The Story of The Kamaya
Everything and every person has a story, and so does The Kamaya. There are two stories to tell and share with you, of which one was the idea behind its design and the reason of its interior choices, where the other story has a far deeper meaning and includes the reasoning behind the three key values of Tranquility, Harmony and Respect. Let us start with this, and explain the deeper meaning about the choice of these 3 values.
The Key Values
Tranquility
Everyone staying at The Kamaya should feel at peace in a serene environment. Life is hectic, travel is as well. Come home to The Kamaya and unwind in your own world away from home, enjoying true care.
Harmony
You are not alone and the people and nature surrounding you will be a part of your journey and experience in Cambodia. Enjoy the company, the people, the community and nature and blend in harmoniously.
Respect
Treat people like you want to be treated, and they will give you access to their way of life and culture. Respect your environment and the surrounding nature and your experiences will never be forgotten!
The Story of The Kamaya
The story behind The Kamaya’s interior and decorative pieces follows a funny and chaotic line of thinking. It is an accumulation of carefully researched designs and totally random opportunities that created the interior. When traveling around Cambodia, you come across so many different people, making items for daily use with precision and care. Those people inspired the owners for the interior, using every day items in a playful and artistic way. Each piece of furniture or decorative item has a story to tell, which is an important element for the story of The Kamaya.
The statue display
The round closet in which you find the statues was made in Phnom Penh. The statues all relate to the rich history of Cambodia. Some are made of bronze, others of wood or stone. The Apsara and Hevajra statues particularly relate to the meaning of The Kamaya, embracing the tantric and divine. As The Kamaya resembles "Your Deepest Desires and Wishes", the statues have been selected to match the meaning. The centrally located Buddha with its gold scarf was made by a friend, who took 2 weeks to carf the Buddha out of a piece of wood the owners received as a gift from a family member.
The Kamaya is a locally inspired home in Siem Reap, built using materials sourced from the area to reflect a truly Cambodian style. The design and decoration capture the personal tastes and experiences of its owners, offering a simple yet intimate insight into their journey in Cambodia. Every element of the décor—from statues to wooden, sandstone, and water hyacinth wall pieces—was handcrafted by local artisans and carpenters.
Rather than dictating exact designs, the owners shared ideas and samples, encouraging each artisan to contribute creatively. This collaborative approach led to unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that brought The Kamaya to life. While working with many artisans across different locations was time-consuming and occasionally exhausting, it was also a rewarding process.
The project challenged artisans to think outside the box, expanding their skills and potentially helping them grow their business by diversifying their offerings. The final result is a space that not only reflects the owners’ love for Cambodia but also supports and celebrates local craftsmanship. The Kamaya stands as a heartfelt tribute to the culture, people, and creative spirit of Cambodia.
