Home to the governors of two countries, Thailand and France, at different points over its two-century history, the property that houses FCC Angkor by Avani hotel is, in many ways, a microcosm of multifaceted Cambodia itself.
When the country achieved independence in 1953, the land here became the residence of the French Consul General. Drawing its name from the time it served as a base for the Siem Reap chapter of the Foreign Correspondents Club (hence the FCC in its name), the hotel pays homage to these colonial-era scribes in subtle ways. Equally apparent, though, is the influence of the Hindu-Buddhist Khmer Empire, a period in the country’s history termed Angkor (hence the name of the city's Unesco World Heritage-listed temple complex).
For all of its history though, the hotel, which joined the Minor group in 2019, offers all the mod cons that travellers expect, with an excellent restaurant and spa to boot.
The welcome
The hotel is split into two wings, with the open-air lobby and Heritage wing on one side, and the newer Premiere wing on the other. The first impression is one of laid-back charm, with Cambodian motifs dotted all around the lobby. These include handwoven rattan baskets, a miniature wooden “spirit house” in one corner and a pristine white rickshaw at the entrance, flanked by two oversized gongs.
Taking in the various figurines etched into a looming mural inspired by the many famed temples of Siem Reap takes more time than it does for paperwork to be processed, key cards arranged and luggage delivered to the room well ahead of me.
The neighbourhood
The hotel is right in the city centre, at the heart of the old French Quarter. A walk along the leafy bylane leads straight to the shopping hub Sivutha Blvd, which has a mix of brands and boutiques, both international (think Charles and Keith and adidas) and local (Kandle Village).
The Royal Independence Gardens are four minutes away on foot, Pub Street is a 10-minute walk away and best visited in a group (so we are told), while the famed Angkor Wat is a 15-minute drive away. The hotel can also organise tours via Vespa to the temple complex, a fun way to explore.
The room
The premier room is well-appointed at 38 square metres, with plenty of wardrobe and storage space, a work desk, a separate toilet and enormous stone bathtub, and a pool-facing veranda with a ceiling fan. Best of all, it is replete with both Khmer touches – from a brass basin and mosaic tiles in the bathing area to silk upholstery, a miniature gong, plus bar snacks and toiletries by small-batch Cambodian businesses – as well as references to its past lives as the FCC including a typewriter and old-school radio. There’s even a robust black phone with a rotary dial.
The service
Enthusiastic and effusive, the staff are knowledgeable and ready to help at all times. A malfunctioning air-conditioning thermostat is fixed at a moment’s notice, as is a wooden door jammed shut courtesy of a seasonal downpour. The therapists at the spa, meanwhile, prove adept at releasing the tightest of knots with the deftest of touches.
The scene
Despite its laid-back look and feel, the hotel buzzes with activity. From Apsara dance performances and botanical tastings to a clothing boutique, art gallery and souvenir shop on the premises, there is plenty to see and do. A four-piece live band performs in Scribe Bar every Monday, too, belting out retro and pop hits from under a century-old tree.
Each wing has its own marble-tiled, saltwater swimming pool and Visaya spa is in the Premiere wing, offering treatments that combine Cambodian, Thai and Ayurvedic influences.
The traditional Khmer massage, for instance, was originally used to revitalise monks after long periods of meditation and focuses on body alignment and rigorous stretching without the use of oil. Elsewhere, a herbal compress made of ginger, turmeric, lemongrass and plai helps soothe sore muscles and mitigate migraines. Chakra balancing via singing bowls is ideal for those who want to explore sound healing, while the massage using bamboo sticks is a distinctive style that takes a bit of getting used to, but effectively releases tension.
The food
The Mansion is FCC Angkor’s main restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Housed in a colonial-era building that was constructed during the early 1950s as part of the French Consulate compound, the open-plan restaurant exudes a distinctly old-school vibe.
