“Sometimes I just sit in silence and observe how light moves across the space.”
Why does Joffrey Thin-Gris, general manager of The Aviary Hotel in Siem Reap, always feel like unwinding whenever he’s at the Deluxe Plus Sambok Room?
When you run a hotel with areas that look like this, you might think it’s hard to choose a favourite.
But if you’re talking about rooms, Joffrey Thin-Gris, the general manager of The Aviary Hotel in Siem Reap, has managed to narrow it down to one.
“The moment I stepped into the Deluxe Plus Sambok Room, it felt like a perfect reflection of what The Aviary stands for – calm, curated, and deeply connected to nature,” he says.
“It’s beautifully styled without being overwhelming, and you instantly get the sense that this isn’t just a hotel room; it’s a thoughtful sanctuary.”
It’s not surprising. “The concept of the ‘sambok’ – which means ‘nest’ in Khmer – is central to The Aviary’s brand,” he explains.
“We wanted this room to echo that idea of a safe, restorative space while maintaining a modern, stylish feel. Every design element, from the handcrafted furniture to the locally sourced artworks, was chosen to align with our broader philosophy of blending contemporary hospitality with a celebration of Cambodian craftsmanship and nature.”
Let’s explore it then (and get a few ideas in the process).
Enter Joffrey Thin-Gris’ favourite room: the Deluxe Plus Sambok Room
Favourite elements and pieces
Joffrey: “I love the natural wood tones, the bamboo textures, and the custom pieces created in collaboration with local artisans. The bird motifs – a signature of The Aviary – bring that subtle storytelling into the room. The lighting is also a favourite feature. We were deliberate about making the space feel warm and layered, from sunrise to evening wind-down.”
Favourite spot
“The seating corner by the window. It gets the best natural light and feels like the perfect spot to unwind with a cup of coffee. It’s also where many of our guests like to journal or plan their day – it encourages slow living, which is something we really advocate at The Aviary.”
How have you spent time in this room?
“I often walk through this room when we’re doing design reviews or brainstorming new guest experiences. Sometimes I just sit in silence and observe how light moves across the space – it’s grounding. It reminds me of why we built The Aviary the way we did: to offer our guests moments of stillness amidst the buzz of Siem Reap.”
How does it fit your personality and moods?
“It’s calming, intentional, and comfortable – much like how we aim to host our guests. I think the Deluxe Plus Sambok Room mirrors The Aviary’s overall atmosphere: thoughtful luxury without the fuss.”
How have you used each area of this room?
“We designed the layout to support different moods – the work desk for productivity (especially for our digital nomads), the lounge area for relaxation, and the bed area as a true retreat. We often get feedback from long-stay guests saying how well the space adapts to their routines, and that’s exactly what we hoped for.”
Hidden things or secrets in this room
“We’ve tucked away small details that reflect our commitment to storytelling — things like handmade pottery from local ceramicists or our original The Aviary postcards in the drawer. It’s all part of creating small discoveries for our guests.”
Design elements you’d like to take with you
“I’d love to take the materials – the rattan, the wood, the linens. They bring such a sense of texture and warmth. And the lighting! We’ve layered it so thoughtfully here; I often wish I could recreate that ambiance at home.”
What was done well in this room?
“The way the space feels generous, even though it's not overly large. That’s a reflection of good spatial planning – something we focus on throughout The Aviary. We want every room to feel inviting and usable, not just pretty.”
What would you like to add if you had your way?
“Maybe a small shelf with curated reads – books about Cambodia, art, and slow travel. That would add another layer of character to the experience.”
How would you update this room in the near future?
“We’re always thinking about how to keep things fresh. I’d be interested in introducing even more sustainable materials or technology that would enhance guest comfort while remaining subtle and in tune with our aesthetic.”
Tips for using colour in a room
“Stick with an earthy base and build from there – think soft greens, clay, and wood tones. That palette keeps the energy calm and timeless, which is very much how we approach design at The Aviary.”
Tips for achieving a similar look to this room for our own spaces
“Focus on texture more than colour. Layer natural materials, mix artisanal pieces with clean modern lines, and add personal details that tell a story. It’s about creating harmony, not perfection.”
Tips for “growing” with our favourite room
“Design spaces that can evolve with you. A room like this isn’t static – it should be a backdrop that supports your rhythm, whether that’s working remotely or just enjoying quiet time.”
How do you see yourself growing with the Deluxe Plus Sambok Room?
“This room – like The Aviary itself – represents a commitment to thoughtful hospitality. It challenges me to continue creating spaces that feel meaningful, personal, and rooted in place. As Siem Reap evolves, so will we, and I see this room as a part of that journey – a reflection of where we’ve been and where we’re going.”
The Aviary Hotel is at #09, Tep Vong Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Find them here and on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.