Pavilion: Slow Living in Phnom Penh

By Kerol Izwan.

MAADS × Musotrees: A Shared Moment

Phnom Penh has slowly become one of those places that feels familiar to us. Not in a dramatic way, but in a gentle, grounding sense — like a city we slip back into without effort. And almost every time we return, we check in at the Pavilion Oasis Heritage Hotel. At this point, it feels like our default home in the capital.

Pavilion is managed by MAADS Asia, a hospitality group known for creating thoughtful, characterful spaces around Cambodia. Their touch is clear here. The hotel sits on a busy main street lined with cafés, restaurants, and design shops, yet the moment we step inside, everything quiets down.

The entrance leads you into what feels like a small jungle enclosure — tall trees, thick shrubs, and a calm atmosphere that makes you forget the traffic just outside the gates. A long pool stretches towards the lobby, where a bright yellow colonial-style mansion sets the tone. It’s believed to have once been Queen Mother Kossamak’s private residence, and there’s a presence to the building that adds weight without feeling intimidating.

What we like about Pavilion is how relaxed and unpretentious it is. The hotel balances its heritage with a simple, easygoing mood. Each stay feels slightly different, but always better in its own way. The rooms all carry their own character — some with French colonial touches, others more modern — but they all fit naturally into the lush surroundings. The two main pools and a few private plunge pools add to that oasis feeling that makes the hotel such a reliable retreat.

The staff keep things warm and attentive without fuss. And stepping out of the hotel every morning always feels like crossing from one world into another — from a calm sanctuary into the lively pace of Phnom Penh. That contrast is part of why we keep coming back. Pavilion gives us the pause we need, while the city outside keeps us curious and moving.

We’ve also featured MAADS Asia in the printed pages of Musotrees Issue 12, where we explore more of their hotels and the stories behind them. If you’re interested in discovering other MAADS properties across Cambodia, you can find the full feature in the new issue. 

Explore Musotrees 12.