The kitchen, meanwhile, serves up gastronomy at its finest. Of the dishes I sample, the seafood options shine brightest, from a tuna ceviche appetiser with mint oil and cream cheese to flaky halibut served on top of a curried chickpea stew. Peanut and lemongrass are key ingredients, too, best tasted respectively in an amuse-bouche of chicken in betel leaf with pomelo; and a hearty tom yum soup chock-full of mushrooms, prawns and crunchy greens. Dessert is a refreshing coconut cream shaved ice with local mango, white chocolate and pandan sponge. Dishes range from $12 to $24.
More mangoes are on the menu at breakfast, which is served a la carte on the days I visit, and includes a fruit platter also filled with dragonfruit and watermelon, as well as other options, both healthy (the granola with Greek yoghurt comes highly recommended) and indulgent (perfectly poached eggs Benedict with farm-fresh spinach).
Highs and lows
Coming back to the soothing therapies at the spa, which is open until 9pm, after a long, hot day of temple-walking is resplendent – and much required.
Not a low for the hotel per se but a giant spider blocking the corridor leading to the rooms is an interesting experience, especially given one of the women in our party not only had a phobia of creepy crawlies, but also a scream that could shatter glass. After that, and a close shave with what I hoped in vain would remain a ceiling-clad lizard, it is back to the spa for me.
Insider tip
Carry – and diligently apply – mosquito repellent. Or, better still, ask the hotel for its home-grown blend of both repellent and after-bite spray.
The verdict
Suitable for solo travellers and families alike, this rustic yet luxurious property is well located, well serviced and will not burn a hole in the pocket when compared to the Minor Group’s sister property, the Anantara Angkor Resort, as well as Siem Reap’s other five-star offerings. Just watch out for that lizard.
Bottom line
Rooms start at $340 per night, including breakfast, taxes and service charges. Check-in is from 3pm; checkout is at noon.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time. Services may change in the future
How green is the expo nursery?
Some 400,000 shrubs and 13,000 trees in the on-site nursery
An additional 450,000 shrubs and 4,000 trees to be delivered in the months leading up to the expo
Ghaf, date palm, acacia arabica, acacia tortilis, vitex or sage, techoma and the salvadora are just some heat tolerant native plants in the nursery
Approximately 340 species of shrubs and trees selected for diverse landscape
The nursery team works exclusively with organic fertilisers and pesticides
All shrubs and trees supplied by Dubai Municipality
Most sourced from farms, nurseries across the country
Plants and trees are re-potted when they arrive at nursery to give them room to grow
Some mature trees are in open areas or planted within the expo site
Green waste is recycled as compost
Treated sewage effluent supplied by Dubai Municipality is used to meet the majority of the nursery’s irrigation needs
Construction workforce peaked at 40,000 workers
About 65,000 people have signed up to volunteer
Main themes of expo is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and three subthemes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability.
Expo 2020 Dubai to open in October 2020 and run for six months
RESULTS
Light Flyweight (48kg): Alua Balkibekova (KAZ) beat Gulasal Sultonalieva (UZB) by points 4-1.
Flyweight (51kg): Nazym Kyzaibay (KAZ) beat Mary Kom (IND) 3-2.
Bantamweight (54kg): Dina Zholaman (KAZ) beat Sitora Shogdarova (UZB) 3-2.
Featherweight (57kg): Sitora Turdibekova (UZB) beat Vladislava Kukhta (KAZ) 5-0.
Lightweight (60kg): Rimma Volossenko (KAZ) beat Huswatun Hasanah (INA) KO round-1.
Light Welterweight (64kg): Milana Safronova (KAZ) beat Lalbuatsaihi (IND) 3-2.
Welterweight (69kg): Valentina Khalzova (KAZ) beat Navbakhor Khamidova (UZB) 5-0
Middleweight (75kg): Pooja Rani (IND) beat Mavluda Movlonova (UZB) 5-0.
Light Heavyweight (81kg): Farida Sholtay (KAZ) beat Ruzmetova Sokhiba (UZB) 5-0.
