There are only officially Seven Wonders of the World. But, over time, people began to ruminate on the possibility of adding the Eighth Wonder to the list. The unofficial title is often given to buildings of great grandeur, stunning natural landmarks and historically significant pieces of art. A few examples of some of the most widely accepted “eighth wonders” include The Empire State Building in New York, the Terracotta Army in China and Niagara Falls in Canada. But, if you delve deep enough, each country can submit a place of distinction for the title. For Southeast Asia, it is Angkor Wat, and sitting in its shadow is the renowned Anantara Angkor Resort.

Angkor Wat, meaning ‘city of temples,’ is the largest religious site in the world. It covers over 170 square miles in Cambodia’s city of Siem Reap. The historically significant location is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The structure is one of the most important archaeological sites on the continent. Angkor Wat contains the remains of the fallen Khmer Empire. The temple also holds an abundance of culturally significant sculptures and paintings from the early ninth to late 15th centuries.

Anantara Angkor Resort is a five-star hotel that captures the traditional Khmer style of the old world while adding the luxurious modifications of the 21^st Century. The result is a stunning display of indulgence, history and wonder for those waiting to explore Asia’s Eighth Wonder of the World. Anantara Angkor is the closest resort to its namesake.

Covering the furthest corners of Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, 43 hotels bear the Anantara name. The company added Cambodia to the list in 2013. Four years later, the resort underwent a major renovation including a complete upgrade of all 39 suites. With ten different suite options, The Anantara Angkor Resort is one of Siem Reap’s best luxury stays.

Back at the resort, guests can retreat into their sanctum or visit the Spa at Anantara to enter a world of relaxation and wellness drawn through years of traditional Khmer healing practices. The Spa at Anantara Angkor Resort draws its inspiration from the Seven Ways of Enlightenment blending a traditional South Asian approach with a holistic belief. Those looking to delve into a path of well-being can benefit from the resort’s unlimited spa package. Guests can choose from a host of spa treatments, wellness programs and healing journeys designed to center the soul, still the mind and relax the body.

Spa facilities include three spa suites with an outdoor jacuzzi and rain shower, two Khmer massage rooms, a foot massage room for reflexology, a wellness relaxation area and changing rooms with a sauna, steam and jacuzzi. Signature spa treatments include the traditional Khmer massage, Kampot Salt Scrub and sports massage.

Most notable, is the traditional Khmer massage, a technique that was created to rejuvenate monks after prolonged meditation. This 60-to-90-minute massage increases flexibility, energy flow and circulation through a series of kneading, and stretching all while harnessing the body’s natural ability to moisturize itself.

In addition to its spa treatment and methods, the Anantara Angkor Resort keeps its theme of providing a traditional, luxury Khmer experience through its culinary favor. Traditional Cambodian food consists of rice, fish, soup and vegetable. Anantara’s progressive Khmer cuisine fine dining restaurant, Chi, conjures up fresh, farm-to-table ingredients to serve up conventional Cambodian dishes with a flair, including its spin on a classic favorite, fish amok or amok trei.

Amok is the country’s national dish. Made from fish, curry and rice, the concoction takes on a custard consistency sitting atop a banana leaf bowl. Chi, which derives its name from the Khmer word for ‘herb,’ serves up a royal seafood amok consisting of barfish, squid and tiger prawns alongside a host of spices and coconut milk. Alongside the customary dishes, the restaurant also features an exotic menu boasting Khmer chicken, stuffed frog, quail soup and Sabak fish. Guests have the option to dine in the restaurant, room or outside in their private courtyard with a specially designed menu.

So, although it sits in the shadows of the great Angkor Wat temple and ruins, the Anantara Angkor Resort is a wonder of its own. By blending classic Khmer architecture and traditional Cambodian culture with the best modern amenities and luxuries, it is the perfect place to stay and explore Southeast Asia’s Eighth Wonder of the World.