The Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) Angkor – once the official residence of the French governor of the Cambodian protectorate, and a pied-à-terre for journalists and émigrés – is set to reopen its doors this spring, following a US$60m (€52.7m, £45m) renovation.

Designed to evoke the "tropical modernism" of present-day Siem Reap, the mansion-like hotel will be managed by international hospitality group Avani Hotels and Resorts and feature 60 new rooms plus expanded facilities, including a bar, restaurant, spa, pool, and lounge.

The property – Avani's first holding in the Cambodian hospitality market – is situated opposite the royal palace of the King of Cambodia, several minutes away from the UNESCO-designated Angkor Wat temple complex.

Plans to refurbish the resort, which has been a considered a local landmark since the 1960s, were first announced in 2015.

Speaking on the project, Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, the parent company of Avani Hotels and Resorts, said: "We believe FCC Angkor will be home to the intrepid traveller seeking an authentic experience in the social hub of Siem Reap."

Susan Devine, a representative for the owner of FCC Angkor, commented: "We are excited to be working with Avani Hotels and Resorts as they are exceptional operators of lifestyle hotels, and well-aligned to promote and position the FCC Angkor and FCC Collection brand."

She added: "The new FCC will also be a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, joining us in the commitment to deliver extraordinary, engaging, and unique experiences to our global guests."