectacular statues from the set when they departed and those statued are still on site.
A host of celebrities from Hilary Clinton to Oprah have also checked in – as can be seen on a wall of fame in the resort’s entrance, a must-see as it really does set the tone for a stay here.
I stayed at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort with my twin teenage children in December 2024, and the resort was buzzing with American tourists and families holidaying in Siem Reap for a once in a lifetime experience exploring the incredible local Temples of Angkor Wat.
The whole experience is spiritual, historic and truly awesome. Definitely one for the bucket list – the temples as well as The Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa resort.
The Champagne Bar, the first in Cambodia was a highlight of The Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort for us, as was the local art work, paintings and sculptures peppering the lobby and communal areas throughout the hotel.
The setting of the hotel is magnificent, as it sits around a body of water full of lotus leaves ad flowers. The whole feel is calm, lush and serene.
Fresh flowers abound in Cambodia, and we relished in the flower filled lobby, breakfast area surrounded by nature, and the mesmerising lotus flowers and lotus leaves on the pond.
The swimming pool is Siem Reap’s largest free-form saltwater pool , so it is huge and a welcome location to relax on hot summer Cambodian afternoons after a day out and about exploring.
The walk each morning and night across the colonial style white tiled painted bridges over water filled with lush lily pads and lotus flowers was a joy, and a highlight of our stay. Instagrammers would love it as would anyone looking for a beautiful moment.
The hotels interiors are a touch dated, as is much of Siem Reap in truth, but it does not effect the enjoyment of a stay at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, and I feel a review of this magnificent property would be incomplete without showing respect and understanding of this country’s recent challenging history, the genocide of 1975-1979 which saw between 1.5 and 3 million people killed at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.
A generation were virtually wiped out but this country and indeed the hospitality industry has come so far in such a short time, under such extreme and challenging circumstances. That in itself makes Cambodia and Siem Reap a wonder and an honour to visit.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Location: 7/10
Nestled within six hectares of lush tropical gardens, the Sofitel is a tranquil sanctuary just a five-minute tuk-tuk ride from Siem Reap’s Old Market and a 15-minute journey to the iconic Angkor temples.
There is a new airport which is about 50 minutes away, so it is worth booking the elegant hotel car to ensure the journey is an easy one. The car comes with welcome refreshing towels and water – which we appreciated. Cambodia is warm.
The property’s strategic location strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and serenity, making it ideal for exploring while escaping the city’s bustle.
Style and Character 8/10
The Sofitel Angkor’s design is a harmonious blend of French sophistication and Khmer artistry. From the grand high-ceilinged lobby filled with flowers and art to the huge lotus pond encircled by tiled walkways, every detail exudes elegance.
The resort’s nightly candle-lighting ritual transforms the gardens into a magical haven, while contemporary Khmer art including sculptures and paintings adorns its corridors, offering guests an immersive cultural experience.
There is a strong colonial feel as well with huge whicker chairs to dine on for breakfast, white painted walkways across the waters outside the hotel and service that sparkles.
Rooms 8/10
Rooms at the Sofitel are thoughtfully designed, with polished hardwood floors, plush bedding, elegant wooden bedheads, and expansive views of either the pool or the garden. Flowers abound both inside and outside the rooms.
The spacious bathrooms include retro-style fittings, ensuring both comfort and character.
Luxurious Karl Lagerfield bathroom amenities elevate the daily shower experience, and my suite had a separate bath complete with bath salts and a reading book and flowers, and a separate shower.
I stayed with my teenage twin children and we shared an adjoining suite and room which was three separate rooms with adjoining doors and 3 bathrooms, so a huge space and plenty of room to get away from each other.
Ground-floor rooms are premium and feature private patios for easy pool or garden access, while upper-level accommodation boast charming balconies. A view is a bonus at this property and definitely worth asking for – over the lotus pond ideally.
We were located on the ground and enjoyed sitting on the balcony overlooking the garden then the lotus pond chatting about our day’s adventures.
Wellness and Leisure 8/10
For wellness enthusiasts, the Sofitel offers the city’s largest free-form saltwater pool, complete with a swim-up bar, perfect for unwinding with a cocktail after a day trekking through the dusty, hot temples. A huge hit with teenagers.
The gym is succinct and there is enough equipment for a good workout and it is located in a gorgeous white timber building near the pool. The grounds are large, so it is a great place to increase your daily step count without even trying.
The spa, featuring L’Occitane products, is purpose-built for relaxation, offering a variety of treatments.
Golf lovers will appreciate exclusive discounts at the nearby Poketheera Country Club, with complimentary transfers provided by the hotel.
Food and Beverage: 8/10
The Citadel main restaurant serves an impressive buffet of international and Asian dishes, with a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoors is on a timber balcony area with striking rattan chairs with high backs, a bit like sitting on a throne.
The extensive breakfast buffet includes health-conscious options alongside indulgent offerings, ensuring something for everyone and seating is both indoor and outdoor. A magical blossom tree lit with fairy lights was a highlight inside.
The champagne bar is Cambodia’s first and is brimming with a wide array of vintage and non vintage champagnes A snack menu includes local and western offerings form rice paper rolls to chips and more. There is also an awesome and extensive wine room with wines from around the globe.
The bar is one of Cambodia’s best, and a cooling relief after a long day, and there are many French wines to choose from in addition to champagne – and great service.
For a touch of romance, Mouhot’s Dream specialises in French fine dining and sits right on the lotus pond. Guests can savor the chef’s creations in a tranquil setting overlooking the mesmerising lotus pond or opt for private dining with a view of the kitchen.
The pool bar was a favourite with my teenagers, and includes exotic cocktails and mocktails, while Explorer’s Tales, the flower filled lobby lounge, is perfect for a coffee with live music ranging from guitar to harp performances.
Service and Facilities 8.5/10
The staff’s blend of Khmer warmth and French formality sets a high standard for service, the housekeeping was impeccable. Our clothes we had left out were folded and sorted daily.
Whether it’s the personalised greetings upon arrival or seamless concierge assistance, every detail is handled with precision and there is a gentleness, calmness and even wisdom about Cambodians, perhaps connected to their challenging recent history.
The breakfast staff were lovely, and the staff in the Champagne Bar had excellent alcohol knowledge for this part of the world.
Additional amenities include a fully equipped gym, as mentioned under wellness above, and child-friendly activities, and even premium suites designed for accessibility.
The Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Insider Tips: Renae says
Who should Stay here: Families, couples and groups.
Who shouldn’t Stay here: Singles – the lush grounds are huge and may feel overwhelming.
Location: A 45 minute drive from the new airport and about 5 minutes from town with huge grounds.
Best culinary delight: A glass of chilled Pommery champagne at the Champagne Bar.
Insider Tip: Cycling from the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort to the temples is a once in a lifetime experience for sunrise and the concierge can arrange this – but you need to have a bit of bike fitness as it takes around 30 minutes.
The Highlight: Walking through the spectacular grounds multiple times a day over the lotus filled pond, which is just so beautiful and has such great energy.
The lowlight: The coffee is not great – but good news is many coffee shops in town have great coffee. My pick is tube coffee shop.
