Templation

On a leafy side street just before you enter Angkor Archeological Park is where all of your Siem Reap staycation dreams can come true. Templation is set in what feels like miles of lush green gardens, there’s such a sense of space here that you might find it hard to believe that you’re just a few km from the centre of Siem Reap. Sounds of local life from the neighbours drift on the airwaves making a perfect soundtrack to your stay, there’s something very enchanting about hearing monks chanting in the distance as you start your day. One thing you can’t fail to be impressed by at Templation is the huge free form pool. Its perfect for floating, sunbathing and making your friends jealous with endless poolside pictures.

Villas are exceptionally well designed with spacious rooms and huge outdoor bathrooms. Outdoor spaces are fringed with tropical plants and trees and there are plenty of cool comfy seating areas. Indoor spaces are modern and light with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and natural wood; we loved the daybeds, patterned cushions and retro style tables and chairs. We recommend a Private Pool Villa because the huge private pool is the kind of thing that will definitely make you feel like you are living the dream. Imagine yourself floating under the Cambodian sun without a care in the world…Sounds good doesn’t it?

The Vegan Food

The menus at Templation feature veggie options but nothing vegan. However, don’t worry as the staff team are more than happy to adapt exisiting dishes and even create plant based ‘off menu’ dishes during your stay. Enjoy breakfast in the breezy outdoor / indoor restaurant where trees grow encased in giant weaved strands and the resident bunny might just hop by to say hello. Sip tea, coffee and freshly squeezed juices whilst savouring your serene surroundings. First up was a veganised version of a Khmer breakfast staple, rice porridge AKA borbor. We’ve eyed up this soup many times on rickety little street carts, but sadly it’s never vegan. Chef Sophally ticked off one of our Khmer food desires by making this delicious bowl of Cambodian soup, packed with bean sprouts, ginger, coriander, spring onions, white radish, rice and the tastiest of broths.

Don’t ever be fooled by a menu description. ‘Baked beans with Wonton Skin’ sounded like it was going to be some baked beans, possibly with a fried wonton skin? It should be noted that we ordered it regardless, thinking that even if this was the case, we were sure that chef Sophally would have some kind of surprise for us. And surprise us she did, when a beautiful dainty looking breakfast burrito arrived filled with smooshed beans (not the canned kind in tomato sauce) greens and a delightful salsa dressing. Last, but by no means least, was avocado on toast which was super tasty and no ordinary avo toast. Freshly baked and crucnhy baguette, topped with creamy Cambodian avocados, roasted vegetables and salad leaves served with a side of spicy guacamole. This was an excellent vegan breakfast at Templation.

Upon request we enjoyed a vegan set lunch during our stay. Chef Sophalla again ensured that we were very well catered for as vegan guests. Starting with a ‘House Salad’ which was another menu description that was understated to say the least. This was a super charged house salad, ribbons of carrot and cucumber with finely diced green beans, steamed sweet potatoes, purple cabbage, fresh corn, salad leaves and discs of battered soft tofu all combining to create a bowl of plant based goodness. Next up was another bowl of vegan deliciousness, our green pea soup was super smooth and velvet like, topped with coconut cream and mini ficelle bread to garnish. Simply flavoured with leek, onion and Kampot pepper this was one serious bowl of soup. A creamy risotto with sweetcorn and parsley was followed by a local Khmer dessert which is ‘accidentally’ vegan like many other Cambodian sweet treats. We loved the steamed banana cake and coconut cream with fried sweet potato and butterfly pea to garnish. This was a refined version of a popular Khmer dessert and it made us smile. Superb.

The Vegan Essentials

There were already feather-free pillows and a feather-free duvet on our bed (top marks from us) but the in-room bathroom amenities were not suitable for vegans so we used our own. The spa is run by local spa experts Bodia Spa where there are plenty of opportunities to get a quality, vegan friendly massage using natural products, or even opt for the traditional oil free Khmer massage. As partners of the excellent Refill not Landfill initiative all water bottles were glass, eliminating the need for single use plastic bottles, which makes us very happy indeed.

The Vegan Food Quest Verdict

Stay here to enjoy the peaceful, laid back vibes in a lush garden setting that is a stones throw from all the sights you’ll want to see when in Siem Reap. If your budget allows, book one of the stunning pool villas where the only problem that you’ll encounter is never wanting to leave!

We were guests of Templation but please rest assured that their generosity in hosting us didn’t influence our views

Templation
Rok Rak Street
Siem Reap

Telephone: +855 12 233 350
Email: info@templation.asia
Cost From: £100 / $130 – November 2020 (discounted rates during COVID)

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