The two-bedroom, 235 square metre Henri Mouhot Suite pays tribute to the French naturalist and explorer who alerted the West to the ruins of Angkor, capital of the ancient Khmer civilisation of Cambodia, in 1860.
The one-bedroom Anantara Explorer Suite, meanwhile, offers 178 square metres of living space inspired by another intrepid explorer, Jim Thompson, and founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company.
Meticulously designed to accommodate the requirements of the most discerning clientele, the two new suites are reminiscent of a Khmer summer home and are the epitome of richness and old world sophistication with imported Thai silk and fabrics overflowing throughout, draping the furniture in bold colours and lustrous appeal.
With ample indoor and outdoor living spaces to comfortably accommodate families or small groups, both suites feature a lounge and bar area complete with a wine humidor; two dining areas; marble bathrooms with double vanity, bathtub and oversized rain shower; dressing room; a private spa room with a Jacuzzi bath tub, deep plunge and massage area; and a plunge pool in an enclosed private garden.
For Thai designers, Abacus Design, the glamorised bygone era of exhilarating discovery by Western explorers of the largest religious monument in the world during the nineteenth century inspired both suites’ interiors. The objective here was to surprise and delight whilst providing a sense of home comforts.
In the Henri Mouhot Suite, a beautiful sandstone relief reflects the nearby ruins of Angkor amidst a colonial backdrop of tongue and groove ceilings, while wall panelling with a rectangular motive that is reminiscent of this distinctive feature in the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok separates the master bedroom and lounge in the Anantara Explorer Suite.
In both suites bold colours and luxurious silk and fabrics from the coveted Jim Thompson’s Leo De Janeiro collection unfold – from the ruby coloured abstract Pomare design on the wall coverings to give the spaces a cosy feel; to the intricate Chinese lacquer coloured Ming Ming decoration on the headboards that mirrors the regal, floral motifs that adorn traditional Asian ceramics for an oriental touch; and seat covers in pewter coloured bold Marquise cut velvet fabric for luxurious eye catching beauty.
Each suite’s enclosed lush tropical garden complete with plunge pool, oversized double sun lounge bed and dining table offers a luxurious welcome respite after an adventurous day of exploring one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, whether savouring a decadent Champagne high tea or al fresco dining on progressive Khmer cuisine under the stars.
