Siem Reap, Cambodia | Metta Residence & Spa

While this five-star property may not rate a perfect score on adults-only-ness, it's still so worth a stay. And you'll find plenty of kid-free diversions if you know where to look. For anyone traveling with kids, another perk allows parents to book on-site babysitting services, making it stress-free to venture off-property (or on) and have a little much-needed adulting time. On my visit, kids were few and far between. The cozy spa features but two rooms, so automatically makes for a fab child-free retreat.

In addition to the hotel's modern, sleek design aesthetic, you'll dig the thoughtful amenities like a packed lunch for your all-day Angkor temple tour ... butler included; tuk tuks available exclusively for hotel guests; and -- get this -- a complimentary SIM card you can borrow to get you up and Instagramming in no time. Which you'll need, considering the Metta's centerpiece: the jaw-dropping sexy pool framed by cabanas. Say cheese! (Or ឈីស as they say in Cambodia.) -Farah Fleurima
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mettaresidence.com

5 Reasons to Visit Metta Residence & Spa

Gorgeously Appointed Rooms 
​Case in point: the cushy bed and sofa you won't want to leave; the rainforest shower; the balcony on which you should really take breakfast; the stone tub in which you should really bathe with bae. Plus, with Cambodia's extremely friendly-to-the-dollar exchange rate, the mini bar booze won't break your bank.

Pool and Cabanas
The cabanas are first-come, first-served, so snag one to set up your home base on pool day. Make sure to hail the bartender for some boozy bevs to get the party started. We recommend the mango daiquiri, which tastes like biting into fresh fruit. With rum.

Off the Beaten Path
​​​​Located away from the bustle of central Siem Reap, the Metta is situated in a quiet neighborhood dotted with both hotels and houses. Yes, you'll hear the sound of cocks in the morning (crowing. Crowing!) and temple chants in the near distance, but it adds to the feeling of a genuine Southeast Asian getaway.

But Also Close to the Hot Spots
​​Metta's own tuk tuks can shuttle you into town for only $2 in most cases; from 5 to 10 p.m., the hotel's motorized mini-vehicles are free. It's just a 10-minute trip to the downtown markets and Pub Street, where 50-cent beers and $2 cocktails await. Or drive yourself by renting a free hotel bike and cycling up the street. We recommend popping into Wine O'Clock just 400 meters away for a sandwich and gin and tonic for under $5.

Onsite Activities 
Not up for leaving the hotel? Onsite opportunities abound. Schedule a spa day with a facial, massage and body scrub. Take a hands-on course in Cambodian cooking with a hotel chef. On Thursday and Sunday nights, reserve a seat at the Metta's dinner with apsara (traditional Cambodian dance) performance. Or reserve a special romantic dinner package for two, poolside.

Photos courtesy of Metta Residences with the exception of the tuk-tuk photo (Farah Fleurima) and Off the Beaten Path (Flickr via Weebly)