The FCC Angkor, Siem Reap

Siem Reap is only a short hop, skip and jump away from Hong Kong – and yes, if you’re thinking what we’re thinking, this makes it perfect for a cheeky long weekend away this Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year.

Only a couple of minutes tuk tuk ride from the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex is the colonial-chic FCC Angkor hotel. In its past life, it was the home of the old French Governor and, well, if it was good enough for him…

Elegance and romance live on, however, as the hotel picks you up at the airport and whisks you back to enjoy a welcome drink – talk about stress-free! The friendly staff is also on hand to help organise tuk tuks, cars and tour guides to take you around the temples – or, if you just want to seriously relax, the hotel’s Visaya Spa can scrub, bathe, wrap and massage you to your heart’s content.

The garden view rooms are a treat, though sunbunnies might enjoy the convenience of a pool view room. For those who think big, the deluxe suites are supersized with their own living rooms and mega-plush bathrooms.

After a couple of magical days spent exploring the mysteries of Banteay Srei, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm (a.k.a the Tomb Raider temple), there’s no better way to cool off than with a quick dip in the saltwater pool. Then – dinner! The FCC’s open-air Angkor Kitchen serves up a yummy range of Asian and Western specialties – try the amok saich trei (a Cambodian-style fish curry…yum!) or oven-roasted seabass.

The FCC Angkor hosts the odd photography and art exhibit throughout the year and also invites a range of eclectic musicians and bands to play live. It’s worth taking a look at their permanent photography exhibit which depicts the past 40 years of Cambodian history – a poignant reminder of the country’s troubled past and bright future.

There are some great 1- to 2-night packages available – ‘Romantic Temples’ is lovely, but the golfers among you might enjoy the ‘Golf Classic’ instead (or should that be as well?) Suddenly, that long weekend doesn’t seem so long after all…

FCC Angkor, Siem Reap. Standard rooms from USD 115 a night.

Recommended by QUINTESSENTIALLY, the word’s leading private member’s club with a global concierge service. Committed to the notion that quality matters, whether it be music, art, travel, food or – most importantly – service, they aim to bring members and clients nothing but the best. www.quintessentially.com.