Sunrise at Angkor Wat is breathtakingly beautiful. In the span of an hour, the sky puts on a dramatic show of colours, from midnight blue peppered with stars to a burst of vibrant pink and fuchsia. From where we stood at the edge of the pond, the still water reflected the stunning scene as the day broke, amplifying its magnificence.
That wasn't even the most impressive sunrise at the temple, Pheakdey, my incredibly knowledgeable guide, tells me. During the equinox, which happens every year in March and September, the sun rises exactly on the peak of the central tower, revealing one of the many astronomical alignments of the vast temple complex.
Just before light flooded Angkor Wat, Pheakdey led me to a quiet, more modern ashram in the vicinity for a private ceremony. It was a lovely surprise to close an unforgettable trip - to be in the presence of a respected monk, in a world-famous site, and receive his blessings for a good year ahead. But this wasn't entirely unexpected. After all, I was travelling as a Scott Dunn Private member, and extraordinary experiences with unparalleled access are part of the package.
GETTING PERSONAL
No trips are the same with Scott Dunn Private. Members of this exclusive club by the award-winning tour operator are assigned relationship managers, who are backed by years of experience in travel planning, vast world-class connections around the world and a wealth of knowledge of destinations to create dream holidays for guests. This means going where few have gone without lifting a finger, whether it's a discreet private visit to the Sistine Chapel, entering a Michelin-starred chef's kitchen during full service, or discovering a hidden cove in the Cyclades.
Esta historia es de la edición July 2023 de Prestige Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 2023 de Prestige Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Watches And Wonders 2024: A Show Of Range
In the second instalment of our report on Watches and Wonders the horological trade fair took place in Geneva in April we highlight standout new releases from 10 brands, ranging from stealthy tool watches to statement pieces you couldn't miss, even if you tried.
Raise A Glass To China
At the inaugural Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, three experts tell Prestige why you should consider picking up a bottle for your next dinner party or date night.
TOAST TO LOCAL SPIRITS
A growing class of \"Made in Singapore\" liquors give drinkers a taste of home.
HERITAGE, REFINED
Kyoto's artisanal roots and the push to evolve traditional Japanese aesthetics find voice in the city's luxury hotels.
CHASING THE SUN
Inspired by its gutsy female founder, Veuve Clicquot partners luxury travel purveyor Belmond to offer champagne-filled rumbles in destinations around the globe.
FAIRWAYS TO HEAVEN
Home to the Masters, the first men's Major tournament on the annual golfing calendar, the Augusta National course is as beautiful as it's fiendishly difficult. And this year, thanks to the competition's 25-year partnership with Rolex, Prestige was there to follow the action.
HIS TIME TO SHINE
2024 is the year men’s jewellery is shown off for what it ought to be bold, brilliant and tastefully transgressive.
Guarding a Grand Heritage
In an exclusive interview with Prestige, fourthgeneration Patek Philippe chief THIERRY STERN discusses meaningful innovations, business continuity and what surfing's got to do with it.
TROPICAL BLOOMS
The Reverso is unique with its signature swivelling rectangular case. Flip the caseback of the monoface model of the Reverso One, and you'll find a canvas for artistic expression.
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
Harry Winston's New York Collection is a love letter to the city that never sleeps. The jeweller's latest high-jewellery collection explores NYC's landmarks and symbols through several chapters.