Anjali: Siem Reap's Hidden Gem You NEED to Discover!
Anjali: Siem Reap's Hidden Gem (Or Maybe It's Just My Gem?) - A Rant, Rave, and Residual Sand Between My Toes
Okay, people. I'm back. Just got back from Siem Reap, and my bank account is weeping, but my soul? My soul is doing a little jig, thanks to a place called Anjali. And lemme tell you, after the dust (and the unbelievable heat) of Angkor Wat, this place felt like a freaking oasis.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Ugh, Gotta):
- Keywords: Anjali, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Pool with View, Restaurant, International Cuisine, Free Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Luxury Hotel, Angkor Wat, Best Hotels Siem Reap, Spa Hotel.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Anjali in Siem Reap, Cambodia. From accessible amenities to incredible food, the experience, with all its quirks, the positives, and the minor stumbles, is laid bare. Is it a hidden gem? Maybe. Is it perfect? Definitely not. But is it worth your time and money? Read on…
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Right, so, first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me because my travel buddy uses a wheelchair. Wheelchair accessible is a make-or-break deal. Anjali mostly delivers. The public areas? Generally good. Ramps, wide pathways… the lobby was a breeze. The elevator was a lifesaver, especially when you're dying from a day of temple hopping. But… (and there's always a but, isn't there?), some of the rooms… well, let's just say navigating the bathroom was a bit of a Tetris game. They are working on it, though – I saw them installing some extra grab bars. Still, the effort is there, and that counts for a lot. Plus, the staff are incredibly accommodating. They’ll bend over backward to help.
Internet (Because, Let’s Face It, We’re Addicted):
Yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And, hallelujah, the signal was actually decent. I'm talking Netflix-and-chill levels of Wi-Fi strength. I mean, I had to check those emails, right? The Internet [LAN] option, as well, was a bonus. I'm old-school like that, sometimes. Internet access was available throughout the property. More points!
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Yep! Good spacing, easy navigation. No issues there.
Rooms (The Heart of the Matter, Really)
Okay, where do I start? The rooms themselves were lovely. We splurged a bit and went for a deluxe room with a balcony. The air conditioning was a godsend. Seriously, my sanity hinged on that glorious, icy blast. The interconnecting rooms available are great for families, by the way, though we didn't use them. Air conditioning in public area was also a plus.
The Good:
- Free bottled water – Bless them. Just bless them.
- Blackout curtains – Sleeeeep! Finally!!
- Bathrobes & Slippers: Always a touch of luxury. I lived in those slippers.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial. The Cambodian humidity does things to you. You NEED that caffeine.
- In-room safe box: Because, well, you're carrying around a small fortune in USD, aren't you?
- Daily housekeeping: Impeccable. Coming back to a clean room was pure bliss after a day of sweating through my clothes.
The Not-So-Good (Minor Gripes, Mostly):
- The TV selection could be better, but honestly, who has time for telly when you’re in Cambodia?
- The mirror in the bathroom could use better lighting. I'm just saying.
- The closet could be a smidge bigger (I pack like a hoarder).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Waistband is Still Recovering
Oh. My. God. The food. This is where Anjali really shines. I’m a dedicated foodie, and I was blown away.
- Restaurants: Multiple options! I mean, multiple. There's a gorgeous poolside bar where you can sip cocktails while watching the sunset (which, by the way, is a religious experience in Siem Reap). There's a proper buffet in the restaurant for breakfast. And the a la carte dining? Chef's Kiss.
- What I Ate (and Died For): The Asian cuisine was phenomenal. The Amok fish was divine. I swear, I could swim in that coconut milk sauce. The international cuisine was also top-notch. But let's talk about the breakfast [buffet]. I have never, ever, eaten so much in one sitting. They had everything: Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, fruit galore, pastries… I was practically rolling myself to the coffee shop every morning. The desserts in the restaurant were… dangerous.
- Service: Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver when I woke up at 3 AM with a craving for fried bananas. The wait staff? Always smiling, incredibly attentive. One night, I got a bit tipsy at happy hour and forgot my wallet. They remembered my room number and sorted everything out without a fuss. That's service.
Ways to Relax: Hello, Spa Bliss!
Okay, after a week of temple-trotting, my muscles were screaming. Anjali’s spa? A sanctuary. Here’s the nitty-gritty:
Spa: The whole experience was heavenly. The décor is serene, the smells are divine, and the massage… oh, the massage.
Massage: I opted for the traditional Khmer massage, and it was intense. In a good way. Seriously, the masseuse worked out knots I didn't even know I had. I walked out feeling like a new person. I highly recommend it.
