In this issue, we take you to Cambodia, the Kingdom of Wonder, where you can immerse yourself in a luxurious haven of tranquility and French colonial elegance at Sofitel Phnom Phenh Phokeethra.”

Ever since our visit to Sofitel Singapore Sentosa, we fell in love with the magnifique ambience, luxurious decor and modern-day French colonial vibes. Our first time visiting Cambodia led us to stay at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, featured in our Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels in Cambodia. Located in the old quarter of the city, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is set along the riverside among landscaped gardens. It brings you a one-of-a-kind luxurious holiday experience. The 12-storey hotel is situated close to key landmarks and attractions, making it easy for you to explore the city. Read on to find out the redefining wedding and honemoon experience that is in store for you.

8 Reasons to stay at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

1. Be welcomed with French colonial elegance

As we stepped into the lobby of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, the striking lobby transported us to an era of neo-classical luxury. Hanging from the lofty high ceiling were wrought iron chandeliers. Leather furnishings provided elegant comfort on the polished marble floors. As we were welcomed to the reception, we could not help but notice the historic photographs of the Khmer temples hung on the walls. The lobby is beautiful, artistic and elegantly designed.

2. Host a Grand Cambodia Wedding

With its mesmerising charm, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is an ideal setting for your wedding venue. Celebrate the most meaningful milestone of your lives at the Phokeethra Grand Ballroom, which seats up to 1,500 guests and measures a whopping 1,800 sqm – one of the biggest in the country! 

The ballroom is luxuriously furnished with high ceilings and elegant chandeliers. The ballroom is accompanied with a pre-function area (1,200 sqm) for your guests to be welcomed with cocktails and light bites. With its floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light to flow in, it creates a vibrant atmosphere for guests to mingle with each other prior to the banquet. The ballroom is fully equipped with modern technology for your light and sound effects and can be lavishly decorated with flowers to create a romantic setting. Best of all, the Sofitel team of highly experienced wedding planners will help you in every step, creating the most memorable event of your lives in this luxurious and splendid setting.

3. Intimate Italian dining at Do Forni

If you are searching for a more intimate wedding venue, Do Forni is a classy Italian restaurant that stands alone in a gorgeous white pavilion. Recognised to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Phnom Penh, Do Forni is where authentic Italian dishes are created. It’s intimate setting, captivating ambience, and sumptuous cuisine instantly whisks you away to romantic Italy. The restaurant comes equipped with an open kitchen for a vibrant dining experience.

Chef Fabrizio Aceti, equipped with three decades of international experience, constantly sources for new and fresh ingredients to create innovative and delicious recipes. Staying true to his Italian roots while remaining conscious of modern health trends, his work upkeeps Do Forni as one of the city’s best culinary dining spots. Be sure to try their hearty oven-baked pizzas with creative toppings such as foie gras, and do not miss out on their specialties like homemade potato gnocchi and salmon carpaccio. Do Forni’s well-crafted menu is complemented with over 60 labels of the finest Italian wine in the city, which completes the Italian dining experience. Do Forni seats up to 60 guests. 

4. Host a traditional Chinese wedding at Fu Lu Zu

If you wish to stay close to your roots, Fu Lu Zu is an ideal wedding venue to host a traditional wedding. Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra can host traditional Cambodian weddings with Buddhist monks for the ceremony or Chinese weddings and Indian pithi ceremonies. Here, you will see how modern decor complements traditional celebrations.

Fu Lu Zu is an elegant Phnom Penh Chinese restaurant that specialises in regional Chinese delicacies and freshly made dim sum. The menu includes an abundant array of fresh seafood like live lobsters, crabs, as well as delicacies like bird’s nest. The perennial favorite of Peking duck is served here, delicately carved in the traditional way and served with paper-thin pancakes. Fu Lu Zu is a blend of present-day classical decor and Chinese effervescence. There are five private rooms for celebrations, or you can arrange to book the entire space for your wedding. Be sure to give their all-you-can-eat dim sum buffet a try. 

