Spread out across eight hectares of lush gardens and rice paddy fields on the outskirts of the mystical Siem Reap, Phum Baitang is a place to behold. A collection of 45 wood and stilted villas inspired by traditional local architecture, the property showcases the village aesthetic, a green oasis ecologically built with indigenous materials and Cambodian wisdom gleaned from centuries of construction. There are 20 villas that feature private swimming pools and gardens, with the remaining 25 villas offering large terraces as stunning vantage points from which to take in the green scene. Each villa is adorned with elegant, handmade Cambodian wooden furniture, rough stone sinks and bathtubs, antiques and lantern-style lighting that only uses eco-friendly bulbs.
In-house Rice Cultivation Experience
Designed to respect the land it sits on, Phum Baitang has a unique connection to the paddy fields that weave through the retreat. The high quality rice, Sen Kro Ob, is cultivated at the resort and is renowned for its superior taste and tenderness. Guests dining in either of Phum Baitang’s two restaurants—Bay Phsar and Hang Bay—can savour authentic Cambodian recipes with a bowl of the resort’s own rice harvest. The paddies of rice also allow for numerous authentic interactions between locals and guests, with the opportunity for visitors to experience rice planting or harvesting included in their stay. Seasonal planting starts from February and happens bimonthly while harvesting happens in the remaining months. Through this, you can learn directly from local farmers how the rice paddies are grown and harvested.
We also love that sustainable practices are evident throughout the hotel. An autonomous water treatment facility provides clean drinking water in re-useable glass bottles that may be re-filled at several stations throughout the resort, and eradicates the need for plastic containers. Elsewhere, the use of electric buggies to transport guests and luggage is driven by an objective to eliminate the use of fueled vehicles around the property, while bicycles are proposed for local tours and available for guests to ride around the resort.
Gardens and Buffalo
Playing a part in preserving local endangered species, Phum Baitang has its own natively grown garden that uses a naturally produced mist to control pesticides, essentially reducing harm to the environment. The resort is also home to buffalo, which plough the rice paddies and keep the lawn areas trimmed, while their excrement—along with garden refuge—is used as fertilizer. Pretty neat, right?
And the perfect antidote to the hustle of Siem Reap…
The Spa Temple, inspired by the architecture of Angkor. In seven treatment rooms, a blend of Cambodian techniques and traditional products are incoporated to round out your natural Cambodian journey. Finish up with a sauna, hammam, a visit to the fitness room, or a generous 50-metre swimming pool that overlooks paddy fields. You can’t really go wrong.
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to hitch a ride to Angkor.
Paddy fields never sounded so good.
JAUNT MAGAZINE 