In the heart of Siem Reap, just moments from the ancient wonder of Angkor Wat, The Aviary Hotel stands as both a stylish stay and a sanctuary where wellness, sustainability, and Cambodian artistry intertwine. As global travelers increasingly seek meaningful, restorative journeys, The Aviary has become a symbol of mindful travel in Cambodia: a place where every detail, from the locally sourced furnishings to the botanically inspired spa rituals, tells a story of care and connection.

At the helm of this eco-conscious boutique retreat is Joffrey Thin-Gris, a seasoned hotelier whose vision balances luxury with purpose. Since opening The Aviary in 2015, Joffrey has nurtured it into one of Siem Reap’s most beloved boutique destinations: an intimate 43-room haven that celebrates local creativity, community, and the slower pace of discovery. In this conversation, Joffrey shares his thoughts on redefining hospitality in a changing world, The Aviary’s commitment to wellness and sustainability, and why Siem Reap remains one of the most inspiring places to pause, reflect, and reconnect. Read the interview in full below:

What’s The Plan Please: The Aviary Hotel has become synonymous with mindful and eco-conscious travel in Siem Reap. What does “mindful travel” mean today, and how does The Aviary embody this philosophy in its design and guest experience?

Joffrey: Mindful travel, to us, means journeying with intention — being present, responsible, and truly connected to Cambodia’s culture, community, and natural environment. At The Aviary, we translate this philosophy into meaningful action. Our plastic-free commitment and in-house water filtration system help eliminate single-use bottles, while recycled materials and natural elements are thoughtfully incorporated throughout our spaces to reduce our footprint without compromising comfort.

But mindfulness isn’t only about sustainability — it’s also about honoring the people and creativity of Siem Reap. Every corner of the hotel features locally crafted furniture and commissioned artworks that support Cambodian designers and artisans. We actively encourage guests to immerse themselves in local life through curated experiences that showcase Khmer craftsmanship, cuisine, and culture.

Ultimately, mindful travel at The Aviary means luxury with purpose: uplifting our community, protecting the environment, and inviting guests to leave with a deeper understanding of this place and the stories that shape it.

What’s The Plan Please: Wellness is woven throughout The Aviary’s offerings, from Amret Spa to its healthy dining options. How do you personally espouse wellness, and how does The Aviary ensure guests experience it in authentic, locally-inspired ways?

Joffrey: For me, wellness is not just about fitness or spa rituals — it’s a balance of physical comfort, mental calm, and meaningful connection to the world around us. It’s about feeling grounded in a place and its culture.

At Amret Spa, we take that philosophy to heart by grounding every treatment in Cambodian tradition. Our therapists use ancient Khmer massage techniques and ingredients sourced from local farmers — from pumpkin and black sticky rice to aromatic herbs — offering guests a wellness experience that is both restorative and culturally meaningful.

Our culinary approach follows the same thread. By focusing on fresh, seasonal produce and flavours inspired by the region, we allow guests to nourish themselves in a way that supports local communities and reflects Siem Reap’s culinary heritage.

Across the hotel, we design peaceful spaces that let nature in — abundant greenery, calming light, and quiet corners where guests can pause and breathe. Whether through a massage, a meal, or a simple moment of stillness by the pool, wellness at The Aviary is about reconnecting with oneself while feeling rooted in Cambodia.

What’s The Plan Please: The Aviary is often described as a serene sanctuary in the heart of Siem Reap. How do you balance the convenience of being centrally located with the desire to create a slow, peaceful retreat and respite for travelers?

Joffrey: Our location in the heart of Siem Reap offers unrivalled convenience — within easy reach of the Old Market, night-life, and temples. Yet we intentionally create a sense of calm and separation within that urban frame. With two pools (one rooftop, one garden-level), lush interiors inspired by nature and local birdlife motifs, and use of locally-crafted furnishings and recycled materials, we design spaces where guests feel grounded in tranquillity.

We invite our guests to embrace a slower pace: for example, start the day with a quiet pool swim at sunrise, follow with a leisurely breakfast, then set off for the city — or simply stay and enjoy the retreat we’ve crafted. The contrast between location and refuge is deliberate: you can experience Siem Reap’s vibrancy, yet retreat into peace when you choose.

What’s The Plan Please: The Aviary recently began an expansion project. What can guests expect from this new chapter, and how are you ensuring the hotel’s signature intimacy and sustainability remain intact as it grows? Can you share some specific eco-friendly practices or initiatives at The Aviary that you’re most proud of?

Joffrey: Our expansion in 2020 marks an exciting new chapter for The Aviary — additional wings, enhanced amenities, and new experiences — but our core values remain unchanged. We are committed to preserving the boutique size, the locally crafted design and the warmth of an intimate retreat, while growing thoughtfully and responsibly. Every new feature is held to the same eco-criteria that defines the hotel’s identity.

