The Bale Phnom Penh

The Balé sits on the Mekong riverfront, guaranteeing panoramic views, yet is just 20 minutes from the city centre of Phnom Penh, offering the best of both worlds.

In keeping with its air of exclusivity, the Balé has just 18 exceptionally spacious suites that merge simple, elegant furnishings with Cambodian artefacts and fabrics, including photographs of local scenes, for a minimalist feel that flows throughout the hotel. The beds ‘float’ on wooden plinths, and the bathrooms come with rainforest showers.

The Courtyard Suites have private courtyards, fragranced with frangipani, or for a room with a view, choose from one of the Riverfront Suites, which offer stunning views of the Mekong from their private balconies and refreshment pools.

For a contemporary twist on classic Khmer dishes head over to the Theato restaurant, where you can enjoy both local, traditional cuisine and international favourites, from Mekong river lobster to Australian wagyu beef. Accompany your meal with a drink from one of the most comprehensive wine and spirit cellars in the region. You can also relax by the pool with snacks such as pizza or sticky ribs.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the hotel also offers private dining experiences such as a candlelit meal for two in the privacy of your suite or beneath the palm trees by the river, under the stars.  

The hotel’s centrepiece is its dazzling riverside pool, where you can cool off with a few laps on a hot day, or, if you would prefer something more relaxing, take a trip down to the spa for a blissful treatment using traditional Balinese techniques. There is also a fully-equipped gym with a personal trainer on hand for anyone looking for a more structured workout, as well as a range of complimentary sessions such as stretching and aerobics.

Take a Khmer cooking class to learn the art of preparing traditional Cambodian food, which begins with a trip to the local market where you can select fresh ingredients. Expert chefs will then show you how to transform them into delicious and authentic Cambodian dishes.

Further afield, get an insight into the eclectic history and culture of the area with visits to the ornate 19^th-century Royal Palace, the residence of Cambodian kings, the 12^th-century Ta Phrom temple and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a sobering reminder of the Khmer Rouge.