Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat

Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat is a boutique retreat that attracts both families and couples with its swimming pools and quiet setting amid tranquil gardens. The entrance to the resort doesn't do justice to the inside, as one comes down a dusty dirt road to arrive at a low-rise house. The open-air lobby has polished wood floors and a sloped ceiling as well as soothing blue sofas to relax on while waiting for the fresh passion fruit juice welcome drink and fragrant cold towel that guests receive upon check-in. There are dishes of spices filling the back of the lobby with frangrances, where stairs lead up to the spa. Beautiful grounds surround the property and are filled with tropical greenery and palm trees, as well as three pools offering a cool respite from Cambodia's heat. Far from chaotic Pub Street and downtown, it really is one of Siem Reap's most chilled out escapes and the emphasis on wellness can be felt in almost every aspect, from dining to the gorgeous spa.

The resort is located outside of Siem Reap, along a dirt road and near rice fields in the countryside. The quiet, isolated location means that there's not much nearby or within walking distance, but the town center and its attractions are a 10-minute drive away. Room rates include the services of a private tuk-tuk driver, so restaurants, shops, and sights are easily accessible. Angkor Wat is a 20-minute drive from the property, though the other temples will take a bit longer to reach. The airport is also a 20-minute drive.

The hotel's 28 rooms are chic and spacious, with wooden floors and furniture as well as Khmer art pieces throughout, such as carved elephants, Buddha statues, and other Khmer or Angkor scenes. Calm, soothing decor has a rustic look and includes white walls paired with tranquil blue and teal hues. One can opt for the standard Explorer Rooms or the fancier Grand Tour Rooms, and there also are a few opulent Grand Suites. All rooms have lovely private patios overlooking small gardens with cushioned seating and folding lounge chairs for relaxing. Rooms have plenty of modern amenities like large flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, air-conditioning, iPod docks and sound systems, tea- and coffee-making facilities, electronic mosquito-repelling devices, and free Wi-Fi. The stone floor bathrooms have ceramic double sink vanities and large walk-in rainfall showers that have glass windows overlooking private pebble gardens. The larger Grand Tour rooms also have giant corner tubs in the bedrooms. 

Highlights here are the resort's three swimming pools, which surround a thatch-roofed, open-air restaurant. One pool is for lap swimming and has fresh water, another one is located next to the lounge, while the largest one -- the Family Pool -- includes a shallow section for kids. All pools are surrounded by large cabanas, along with padded sun loungers lining attractive sundecks. Should staying in the water get tiresome, the open-air lounge offers books and cushioned sofas. For the more active, there is a small fitness room with a couple of cardio machines, plus an adjacent yoga studio where daily yoga classes are held. The spa here is first class, offering a range of massage treatments, detox programs, cleansing, and all sorts of health and wellness options. The hotel's Niam Niam restaurant and bar offers excellent dining that includes free breakfast as well as lunch and dinner options with Khmer and Western specialties. There is a vegetarian and macrobiotic menu for the health conscious, with an array of juices, vegetarian platters, organic salads, and more. Breakfast also includes options for those with dietary restrictions. Room rates also include personal tuk-tuk drivers, should guests want to explore sights or visit town, though this does not include day-long Angkor Wat tours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.