Nestled serenely alongside the Siem Reap River in a verdant enclave is one of Siem Reap’s newest boutique hotels, the Jaya House River Park. Opened in December 2016, this petite lush haven is located about 20 minutes away from Siem Reap International Airport and a six-minute tuk-tuk journey from town in the direction of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Angkor site.
With the Ecole Francasi Extreme Orient, the Enkosa Pagoda and the Angkor Conservation Authority in the neighbourhood, Jaya House River Park is shrouded in a definitive sense of heritage and culture.
‘Jaya’ is a shortened version of Jayavarman, the 9th-century king who unified the Khmer states into one empire. Designed by V-Design Asia based in Siem Reap, the Jaya House River Park is a modern, luxurious resort integrating Khmer culture and Western design. It’s slightly off the beaten track location ensures a tranquil retreat away from the bustling town yet still readily accessible with the complimentary use of the hotel’s fleet of tuk-tuks or two-wheeled carriages pulled by a motorbike from 4.30 am to 10 pm.
The Rooms
There are a total of 36 rooms in this luxury boutique hotel and each of them has either a balcony or direct garden & pool access. Accommodation is categorised according to Deluxe, Junior Suite and Junior Pool Suite.
Each 38sqm Deluxe Room is designed to provide a relaxing space with beautiful views of the pool or the tropical (hanging) gardens. A choice of either one king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds with comfortable pillow-top mattresses, premium bedding and linen awaits.
A selection of homegrown herbal teas, a Malongo Espresso Machine, Bluetooth connectivity, high-speed wireless internet and a well-stocked complimentary mini bar are for guests’ use. An additional connecting Deluxe Room provides the convenience of a two-bedroom layout for family stays.
In the spacious Junior Suites, a separate living area adds space and comfort.
Three of the Junior Suites also come with an outdoor shower while the charming Junior Pool Suites with a private plunge pool are perfect for those seeking their own space.
Pristine white prevails throughout the hotel providing a cool shade from the tropical heat. Contemporary artworks by Khmer artists adorn the interiors reflecting the hotel’s commitment to supporting the local community.
Dining
The all-day dining restaurant serves a wide breakfast buffet with sparkling wine, lunch and dinner with a fine balance of Khmer and western dishes.
It seats 40 persons and features six romantic hanging swing seats. Room service is also available. Room service is also available.
On the top level, a trendy Sky Bar, overlooking the River marks the idyllic spot to shoot the breeze with attractive Happy Hours in the evening.
The Spa
The Spa at Jaya House River Park is a hidden gem with a selected list of treatments helmed by well- trained therapists.
Gorgeous Pools
Two swimming pools – 20m x 5.5m and 12m x 3.5m – ensure a pleasant respite for guests after a day of temple traipsing.
The larger one stands in a garden filled with mango trees, banana trees, marum trees, eucalyptus trees and various sugar palm trees amongst others.
Siem Reap Attractions
No visit to Siem Reap is complete without a visit to its famous temple ruins and rustic attractions. Guests have a choice of three tours ranging from one day to three days encompassing the must-visit Angkor temples, fishing villages, Tonle Sap Lake, Khmer cooking classes and quaint rural villages.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Behind the cool stylish veneer of Jaya House River Park lies a warm and compassionate heart – a strong responsibility towards the Siem Reap community, the Khmer art, culture & music world, its people and the environment. Under the leadership of Managing Director Christian De Boer, the hotel has undertaken several initiatives.
“We may be a small hotel but our commitment to Siem Reap remains hugely entrenched in the community. We take our role seriously in advancing the livelihood and interests of the people who have suffered heavily under the turbulent Khmer regime. As such, we are also encouraging our guests to join us in our efforts through the projects that we support,” comments Christian De Boer.
Refill Not Landfill
It is one of over 40 supporters of the Refill NOT Landfill campaign whose ultimate goal is to substantially reduce the amount of plastic waste produced in the Kingdom by providing reusable aluminium bottles for tourists to consume water from designated water refill stations in the town. At the foot of the most visited Siem Reap attraction, Angkor Wat, this informal consortium has come together to replace one-use-only plastic water bottles with reusable aluminium bottles. All guests at Jaya House River Park are given an aluminium bottle each upon check-in.
Made-in-Cambodia Market
Started by Mr De Boer, the Market brings over 50 local artisans and designers together to showcase their products. From alcoholic spirits and jewellery to fabrics and accessories, products are vetted by a committee before being given permission. Together with live entertainment, artist workshops and cafes/bars, the Market offers a convivial, festive atmosphere for visitors, besides providing opportunities for young Cambodians to show off their artistic talents and make a living.
Ten Thousand Trees
This is a joint initiative together with Green Gecko Project, Little Red Fox Espresso, KhmerLOVESKhmer and Life Project Cambodia to develop 10,000 marum trees, also known as moringa trees. Considered a ‘miracle tree’, the marum tree is packed with valuable health benefits, an important source of nutrients, especially for low-income villagers. All trees are to be donated free-of-charge but a commitment is required to maintain the saplings and ensure its proper growth. Financed by crowdfunding sum of USD10,000, the project goal is to grow 10,000 trees by 2017.
Supported NGOS
In addition, Jaya House River Park also contributes financially with a percentage of each room revenue to the following:
Small Art School – Founded by Japanese art teacher, Tomoko Kasahara, the Small Art School provides free art education to underprivileged children. Since its founding nine years ago, some 400 children have passed through its doors.
Cambodian Landmine Museum – Founded by CNN hero, Aki Ra, a veteran soldier, who worked for the United Nations clearing landmines, he embarked on his own mission of clearing landmines with homemade tools and his bare hands. From 1997-2007, he cleared perhaps 50,000 mines and unexploded weapons. Some of these items – all safe – are exhibited at the museum, which tells the story of landmines in Cambodia and around the world through Aki Ra. The museum also houses a Children’s Relief Centre, which is home to over two dozen at-risk children.
Green Gecko Project – Founded in 2005, the Project provides support and opportunities to Siem Reap’s street kids and their families through long-term health, education and social enterprise initiatives as a means to break the cycle of begging, poverty and abuse.
Siem Reap’s Music Art School – Set up in September 2013 as a place for the locals to foster their personal growth by developing their artistic skills in art and music.
For more information and room reservations, visit www.jayahouseriverpark.com