These are some of our proudest sustainability practices: we partnered with Water for Cambodia to install filtered drinking water systems across the hotel, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles entirely. We’ve also piloted energy-generating gym equipment which harnesses guests’ workout energy into power for the hotel, and our food & beverage operations follow a plastic-free takeaway packaging policy complemented by a strong recycling programme. These initiatives are not mere tokens — they form the structural foundations of how we build and expand. For our guests, this means enjoying all the enhanced features of a growing hotel — new rooms, more experiences, modern amenities — with the same responsible, authentic, and culturally anchored hospitality they have come to expect from The Aviary.

What’s The Plan Please: Why is it important to you to collaborate with local artists, chefs, and designers, and how do these partnerships enhance the guest experience? What kinds of experiences or programs at The Aviary allow guests to connect more deeply with Cambodian culture and community?

Joffrey: Collaborating with Cambodian creatives is foundational to our philosophy at The Aviary. Instead of importing a generic “luxury” look or experience, we believe in weaving local craft, cuisine, and design into every element of our hotel. That means rooms adorned with locally commissioned artworks and furnishings, dining menus sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, and experiences that allow guests to meet the makers behind them.

Internationally acclaimed designer Eric Raisina created bespoke lighting and décor pieces for the hotel, blending haute couture texture with Cambodian motifs. We also work with Eggcellent, a local free-range egg supplier, to champion sustainable farming and support local supply chains. Another key partnership is with Wat Chocolate, a local bean-to-bar chocolatier that celebrates Cambodian cocoa farmers through handcrafted chocolates — a true expression of creativity, sustainability, and local pride.

Beyond these collaborations, The Aviary encourages guests to explore Siem Reap through immersive experiences such as offering authentic journeys through local villages, markets, and cultural landmarks. These programs invite guests to connect with the people behind Cambodia’s artistry and traditions — to see, taste, and feel the culture beyond the temple walls. In doing so, a stay at The Aviary becomes not only comfortable and luxurious but meaningful and deeply rooted in community and culture.

What’s The Plan Please: Having managed several boutique hotels across Southeast Asia, you bring a unique perspective to hospitality. What lessons have you carried from your past experiences into your leadership at The Aviary?

Joffrey: Across my time in boutique hospitality, I’ve learned that memorable stays are created not by scale, but by soul. Every detail — from how a guest is greeted to the materials used in a room — must feel intentional and rooted in a story. At The Aviary, that narrative is Cambodian creativity and nature-inspired sustainability, and we ensure those values are present at every touchpoint.

I’ve also learned the importance of being adaptive. Travelers today seek more than comfort — they seek alignment with their own beliefs about responsibility and culture. That’s why sustainability here isn’t a marketing line; it’s built into how we operate: minimizing waste, sourcing locally, and designing meaningful experiences that contribute to the community.

Lastly, I’ve seen firsthand that a hotel’s greatest asset is its people. Investing in staff development, creativity, and pride allows them to deliver genuine hospitality — the kind that guests remember long after checkout. At The Aviary, we empower our team to not only serve, but to share the beauty of Siem Reap with confidence and heart.

What’s The Plan Please: How do you cultivate a culture of care and motivation among your staff, and how does it translate into memorable experiences for guests?

Joffrey: For me, a culture of care must begin with the people who bring the hotel to life every day. We make sure our team doesn’t just follow procedures — they understand the purpose behind them. When our staff know why we eliminate plastic, why we partner with local artisans, or why we design calming spaces, they become true ambassadors of our values rather than simply operators of a hotel.

We invest in ongoing training around sustainable practices, cultural knowledge, and guest engagement, so every team member can speak confidently and proudly about our initiatives. We also involve them in local community collaborations, whether it’s supporting artisan partners or contributing to neighbourhood projects. That sense of ownership builds passion — not obligation.

Guests feel that immediately. When a housekeeper explains how we recycle soap for local use, or a waiter shares the story behind a local ingredient on the menu, the interaction becomes personal and meaningful. The result is hospitality that feels warm, genuine, and memorable — because it comes from a team that truly cares, not just serves.

What’s The Plan Please: Siem Reap’s hospitality scene continues to evolve post-pandemic. How do you see the city’s tourism landscape changing, and what role do boutique properties like The Aviary play in shaping its future?

Joffrey: We’re seeing a fundamental shift in Siem Reap — from high-volume, bucket-list tourism to a more conscious, experiential style of travel. Visitors today want to understand the communities they engage with, support local businesses, and know their stay has a positive footprint.

This is exactly where boutique hotels like The Aviary can lead the way. We are deeply rooted in Siem Reap’s creative ecosystem, which allows us to curate responsible and meaningful experiences — whether that’s discovering artisan workshops, enjoying holistic wellness steeped in Khmer tradition, or simply staying in a space grounded in sustainable design.

Our role in shaping the city’s future is to set the standard for what hospitality here can be: intimate, environmentally responsible, culturally connected and wellness-oriented. As Siem Reap continues to grow, we aim to grow with intention — expanding thoughtfully while preserving what makes The Aviary special: a hotel that reflects its place, uplifts its community, and offers guests a deeper perspective of Cambodia beyond the iconic temples.

Photo Credit: The Aviary Hotel

The Aviary Hotel is located at 9 Preah Sangreach Tep Vong St, Krong Siem Reap 171202, Cambodia. More information available here