The Balé Phnom Penh, Cambodia Hotel

Cambodia

On the banks of the Mekong river, the busy Cambodian capital is synonymous with many things, from being seized by the Khmer Rouge to its Royal Palace, still home to the King of Cambodia. But perhaps it’s the last place you’d expect to find a tranquil oasis such as The Balé Phnom Penh. This peaceful hotel sits upriver of the chaos of the city, with just 18 suites. Four of them overlook the iconic Mekong, but all have a similar calm vibe, with minimalist design, local furniture, art and artefacts and, of course, a butler to cater for every need. Courses in Khmer cuisine are offered in the cookery school or you can just let the experts do the work in the restaurant, as they serve up regional favourites such as Kep crab and Mekong prawns. There’s a well-equipped gym, yoga and aerobic sessions, but the best exercise must be the leisurely swims – or floats – in the 30m pool right on the river. City life couldn’t seem further away. Doubles from £192.

Words by Alex Mead.