Meet Joni Aker, the General Manager of Treeline Urban Resort, a distinctive retreat in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
In this interview, Joni shares insights into the unique ethos and welcoming atmosphere of Treeline Urban Resort. With a focus on blending art, nature, and community, this boutique hotel offers travelers an exceptional experience that goes beyond traditional hospitality, capturing the essence of Cambodian culture in every detail.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?
I’m Joni Aker, General Manager of Treeline Urban Resort. I’ve been living in Cambodia for 14 years. I originally came here as a volunteer to establish an educational NGO. I have been working in tourism and hospitality in Cambodia for almost 10 years now and with Treeline since before it opened.
What are the values behind Treeline Urban Resort, and how do they make you unique?
The concept of Treeline is what sets it apart from other hotels. People often say on arrival at the hotel that we have the best location, beautiful design, and an amazing rooftop pool, and while this is true, we know that is not what makes us special. By the time our guests leave, they realize that these are, in fact, great advantages to the hotel, but it is really our concept, our team, our culture, and the environment we have created here is truly what sets us apart from other hotels. The pillars of our concept are Art & Design, Nature & Environment, and Community & Hospitality. Treeline is so much more than a hotel, it’s a feeling, and we pride ourselves on this. Integrity is at the heart of all that we do and making sure that our core values and concept are always considered, they underpin everything we do.
We understand that Treeline Urban Resort was designed by Khmer architect Mr. Hok Kang. What drives his designs?
Mr. Hok Kang, is an experienced and visionary architect, who embarked on a transformative journey in real estate development. With an educational background from Washington University and Tokyo’s Kengo Kuma and Sou Fujimoto, he returned to Phnom Penh, establishing HKA & Partners. By 2013, Hok’s passion led to Urbanland — a Cambodian real estate developer committed to crafting inspirational spaces in Cambodia. His laser focus, dedication to teams, and belief in human-centered design drive this vision. Under his leadership, the company transforms how people live and work. From a humble beginning to a diverse portfolio of 10 projects, from commercial space such as Raintree to condominium developments such as Embassy Residence and Embassy Central, Borey Chankiri, K Mall, and now our unique hotel, Treeline Urban Resort. Now, after a decade in the development space, Hok fully embraces the challenge of having a creative vision of a space, and the reality of making it. He has dreamed of green public spaces that connect and engage communities in healthy living and is convinced that good design can make lives better.
Treeline Urban Resort is locally renowned for it’s contemporary art collection. Can you tell us more about it?
Mr. Hok Kang and his ceaseless advocacy of art and craftspeople were part of why he founded Treeline Urban Resort here in Siem Reap. Because of this, Treeline prioritizes sourcing the hotel decor directly from local artisans. Treeline also established the Treeline Arts Foundation to actively support local artists, using the Treeline gallery as a platform to develop and showcase their artistic talents. Local crafts adorn the rooms and commissioned artworks embody the values and artistic principles we aspire to.
How does Treeline Urban Resort engage with the local community?
Supporting local initiatives and community outreach is part of our DNA, hotel concept, and ethos; it always has been, but since the pandemic, we took that to a new level, using that time to fundraise and provide much-needed food and care packages to impoverished communities throughout Siem Reap. We spent our days sourcing donations, packaging up food and care packages and delivering those to families most in need. Once the pandemic was over, we joined forces with Ponheary Ly Foundation to continue doing this and also extended this initiative to include educational support for families wanting to get their children into school that do not have the means to do so. We are also a big supporter of Angkor Children’s Hospitals and the annual Giant Puppet Parade, and we undertake a lot of tree planting and clean-ups throughout the city. We are also a supporter of the Ocean Recovery Alliance and the work they are doing to protect and improve the Tonle Sap. Through our Art Gallery we also provide annual artist grants to up-and-coming young artists, providing them funds and mentorship, enabling them to produce their first works, and then providing them an opportunity to exhibit their works in our gallery inside the hotel. Also, our wider group (ISI Group based in Phnom Penh) is a community outreach leader in Cambodia with an extensive outreach program that focuses on promoting positive social change.
What do you recommend guests to do in Siem Reap during their stay?
We recommend our guests get out of town; once they have seen the main temples, we recommend a day trip to see some lesser-known temples that are a bit more remote but just as amazing and not so overrun with tourists. Some of our favorites are Beng Mealea, Koh Ker, or a trip to Kulen Mountain. Getting out of the city allows guests to see and experience the Cambodian countryside and the ‘real’ Cambodia—how the locals live daily. Village tours by bicycle are another great way to experience the real Cambodia and everything that makes it so unique. And of course, all visitors to Siem Reap must go to the PHARE, the Cambodian Circus. It is a fantastic and entertaining organization, so do not miss it!
