JAYA HOUSE RIVER PARK A SOUTHEAST ASIA GEM

By Tess McKenna

Angkor is a magical place, mysterious and vibrant, a silvered city of temples and towers so high, only the gods were meant to see the tops. It rises above the jungle, shining with the spirit of kings and conquerors, artists and poets, gods and goddesses. This was once a flourishing society, sophisticated and creative, influenced by the Indian traders who settled there. Today, it’s a World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most important and dynamic destinations.

In its shadow, a 36-room boutique hotel stands, listed among the world’s most iconic and luxurious hotels. The vision of its general manager and noted environmentalist, Christian de Boer, Jaya House River Park stands out among hospitality’s most revered brands. “We attract a global and sophisticated audience,” says de Boer. “Our guests are drawn by the mystique of Angkor and the authentic experience of Cambodia we offer.”

Every aspect of the hotel reflects Angkor’s spiritual and artistic heritage while projecting a modern and eco-conscious influence. Public rooms and guest accommodations mix Art Deco, contemporary prints, Cambodian silks and woodwork. Exquisite Khmer statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities are placed throughout the hotel and on the grounds. Guests can gather at the rooftop Sunset Bar to watch the sun slip behind the spires of Angkor Wat, then feast on Cambodian fusion dishes in the charming Deco restaurant.

A Natural Path

Jaya House River Park is an exceptional experience. Airport pickup, daily breakfast, laundry, daily massage at the hotel spa and a free inroom minibar are all included in the room rate. The hotel also blends sustainability and solutions to contemporary climate concerns with ancient and powerful remedies. In fact, the exclusive amenities brand, Jaya Organics, used in guestrooms and at The Spa at Jaya House, are created with indigenous Cambodian plants in a growing line of skin and hair products. Kampot salt, lemongrass, and the magical Moringa oil are packaged in refillable, recyclable glass bottles and shipped worldwide. (All products are available at jayaorganics.com.)

A visit of Cambodia will reveal the country has a fresh view. After the horrors of the Pol Pot regime, the country rebuilt its tourism industry only to be closed by COVID-19. Officials rallied to make many positive changes—new roads, a cleanup of the Siem Reap River and new bicycle paths to Angkor Wat. The Siem Reap Angkor International Airport opens this year.

A Dynamic Present

Visitors will be able to see many of the priceless statues looted from local temples and deeply mourned by Cambodians who see these sculptures as their gods and ancestors. Some were returned by various museums and collectors, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, thanks to the help of New York’s State Attorney General.

If Angkor Wat represents Cambodia’s fabled past, Siem Reap embodies its dynamic present. Many galleries showcase a vibrant art scene. Shops are Aladdin’s caves of silks, silver and statuary. At night, Siem Reap glows – its pubs, clubs and restaurants welcoming all nations and persuasions.

A visit to Angkor is a personal and spiritual experience. One can view it by helicopter, hot air balloon, or on the back of an elephant. But the Khmer gods are in the details and their magic is most potent in the quiet forest, the light glowing on the sandstone carvings.

For more information on Jaya House River Park, visit jayahouseriverparksiemreap.com

The Flanders Hotel Ocean City’s most historic and prestigious boardwalk hotel, known as “The Jewel of the Southern Shore”, was built in 1923. This service-oriented Ocean City, NJ hotel, which was placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 2009, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. The Flanders combines the elegance and hospitality of yesteryear with modern amenities to offer the finest in luxury accommodations. All suites in our Ocean City hotel have private bedrooms and full kitchens, equipped with refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, coffee makers and stove tops, along with irons and ironing boards.

Located on the Ocean City Boardwalk, our full-service NJ beach hotel is a seaside destination that provides the following amenities:

• Spacious Banquet and Meeting Space

• Emily’s Ocean Room (featuring family friendly dining)

• The Shoppes at The Flanders (featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories)

• Divine Images Salon & Spa

• Outdoor heated pool (largest in Ocean City)

• Fitness Center

• 24-hour business center

Ocean City, known as America’s Greatest Family Resort, is one of the best beach towns in South Jersey. The Flanders, with its premier accommodations and prime location, is a landmark known throughout the region, state and nation. Vacationers have marveled at the towering structure as one of the great hotels along the Jersey Shore while local residents and business owners are reminded of the glory and memories provided by the resort. Because of its status as the grandest of Ocean City, New Jersey hotels, the community is fortunate that this architectural gem has survived to the present and continues to remain an important part of Ocean City’s past and future.