Rose Apple Residence is not what you’d expect from a Cambodian villa. While the local architecture typically relies on ornate stone carvings and woodwork, this villa is all smooth white surfaces and edgy modern angles. The overall effect is fresh and modern, with subtle touches of Cambodian heritage incorporated throughout. We loved this contrast between the ancient and the avant-garde.
Playful Modern Design
Upon arrival, our butler greeted us with welcome drinks followed by a tour of the villa. Moving through the different spaces felt very playful, with each room revealing new design elements and fascinating artefacts. We also loved the cleverly placed windows which create a whimsical dance of light at different parts of the day in each of the rooms.
Global Cuisine
Besides offering an impeccably warm welcome, our butler turned out to be a very skilled chef. When it comes to food, Cambodia offers so much choice and variety. This too is woven with the region’s rich history as Cambodia is a melting pot of the cultures that have travelled and settled here over millennia.
Obviously, sampling authentic Khmer food is a must, but there are other fascinating influences to explore as well, from French to Portuguese and from Vietnamese to Thai cuisine.
Tropical Living
Rose Apple Residence is set amid huge 920m² gardens which were one of the highlights of our stay. There are so many areas to relax here, whether it’s out by the pool, in the garden or inside the villa. The rolling green lawns and the saltwater pool felt like a tranquil oasis – exactly what you need after a day spent exploring ancient wonders. Which brings us to…
The Magic of Angkor
Visiting the ancient ruins of Angkor is a quintessential bucket list item. Luckily, this fabled landmark more than lives up to its reputation. That first light over the temple domes really is magical, and the ruins that are half consumed by the jungle feel otherworldly.
Visiting the temples and trekking through the jungle can also really take it out of you! It was so lovely to be able to return back “home” to our villa after a long day and recharge our batteries in such a peaceful setting.
Rose Apple Residence is set in a quiet neighbourhood just outside Siem Reap’s vibrant centre. On the occasions when we wanted to head into town, our butler arranged a tuk-tuk for us. We really enjoyed exploring the markets and dining our way through Pub Street. We believe Siem Reap should be on every traveller’s must-visit list.
Final Verdict
Rose Apple Residence offers a beautiful contrast between the ancient and the avant-garde. We loved the attentive service and how peaceful and relaxing the villa felt. It was also a great homebase for exploring Angkor and central Siem Reap.
Would you like to learn more about this villa? We are happy to answer any questions you may have – contact us here.
