59 Partner Spotlight: Vietnam & Cambodia When we travel, we yearn to delve into the local life, which is best achieved when we get social. Enchanting Travels picks its top three properties in Vietnam and Cambodia that promote local cohesion through not just the ambience and architecture, but also the friendly hospitality. Have you considered staying in Vietnam’s rustic countryside? Then why not head to a boutique resort that gives you the full village flavor? Pilgrimage Village has been built in the style of a small colonial Vietnamese community of 99 rooms, villas and bungalows. Located just ten minutes from the center of Huè, lush tropical gardens break up the bold imperial colonnades and authentic décor property to maintain privacy and offer tranquil ambles. You can tuck into Vietnamese fusion cuisine by the tranquil lily lake, or unwind with a cool drink in one of the three bar and lounges. As this is a vacation, you can relax in the resort’s own spa with its various therapies, jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath. Sapa Valley is a refreshingly picturesque part of Vietnam that often gets ignored by visitors devoted to the beaten path. The region is absolutely worth a visit, not least when you stay at the Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa, which is nestled on its very own hill that overlooks the magnificent Hoang Lien Son Mountains. This secluded world allows you to be as active or as leisurely as you wish. You can meet ethnic minorities who lovingly till the terraced rice fields, spend time on your own personal journey in the luxurious spa, spend time in the four-season garden, tuck into a variety of meals, or enjoy lively music in the chic night lounge. Cambodia’s Siem Reap is best known for its gateway to the astounding Angkor Wat complex, butit’salsoasophisticatedcityinitsownrightwithabrilliantflairforcontemporarysoutheast Asian design. You can embrace the local way and stay in your own upscale design hotel when you stay at the Shinta Mani Shack in the city’s leafy and quiet French Quarter. Each of the ‘shacks’ 62 rooms have been styled by acclaimed global architect-designer Bill Bensley, who is on a mission to inspire guests with local flavor. You can expect mirrored feature walls, custom iron beds, and handcrafted light fittings. Aside from the hotel’s five restaurants that boasts deliciously fresh and often local, organic ingredients, and the exceptionally serene spa, we love the property’s Open Doors, Open Hearts responsible travel culture, which aims to support Cambodia’s next generation through education and development opportunities. How do you embrace the local life during your vacation? Let us know! Join our active community of discerning guests on our Enchanting Travels facebook page and always be the first to know about special offers from our curated collection! facebook.com/EnchantingTravels Local Life Rustic retreat in Huè Private Panoramas in SapaValley Designer Style in Siem Reap