Body scrub & Body wrap: I definitely did a body scrub, honestly, with all the dust and sweating, my skin needed it.
Pool with View: The pool! Yes! It has a stunning view. And the water temperature was perfect for a sweltering day.
Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: All available but I would be lying if I said I went.
Cleanliness and Safety (Always Important!):
Okay, this is where Anjali really nails it. In this post-pandemic era, safety is a huge thing, and they take it seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
I actually felt safer there than I do in my own house!
Things to Do (Besides Eating):
Well the major thing to do in Siem Reap is Angkor Wat, but the hotel also has cool things to do:
- Pool with view: This is a must-do, relax and have fun in the pool, it's really nice
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I totally intended to hit the gym, but, you know, the pool won. And the cocktails.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Excellent for families.
- Car park [free of charge], Bicycle parking: Perfect to leave the car while doing other things.
- Cash withdrawal: Perfect for not having to carry around a lot of cash.
- Food delivery: Great for if you don't want to leave your room
- Gift/souvenir shop: Always useful.
- Luggage storage: To drop the luggage if you travel before or after your check in or out.
- Taxi service, Airport transfer: Perfect for picking you up when you land and bringing you back when it's time to leave.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Concierge: Always helpful – they arranged tours, gave restaurant recommendations, and even helped me get my shirt dry-cleaned (a must after a particularly sweaty temple visit).
- Daily housekeeping: Impeccable. Coming back to a clean room was pure bliss after a day of sweating through my clothes.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Essential after all the sweat from the temples.
- Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Convenience store: Useful.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a plus.
- Doorman: To open the door
Anjali by Syphon: My Siem Reap Survival Guide (and Emotional Breakdown)
Okay, so I just got back from Siem Reap. Or, more accurately, I survived Siem Reap. And let me tell you, planning a trip to Anjali by Syphon was the easy part. The rest? Well, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is the real deal.
Pre-Trip Prep (aka The Panic Phase):
- Weeks Before: Book Anjali. Seriously. It's gorgeous. Rooms are beautiful, the pool screams Instagram-worthy and honestly, just the thought of it kept me going during the pre-trip anxiety spiral. Which, let's be honest, is a big part of the fun… right? Right?!
- Days Before: Google Maps. Download offline maps. Download a translation app. Pretend you know some basic Khmer phrases. You will fail. Miserably. "Soksabay?" (That's "Hello, how are you?" right? I think… Maybe…) I’m pretty sure I butchered the language the entire time. I even tried to learn how to say thank you and everything seemed to be going well, until I realised they were just laughing at my pronunciation.
- Hours Before: Pack. Overpack. Realize you packed the wrong shoes. Curse yourself. Pack more snacks. You'll need them. Especially after you discover Cambodian coffee. It's a game changer.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Tuk-Tuk Debacle
- 1:00 PM: Arrive in Siem Reap. Ugh, the humidity. It hits you like a wet blanket. Suddenly my “perfect” outfits felt more like a suffocating sauna.
- 1:30 PM: Find my pre-booked airport transfer. A tiny, slightly terrifying, tuk-tuk driver greets me with a smile and a "Welcome to Cambodia!" I clutch my bag and try to channel adventurous Lara Croft.
- 2:00 PM: (aka Tuk-Tuk Tragedy): The "scenic route" to Anjali is… let’s just say… “character-building.” The roads are a bumpy rollercoaster of potholes, motorbikes whizzing past, and the persistent smell of… well, I’m still not sure what it was. Dust? Exhaust? Cambodian magic? My hair was a mess, my sunglasses kept slipping off, and I was pretty sure my organs were rearranging themselves.
- 2:45 PM: Arrive at Anjali. Glory be! The lobby is even more stunning in person. The cold towel and iced tea? Pure heaven. I briefly consider staying in the lobby forever. I probably made a scene, the amount of glee I showed when checking in.
- 3:30 PM: Unpack. Regret not packing more comfortable shoes. And maybe a hazmat suit for the tuk-tuk.
- 4:00 PM: Explore Anjali's grounds. The pool. Oh. My. God. The pool. I immediately threw myself in, and that feeling of utter weightlessness was worth every pothole on the way. This is what I came for.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Anjali restaurant. The food? Divine. The Amok fish? Incredible. I devoured everything and felt a wave of guilt and joy. Guilt for eating so much, joy for having such a tasty meal.
- 9:00 PM: Early bedtime. Jet lag is a beast. Plus, I was already planning my assault on Angkor Wat.
