Knai Bang Chatt is undeniably the best place to stay in Kep, Cambodia. If winning a spot on the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Hot List 2007 is not enough to entice you, these 10 reasons would:
Reason # 1 – Uniquely Different
If you’re tired of cookie cutter chain hotels, then Knai Bang Chatt would be your cup of tea. So chic it hurts and so different it’s refreshing, the 11-room Knai Bang Chatt is more a home than a hotel. Even its name which means the rainbow aureole encircling the sun is unique and very apt (see my photo for the proof)!
Reason # 2 – Funky Architecture
Knai Bang Chatt has three original New Khmer Architecture style bungalows, designed and built in the 1960’s by a student of Vann Molyvann, Cambodia’s most celebrated architect and national icon. Mr Molyvann himself studied under another legendary architect, Le Corbusier.
Reason # 3 – Sexy Rooms
Minimalist with antique furniture and objets d'art from the owners’ private collection, each of the 11 rooms are different. The open plan bathrooms most with shutter windows can be opened to views of the garden/beach and in full view of fellow guests. Definitely not for the prudish.
Reason #4 – Garden Oasis
Its gorgeously manicured gardens with lily ponds, tropical fruit trees and towering palms make this a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. And it has ample breathing space to just laze around or meditate – perfect for yoga.
Reason #5 – Stunning Sunsets
A private beach outfitted with a pretty pavilion, oversized loungers and hammocks, you can savor the beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Thailand in both style and comfort.
Reason #6 – Fantastic Food
While Knai Bang Chatt is about 10 minutes walk from seafood restaurants, its home-style cuisine is so delicious that you’d want to eat in and not go anywhere else. And what makes the food here even more delectable is that it uses organically grown produce and no MSG. You can even make yourself at home in the kitchen where the gregarious head chef is happy to share with you her fish amok recipe.
Reason #7 – Water Sports Galore
From a fully equipped beach club to an infinity-edge salt water pool, water sports enthusiasts can rejoice! Late October to May is the best time to go for sun-kissed beaches and blue skies.
Reason #8 – Excellent Service
Some say the service is laid back or not as polished as 6-star establishments, but to a seasoned traveler (yours truly) who has stayed in some of the best hotels in Asia, Knai Bang Chatt’s service is just right. No pretentiousness and fawning over guests to the point of irritation, what you get instead is unassuming, and warm and friendly service. In fact, Stephane Arrii, the General Manager, is the most convivial Frenchman you’d ever meet.
Reason # 9 – Has a Heart
Knai Bang Chatt donates a part of its revenue to development programs for local villages. One of which, the Hand in Hand Cambodia program is the brainchild of owners, Jef Moons and Boris Vervoordt.
Reason #10 – Photogenic Property
Last but not least, mixed all the above together and you get a beauteous hotel right out of the pages of design or fashion magazines. It’s every hotel aficionado and photographer’s wet dream come true.
Reason # 1 – Uniquely Different
If you’re tired of cookie cutter chain hotels, then Knai Bang Chatt would be your cup of tea. So chic it hurts and so different it’s refreshing, the 11-room Knai Bang Chatt is more a home than a hotel. Even its name which means the rainbow aureole encircling the sun is unique and very apt (see my photo for the proof)!
Reason # 2 – Funky Architecture
Knai Bang Chatt has three original New Khmer Architecture style bungalows, designed and built in the 1960’s by a student of Vann Molyvann, Cambodia’s most celebrated architect and national icon. Mr Molyvann himself studied under another legendary architect, Le Corbusier.
Reason # 3 – Sexy Rooms
Minimalist with antique furniture and objets d'art from the owners’ private collection, each of the 11 rooms are different. The open plan bathrooms most with shutter windows can be opened to views of the garden/beach and in full view of fellow guests. Definitely not for the prudish.
Reason #4 – Garden Oasis
Its gorgeously manicured gardens with lily ponds, tropical fruit trees and towering palms make this a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. And it has ample breathing space to just laze around or meditate – perfect for yoga.
Reason #5 – Stunning Sunsets
A private beach outfitted with a pretty pavilion, oversized loungers and hammocks, you can savor the beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Thailand in both style and comfort.
Reason #6 – Fantastic Food
While Knai Bang Chatt is about 10 minutes walk from seafood restaurants, its home-style cuisine is so delicious that you’d want to eat in and not go anywhere else. And what makes the food here even more delectable is that it uses organically grown produce and no MSG. You can even make yourself at home in the kitchen where the gregarious head chef is happy to share with you her fish amok recipe.
Reason #7 – Water Sports Galore
From a fully equipped beach club to an infinity-edge salt water pool, water sports enthusiasts can rejoice! Late October to May is the best time to go for sun-kissed beaches and blue skies.
Reason #8 – Excellent Service
Some say the service is laid back or not as polished as 6-star establishments, but to a seasoned traveler (yours truly) who has stayed in some of the best hotels in Asia, Knai Bang Chatt’s service is just right. No pretentiousness and fawning over guests to the point of irritation, what you get instead is unassuming, and warm and friendly service. In fact, Stephane Arrii, the General Manager, is the most convivial Frenchman you’d ever meet.
Reason # 9 – Has a Heart
Knai Bang Chatt donates a part of its revenue to development programs for local villages. One of which, the Hand in Hand Cambodia program is the brainchild of owners, Jef Moons and Boris Vervoordt.
Reason #10 – Photogenic Property
Last but not least, mixed all the above together and you get a beauteous hotel right out of the pages of design or fashion magazines. It’s every hotel aficionado and photographer’s wet dream come true.
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