5. Indulge in superior riverside accommodation

Set along the riverside, guests of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra can enjoy the beautiful Mekong or Bassac river views from their windows. The 201 rooms and suites are categorized into 6 categories – Superior, Luxury, Superior Club, Luxury Club, Junior Suite and Prestige Suite. Spacious and elegantly furnished, these rooms will ensure a comfortable and luxurious vacation.   

Consistent throughout the hotel is Sofitel’s signature colonial style with a touch of modern Khmer. Rooms are delightfully furnished with dark hues and earthly elements such as hardwood floors and dark-wood furnishings. We stayed in the Superior room (40sqm) during our trip. The room was spacious and came with an en-suite bathroom that was well-equipped with luxurious amenities. The bed is incredibly big, and the Sofitel MyBed branded bedding sure gives a restful sleep after a day of exploration.

6. Tuck into an array of international dining options

At Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, a wide array of international dining options await you. It was surreal to be in Cambodia and get to taste authentic cuisine from different parts of the world. La Couple serves up Western and Asian specialties in an all-day dining concept. Every Friday, a Seafood Paradise buffet is served here for your indulging. Their live cooking stations add an exciting touch to a vibrant dining experience. The stunning wood panelled and high ceiling restaurant exudes a classy atmosphere for you to enjoy your morning breakfast.

Chocolat is also a great spot for you to enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon tea, paired with freshly baked French pastries that are warm to the touch. You can also indulge a vast array of handmade chocolates and truffles, and even their chocolate signature cocktails! Do Forni, their in-house Italian restaurant is where you will be introduced to an authentic Italian dining experience. Authentic Cantonese cuisine with a contemporary twist awaits you at Fu Lu Zu.

Hachi is a Japanese restaurant that serves a fine selection of sushi and sashimi with fish imported daily from Japan. The menu has a wide variety of Japanese delicacies including Kobe beef and black pork that goes well with a selection of quality teas. The dishes are incredibly fresh and some of their bento sets are very reasonably priced too. You will also have a chance to try one of Japan’s greatest delicacies, the notorious Fugu fish dish, which chefs have to undergo rigourous training to prepare. With over 26 varieties of sake available, Hachi is one of the restaurants with the largest sake selection for your enjoyment. Private tatami rooms are available, and if you are in for the full experience, request for the special 7-course menu. Saturdays feature a sushi buffet from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Located at the lobby entrance is Le Bar, the best spot to unwind your evenings at. Sip on refreshing cocktails as you enjoy the live music by the band in an elegant atmosphere! If you are looking to relax by the poolside, head to the Sports Bar where there are sunbeds for you to lounge at. For club and suite guests craving more privacy, Club Millesime on the 12th floor is the executive lounge where you can admire the Phnom Penh skyline and Mekong river while enjoying a delightful drink.

7. Stay active with complimentary activities and facilities

For active travellers, the Phokeethra Sports Club has a well-equipped So Fit gym, tennis courts, squash courts, a pool table and two very beckoning pools for your leisure. Yoga and aerobics are included in the list of activities you can sign up for. Keeping up with your fitness regime even when on vacation is easy at Sofitel. 

Cambodia is one of the centres of ancient art of massage therapy and herbal remedies. Try the Phnom Penh Khmer massage along with herbal and floral wraps and rubs. Pamper yourselves with a visit to So Spa, to recharge your battery and leave you feeling on top of the world.

8. A warm & welcoming stay

Our experience at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra was made complete thanks to their warm service! From our arrival at the lobby to the day when we checked out, it was a seamless experience. Moni, one of the reception staff, took great care of us and gave us many helpful tips on traveling around the city. He even recommended us to go for a festival that was happening over that weekend, which was much appreciated! 

Cambodia is a unique destination for a honeymoon that makes for an eye-opening experience. It’s raw, humble nature will stun you amidst the rapid development of the city. Do stay tuned to our Cambodia travel guide that is coming soon!

Click here to book your stay at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra!

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra
Website
26 Old August Site Sothearos Boulevard Sangkat
Tonle Bassac 12301 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
(+855) 23 999 200
h6526@sofitel.com

This post was brought to you by Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

All photos are credited to the property. All opinions remain writer’s own. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright & disclosure policy.

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