Heavyweight (81 kg): Lazzat Kungeibayeva (KAZ) beat Anupama (IND) 3-2.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
A Dog's Journey
Directed by: Gail Mancuso
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad, Marg Helgenberger, Betty Gilpin, Kathryn Prescott
3 out of 5 stars
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
MATCH INFO
Southampton 0
Manchester City 1 (Sterling 16')
Man of the match: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
RESULTS
2pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (Dirt) 1,400m. Winner: Masaali, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
2.30pm: Handicap Dh 76,000 (D) 1,400m. Winner: Almoreb, Dane O’Neill, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
3pm: Handicap Dh 64,000 (D) 1,200m. Winner: Imprison, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
3.30pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh 100,000 (D) 1,000m. Winner: Raahy, Adrie de Vries, Jaber Ramadhan.
4pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (D) 1,000m. Winner: Cross The Ocean, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
4.30pm: Handicap 64,000 (D) 1,950m. Winner: Sa’Ada, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash.
RESULTS
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner RB Money To Burn, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer).
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner Ekhtiyaar, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Commanding, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner Benbatl, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Kimbear, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Platinum Star, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Key Victory, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
Race%20card
%3Cp%3E6pm%3A%20Al%20Maktoum%20Challenge%20Round%201%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20%2450%2C000%20(Dirt)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3E6.35pm%3A%20Dubai%20Racing%20Club%20Classic%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20%24100%2C000%20(D)%202%2C410m%3Cbr%3E7.10pm%3A%20Dubawi%20Stakes%20%E2%80%93%20Group%203%20(TB)%20%24150%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3E7.45pm%3A%20Jumeirah%20Classic%20Trial%20%E2%80%93%20Conditions%20(TB)%20%24150%2C000%20(Turf)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3E8.20pm%3A%20Al%20Maktoum%20Challenge%20Round%201%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(D)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3E8.55pm%3A%20Al%20Fahidi%20Fort%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(TB)%20%24180%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3E9.30pm%3A%20Ertijaal%20Dubai%20Dash%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20%24100%2C000%20(T)%201%2C000m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3ECompany%20name%3A%20CarbonSifr%3Cbr%3EStarted%3A%202022%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Onur%20Elgun%2C%20Mustafa%20Bosca%20and%20Muhammed%20Yildirim%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Climate%20tech%3Cbr%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%241%20million%20raised%20in%20seed%20funding%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final, second leg (first-leg score):
Manchester City (0) v Tottenham Hotspur (1), Wednesday, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
Where to apply
Applicants should send their completed applications - CV, covering letter, sample(s) of your work, letter of recommendation - to Nick March, Assistant Editor in Chief at The National and UAE programme administrator for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, by 5pm on April 30, 2020.
Please send applications to nmarch@thenational.ae and please mark the subject line as “Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism (UAE programme application)”.
The local advisory board will consider all applications and will interview a short list of candidates in Abu Dhabi in June 2020. Successful candidates will be informed before July 30, 2020.
The specs
Engine: 3.6 V6
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Power: 295bhp
Torque: 353Nm
Price: Dh155,000
On sale: now
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Results
3pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m, Winner: Lancienegaboulevard, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Fawzi Nass (trainer).
3.35pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Turf) 1,600m, Winner: Al Mukhtar Star, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.
4.10pm: Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner: Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.45pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Speedy Move, Sean Kirrane, Satish Seemar.
5.20pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Moqarrar, Dane O’Neill, Erwan Charpy.
5.55pm: Handicap Dh175,000 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Dolman, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
RESULTS
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 1 (PA) $49,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner RB Frynchh Dude, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
7.05pm Al Bastakiya Trial – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner El Patriota, Vagner Leal, Antonio Cintra
7.40pm Zabeel Turf – Listed (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,000m
Winner Ya Hayati, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Althiqa, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm UAE 1000 Guineas – Listed (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Soft Whisper, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Bedouin’s Story, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
Zayed Sustainability Prize