Day 2: Angkor Wat: The Sunrise Surprise… and the Sweat
- 4:30 AM: The Alarm of Doom. Seriously, this is the time when normal people are tucked in bed. I get dressed in the dark, fueled by instant coffee and the sheer terror of missing the sunrise at Angkor Wat. I’m pretty sure I mumbled some sort of curse in the darkness.
- 5:00 AM: Another Tuk-Tuk adventure to Angkor Wat. This time, I'm prepared. I look like a walking advertisement for SPF 50 and insect repellent.
- 5:30 AM: Angkor Wat. The crowd. Oh, the crowd. It's shoulder-to-shoulder, everyone jostling for the perfect Instagram shot. "Excuse me! Sorry! Just trying to… Oh, for goodness sake!" The sunrise is beautiful, yes, but also… overwhelming. I did manage to feel something. It’s not every day you get to see a relic built in the 12th century.
- 7:00 AM: Exploring the temple. I immediately lose my husband in the maze of corridors and towers. I take the opportunity to wander around like a child, getting lost, poking my head in places I shouldn't. My advice? Just go with it. Grab a water bottle.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Finally. A welcome buffet at a local café is all that’s needed, and I am in absolute bliss. So many croissants!
- 10:00 AM-1:00 PM: More temple hopping. Bayon, Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple). I try to soak it all in, but the heat is relentless. I am a sweaty, slightly grumpy puddle of a person. I also have the overwhelming urge to buy a silk scarf from every vendor. They. Are. Everywhere.
- 1:30 PM: Back at Anjali. Dive back in the pool. Seriously, the pool saved me.
- 7:00 PM: More dinner, this time at a restaurant in town. Street food temptations are everywhere, and I almost give in. I do buy a mango sticky rice. Worth it? Absolutely.
Day 3: Culture, Cooking, and Karaoke Mishaps
- 9:00 AM: Cooking class at a local school. I learn to make… something. I may have set something on fire. But hey, it tasted delicious! I'm a chef now, dammit!
- 1:00 PM: Visit the Landmine Museum. This was a sobering experience. It's a stark reminder of Cambodia's history and the ongoing impact of war. I left feeling heavy-hearted but also hugely grateful for my own life.
- 4:00 PM: Shopping in the Old Market. Bargaining is an art form, and I’m clearly a novice. I overpay for a t-shirt that says "Siem Reap Rocks!" (It doesn't. I don't know why I bought it). Found a gorgeous silk scarf.
- 7:00 PM: Karaoke night! (Against my better judgment). Wine and singing are always a bad idea, and I have a very limited song catalogue. Let's just say my rendition of "I Will Survive" wasn't… well, it wasn't smooth.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. So tired, so happy to be in a safe place.
Day 4: Relaxation and Departure (aka The Sadness Phase)
- 10:00 AM: Sleep in! YES. Finally.
- 11:00 AM: Spa day at Anjali. A massage, a facial… pure bliss. I don’t even care about the price. I needed this.
- 1:00 PM: Lazy lunch by pool. Final swim.
- 3:00 PM: Pack. (Again). Try to decide which of the many souvenirs to keep.
- 4:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir hunt. One more silk scarf!
- 5:00 PM: Farewell dinner at Anjali. One last Amok fish. One last sunset. The tears? Totally unexpected.
- 7:00 PM: The final Tuk-Tuk ride to the airport. This time, the bumps and the dust don’t seem so bad. I know I’ll miss the chaos, the colors, the people.
- 9:00 PM: Depart from Siem Reap. Already making plans to return.
Final Thoughts (aka My Ramblings):
Siem Reap is overwhelming, exhausting, and utterly captivating. It’s not perfect. It's hot. It's chaotic. But it's also undeniably beautiful, filled with incredible history, warm people, and some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I do anything different? Maybe pack more comfortable shoes. And maybe learn a few more Khmer phrases. And maybe… just maybe… avoid the karaoke. Nah, probably not.
Anjali by Syphon? Definitely the right choice. The pool is a lifesaver, the staff is lovely. Go to Siem Reap. Go to Anjali. And just… go. You won't regret it. (Even if you do get lost, covered in sweat, and sing horribly at karaoke.) It's all part of the adventure.
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1. Wait... Anjali? What *is* it, exactly? And why is it "hidden"? Is it, like, REALLY hidden? Cause I'm bad at finding stuff.
Okay, so first things first: Anjali by Syphon is a restaurant. But, and this is a HUGE but, it's not *just* a restaurant. It's an experience. Think: elegant Cambodian cuisine meets this unbelievably chill vibe. They focus on local ingredients, which matters, trust me. As for "hidden"... well, it's not *super* obvious. It's a little off the beaten path, down a quiet lane, away from the screaming tuk-tuk traffic. Which, let's be honest, is a bloody godsend after a day sweating in the temples. I, personally, I *am* directionally challenged. I got a bit lost the first time, muttering things like "curse my lack of spatial reasoning," and I almost gave up, but boy oh boy, am I glad I didn’t!
