Spread out across eight hectares of lush gardens and rice paddy fields on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Phum Baitang is a collection of 45 wood and stilted villas inspired by traditional local architecture. Showcasing a village aesthetic, this green oasis has been imagined as an authentic experience and offers genuine Cambodian spirit in its hospitality–a truly immersive encounter.
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 edifying experience, guests may learn directly from local farmers how the rice paddies are grown and harvested.
Green Initiatives Phum Baitang’s dedication to sustainable practices is evident in the methods employed 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 are available for guests to ride around the resort.
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 buffaloes, which plough the rice paddies and keep the lawn areas trimmed, while their excrement—along with garden refuge—is used as fertilizer. All guest laundry is done in-house with eco-friendly and biodegradable detergent. With their extraordinarily thorough green initiatives, Phum Baitang embodies its purpose in creating a sustainable environment.
Rooms Stretched across the rice fields and surrounded by a luxuriant natural environment are 45 spacious villas, forming an authentic village of true Cambodian style. The traditional architecture has been ecologically built with indigenous materials and Cambodian wisdom gleaned from centuries of construction, offering guests a full cultural immersion in mystical Siem Reap. 20 villas feature private swimming pools and gardens, with the remaining 25 villas offering large terraces as stunning vantage points from which to take in the greenery. 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.
A perfect antidote to the hustle of Siem Reap, The Spa Temple is inspired by the architecture of Angkor and will please guests seeking rejuvenation. In seven treatment rooms, a blend of Cambodian techniques and traditional products are applied to ensure ultimate relaxation. The spa experience can be prolonged in a series of additional spaces that include a sauna, hammam, fitness room, and a generous 50-metre swimming pool that overlooks paddy fields.
More information: www.designhotels.com/phum-baitang
