Majestically tucked away in a corner of the Cambodian forest, stands Shinta Mani Wild, A Bensley Collection, a resort which defies the conventional imagination. Perched within the vicinity of the Cardamom National Park, this one of a kind property boasts experiences and views like no other. It also harbours the call of conservation where stays aren’t merely fun and games but can also make a real difference in protecting the flora and fauna of the area.

As it is located in the woods, the property offers 15 private tents instead of the usual suites and rooms that we often seek refuge in during vacations. Intricately designed with subtle hints of lore and luxury, the tents exude magical touches of world-renowned landscape designer, Bill Bensley. Make your grand entrance into the property via Cambodia’s longest zip line or take the jeep through the lush forest.

Accommodation

These tents are all unique as they bear different themes and designs. Each one is equipped with furnishings befitting a royal guest, living up to the standards of Shinta Mani properties which are known to breathe class and well-refined splendour.

With choices offering views of the waterfall or the serene greenery surrounding the venue, these tents were carefully designed to give guests only the best in comfort and visual pleasures to the eyes. Our personal favourite is The Shinta Mani Foundation Tent, better known as ‘Tent No. 2’. The walkway into this tent made in honour of First Lady Jackie Kenndy is simply stunning. All around are authentic collectables documenting Jackie’s visit to Cambodia in 1967. The tent is also further complemented with a spacious bed along with high quality furniture and beautiful pieces of art, making it even more luxurious.

It also comes with a living area that neighbours the outdoor as well as a dining corner, enough to hold a mini dinner party. The highlight however, would be the outdoor bathtub which seems like it was plucked from a classic European movie. The outdoor bathtub brings you closer to nature and the maxi bar has practically everything you need alcoholic or non, refilled on a daily basis. There are wines, beers, sodas, coffee, tea, ice and even condiments like lemon, cucumber among others.

Butler Services/Dining

Like most luxury lodgings Shinta Mani Wild also has a team of butlers ready to serve their distinguished guests. However what sets these butlers apart are their roles as ‘Adventure Butlers’. Able to fulfill almost every guest request, they are most sought after in the resort. Cunning enough to anticipate almost every need, they also accompany guests on all their adventures, from motorbike rides to boat trips. They also perform the traditional butler role including unpacking and packing luggage and fulfilling a myriad ad-hoc requests.

Here, everything is worth every penny as most of the items are all-inclusive throughout the stay. This means every booking comes complete with meals, adventures, drinks, spa treatments, wellness activities including yoga and meditation! This makes the place more appealing to those who crave for a little luxury without compromising the comforts and closeness to Mother Nature. Try the Pontoon which is a great experience where you sail down the river, watching animals in their natural habitat via the provided binoculars along the way. There are even stops where you can kayak or swim. Your butler will prepare some snacks and drinks to make sure you enjoy your trip thoroughly.

So if you plan to experience a stay here do not miss in trying out the lovely food and beverage outlets including The Headquarters which is the main eatery at the resort. Be sure also to participate in a camp favourite known as the 25KM dinner, the resort’s most sustainable menu, where all ingredients are sourced within 25kms of the camp.
Whether you are planning to just lay by the swimming pool or go on hiking tours and boat expeditions, Shinta Mani Wild has got you covered. The resort has almost everything for everyone who dreams of a more colourful vacation.

Wellness/Spa

As guests here are in the heart of nature, Shinta Mani Wild, A Bensley Collection is obviously the perfect place to experience a complete spa treatment. Celebrating Cambodian nuances, the resort takes pride in using chemical-free tonics made from a unique mix of medicinal plants, herbs and spices which are predominantly present in the surrounding rainforest. This can be seen through the art of traditional Khmer healing during a full body massage which employs a range of acupressure techniques and passive stretching.

The spa also offers natural heat healing using either hot stones or herbal compresses, a full-body scrub, or even a detoxifying facial, that can be enjoyed anywhere, be it on the deck of their tent, atop a peak in the jungle or even aboard a custom Bensley expedition boat. Our suggestion would be a simple massage by the pool which is both relaxing and calming as you bask under the sun.

It brings the team at Savour BlackBookAsia Magazine, lead by Editor in Chief, Gabriel Tan great joy to announce that Shinta Mani Wild, A Bensley Collection has been short-listed to be in the running for our 100 Best Hotels Hall of Fame: The Unadulterated List 2024. Stay tuned come year end, for the results during our annual travel awards.  

ADDRESS:
Prey Praseth Village, Ou Bak Rothed Commune, Kampong Seila District Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia
PHONE:
+855 87 656 152
EMAIL:
book@shintamani.com
WEBSITE:
https://shintamani.com/wild/