The architecture of the TEAV Bassac Boutique Hotel, which opened in Phnom Penh three months ago, is a celebration of Cambodia’s Longvek-era civilization from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The hotel’s design and decor is a combination of the artistic talents of TEAV Bassac Boutique Hotel founders Troung Khinnin and Sok Sambath, who studied architecture together at the Royal University of Fine Arts.
It is located southeast of the Independence Monument near Kab Kou market.
Sitting in the hotel’s restaurant, in front of a wall decorated with a traditional wagonwheel, Khinnin explained the significance of the use of wagonwheels in their Longvek architecture design. “The wagonwheel was a vehicle in Khmer’s ancient era, since a long time ago,” he said.
The hotel’s walkways and rooms feature special furniture, including chairs and tables, as well as paintings, all of which highlight the bending of old steel. The hotel features a swimming pool and 19 rooms, with prices ranging from $65 to $90 per night.
Situated near the Bassac River, the hotel features a large painting inside depicting boats pays homage to the livelihood of Cambodian people along the river, much like the elephant painting at TEAV I Boutique Hotel represents the hotel’s walking elephant architecture.
Chomalop is TEAV Bassac’s massage parlor and spa. The name means “teenage girl living in the shadows”, a term that reminds Cambodians of the classic 19th century tragic love story, Tum Teav, which describes the women of the Longvek era staying in the shade to keep their skin beautiful once they reached the age of marriage.
Chamlop’s spa and massage services focus specifically on traditional Khmer style, using traditional plants such as turmeric, plai and lemongrass. They don’t use artificial oils or other products. Head of spa and massage, Sambath said customers were very satisfied with the services provided at Chamlop. “They admire the effectiveness of eliminating bone pain, making the blood circulate well and especially making them feel fresh,” he said.
To support the local community Khinnin and Sambath set up a program called TEAV Gives Back, which sees their hotels partner with Pour Un Sourire D’Enfant (PSE). TEAV then recruits staff from PSE as well as sponsors the organisation.
“We want to contribute to the society by helping local people as much as we can and especially create more jobs for the young generation,” Khinnin said.
TEAV Bassac Boutique Hotel & Spa, #30 Street 9. Tel: 023 982 828 Email: [email protected] www.teavboutiquehotel.com
