Samsara Villa was built in 1963, during Phnom Penh’s Golden Era. At that time the capital was the epicenter of Southeast Asian cool, called “The Pearl of the Orient,” where rocking covers of American Oldies were danced to every day and night. Once a playground for the rich, it became a welcoming center of calm for weary travelers and staycationers in the capital. The hotel identity design I crafted for them captures the weight of its name and displays a modern aesthetic.
Capturing Their Essence: Samsara Villa Hotel Identity Design
The Villa was turned into a hotel in 2012. Although there have been some modifications, it has lost nothing of its original charm and beauty. In fact, it was enhanced. Rooms were added to the terrace, a pool was installed, and a new tropical garden wing was constructed.
n Buddhism, Samsara refers to the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. In a nod to the nirvana of the 60s, which died in Cambodia’s civil war, Samsara was poised for its own reincarnation.
To honor the tradition that lends the lodging its name, I dipped into Buddhism’s iconography for the boutique hotel’s identity design. At the center of the logo sits the dharma wheel, or dharmachakra, one of the belief’s oldest symbols. It is also one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism.
With a dedication to the notion of care and mindfulness, Samsara Villa also contained a wellness center. Sâmata Health & Wellness Studio a Spa allows guests to enjoy moments of relaxation from morning until night.
The four types of rooms offered by Samsara Villa have a rustic chic flair fit for any glossy interior design magazine spread. These lovely lodgings inspired me to give the hotel identity design a spacious, editorial flair that prioritized the beauty of its space.
This ethos is most evident in the hotel’s website design. The site features large images of Samsara’s individually decorated rooms.
Samsara Villa is an Oasis for tourists looking for a break from hectic days in the bustling city. And a home away from home for business travelers.