2. What's the food *actually* like? 'Cause fancy descriptions are one thing, but does it *taste* good? And are there options for, like, picky eaters? (Me. I'm the picky eater).
The food is... *chef's kiss*. Seriously. Let me tell you, I’ve eaten some questionable stuff in my day (looking at *you*, mystery meat on a stick in Bangkok…), but Anjali is divine. They do modern Cambodian with a real focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. I’m usually a "chicken and fries" kinda girl, but even *I* was adventurous here! I'm obsessed with their fish amok. I mean, *obsessed*. It's a creamy, coconut-milk-based curry, and it is heaven on a plate. And the presentation? Gorgeous. And if you ARE a picky eater? Okay, breathe. They have some simpler options too, like grilled meats and rice. Still, I implore you: be brave! Try something new. You might surprise yourself. Because, believe me, I did!
3. The Ambience... What's the Vibe? Should I dress up? Do I need to know a secret handshake?
The vibe is…peaceful. Like, genuinely peaceful. Think lush greenery, soft lighting, and gentle music. It’s elegant, but not stuffy. *Definitely* not stuffy. I wore a flowy dress one night, but I also saw people in jeans and t-shirts. Comfort is key, but you’ll feel a touch under-dressed in full-on tourist gear, I’d say. No secret handshake required. Although, if you *do* know one, and it involves a perfectly timed backflip, please, by all means, perform it. I’d pay to see that. Oh, and the place is great for a romantic meal. *Hint, hint* if you're looking for a place to take a loved one.
4. Drinks! Tell me about the Drinks! Are there cocktails? Do they do a good beer?
Oh, the drinks! They're GOOD. They have a good collection of cocktails. And the beer is cold! That's all I need to know, and the beer there is really cold. I had a cocktail that was with some fruit and it was amazing. I don't remember the name, because... *ahem*… I had a few. And the wine list is also pretty decent, too. There's something for everyone, from the casual drinker to the connoisseur. The staff is really good, too. They can help you choose.
5. The Service! Is it slow? Are the servers friendly? (Because I've had some TERRIBLE service experiences lately).
The service is… impeccable, but not in a way that's intimidating. It's friendly, attentive, and efficient. The staff genuinely care about making your experience great. They are really trying to ensure your experience is the best. I had a slight hiccup with one of my dishes, once (I'm a whiny tourist, what can I say?). They were incredibly apologetic, fixed it immediately, and even gave me a complimentary dessert. Seriously, top-notch. And I appreciated that they remembered us later when we came back. It's the little things, right?
6. Pricey? Or Not? 'Cause I'm traveling on a budget, you know... temples and all that.
Okay, so let's be honest: it's not *budget* budget. It's a step up from the street food, but definitely worth the splurge. For what you get - the quality of the food, the atmosphere, the service - it's actually a good value, I think. I spent more on a mediocre pizza in my hometown than I did on a truly unforgettable meal at Anjali. So, yeah... save up. Maybe skip a few tuk-tuk rides to make it work. Trust me, it's worth it. Remember, you are on *vacation*!
7. Seriously Though...That "Hidden" Thing. How *Do* I Find It? Give Me Directions A *Dunce* Can Follow.
Okay, okay, I get it. You're directionally challenged. Don't worry, you're in good company. Here's the lowdown: It's off of a main road, near some hotels, but you've got to look for the sign; it's very subtle. I highly recommend using Google Maps (or a tuk-tuk driver who knows the way – and most do). Look for the *small* lane and follow it. You’ll know you’re close when you start seeing trees and hear the faint sounds of happy people. Or maybe I'm just projecting. Don't be afraid to ask for directions – Cambodians are incredibly friendly and helpful. And bring a flashlight if you're going at night! Just in case, you know, because you're directionally challenged.
8. Okay, Let's Get Real: What Was Your Absolute BEST Experience There? Spill the Tea!
Okay, so the BEST experience... it wasn't just one thing. It was the *whole thing*. But if I had to pinpoint a moment... it was during that first meal, as I was slowly savoring the fish amok (yes, *again*). My mouth was exploding with flavor, the evening breeze gently caressed my face, and the soft lighting made me feel like I was in a dream. Then, the waiter, saw me staring at him - I think - smiling, and brought out a little complimentary dessert – some kind of incredible, coconut-infused treat. I think, It was *pure* bliss. It completely transcended just eating dinner. It felt likeInfinity Inns
