Positive Impact collection

Wild Cambodia

Bensley Collection - Shinta Mani Wild

Nestled within a 350-hectare protected area

Luxury camp nestled deep within the forest

It’s the very definition of experiential travel, from the lodging itself to the activities on offer.

Shita Mani Wild is the vision of world-renowned designer, Bill Bensley, who purchased the land and whose mission it is to protect this beautiful part of the country from poaching, mining and logging. The camp has partnered with the Wildlife Alliance, whose rangers have a station on-site, to help conserve this precious wildlife corridor.

The camp consists of 15 luxury tents positioned along the Tmor Rung River. Their location ensures guests enjoy the best possible views and the tents are positioned so everyone has their own little part of the forest. The walk from some of the tents to the main camp can be quite long, so there are rangers on hand with lamps to help you back at night.

Each tent has a story to tell, from the Botanist’s Tent to the National Geographic Tent and while each one is unique, they are all impeccably styled with gorgeous textiles, artwork, fascinating artefacts and one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture. Many have freestanding bath tubs on the decking for the ultimate soak.

At the heart of the camp is the Headquarters, where guests enjoy their meals. The team here are passionate about using local, seasonal produce, much of which has been foraged from the surrounding forest. For something really special, there is the option to enjoy a waterfall picnic. The Landing Zone Bar overlooking the Big Raging Sister Waterfall is the place for truly exquisite cocktails. And, if you don’t want to walk there, you can always zip line in!

The camp’s pool has been designed to look like a cistern and the lining was painted jet black so the water reflects the details of the forest. The Khmer Tonics is the camp’s spa nestled amongst the rocks, and here you can indulge in a river-stone foot massage while soaking in a waterfall pool.

There is so much to do during a stay at Shinta Mani Wild, from mountain biking and kayaking to fishing, foraging and cooking classes. There’s even the option to head out on an anti-poaching patrol to experience the vital work being done by the Wildlife Alliance.

Highlights

15 luxury tents

Restaurant

Bar

Swimming pool

Spa

Adventure butlers

Mountain biking

Hiking

Kayaking

Ziplining

Fishing

Foraging

Birdwatching

Cooking class

Head out on an anti-poaching patrol

The impact of your stay:

  • Shinta Mani Wild stands as a guardian of Cambodia’s last remaining wilderness, particularly in the Cardamom Mountains, home to some of the world’s most endangered species. In a region where 54 animals are listed on the IUCN Red List, the resort plays a crucial role in protecting this unique and vulnerable ecosystem.
  • Shinta Mani Wild is actively involved in anti-poaching efforts, overseeing a 32,000-hectare area with a focus on combating animal trafficking and illegal activities. Their comprehensive environmental policy sets clear goals for minimising biodiversity impact. Construction has been carried out to limit disruption to natural ecosystems, and ongoing initiatives include reducing energy consumption and implementing a waste management system with recycling and composting.
  • The hotel actively raises environmental awareness and drives education through strategic partnerships with Phnom Penh University. Recognizing the importance of environmental education, these collaborations aim to enhance understanding of natural resources and ecosystems. By fostering educational initiatives, the resort contributes to the broader goal of promoting sustainable practices and conservation awareness.
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Places to combine Bensley Collection - Shinta Mani Wild with

Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

Phum Baitang
Meaning ‘green village’ in Khmer, Phum Baitang is set within eight acres of lush gardens and rice paddies away from the bustle of Siem Reap, yet still just minutes from the temples of Angkor. And indeed it does appear as a traditional Cambodian village on first sight, but you’ll soon notice intricate design touches and modern luxuries between the rusticity. There are 45 private stilted and thatched villas, each built in a traditional style with carefully considered contemporary touches, with extensive use of reclaimed wood, expansive terraces, handpicked furniture and wonderfully spacious bathrooms with egg-shaped baths carved from local stone. 20 of the villas have their own outdoor plunge pools. Two restaurants lie in the village, Hang Bay, which serves a fusion of cultural cuisine, and Bay Phsar, which has the feel of a local market and is the venue to try vibrant Cambodian flavours created using freshly picked ingredients including herbs from the organic garden and rice straight from the surrounding paddies. One of the bars sits alongside the scenic 50m infinity pool but our favourite is the cigar and cocktail lounge, housed within a reconstructed century-old farmhouse that has shelves bursting with vintage liqueurs, gin and whisky, surely one of the coolest bars in Southeast Asia. End a day of temple exploration at the spa, an ancient looking temple offering age-old healing techniques and beauty recipes using indigenous ingredients. Aside from temples, Phum Baitang offers a range of activities, including a kids’ club, private dining experiences and cooking classes, cultural excursions, trips to Tonle Sap and vintage jeep drives..
Positive Impact

Song Saa

Song Saa Private Island Resort
Song Saa is a beautiful eco-resort that sits across the islands of Koh Bong and Koh Ouen, which are affectionately known as the Sweetheart Islands. Accessible by a 45-minute speedboat journey from the mainland, Song Saa is the perfect place to completely unwind and explore southern Cambodia’s stunning coastline. The resort was built with sustainability in mind, and reclaimed timber and other materials from the mainland were used in its construction. Salvaged wood from old fishing boats and factory yards were turned into decking and beams, oil drums became lamps, and weathered driftwood was crafted into beautiful pieces of furniture. Set in a self-made marine reserve, Song Saa is also home to a team of marine biologists, implements recycling practices, and is involved in the funding and founding of sustainability projects in the area. The 24 luxury pool villas are scatted across the island, some nestled within the rainforest along the shoreline and others perched over the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The open-plan design of the villas creates a real sense of space and light and the natural decor and design compliments the surrounding environment. For the ultimate exclusive escape, the two-bedroom Royal Villa is reached by private boat and has its own pool, kitchen and indoor dining space for up to 12 guests. Locally caught seafood and seasonal fruits and vegetables are used to create delicious Khmer cuisine at the overwater Vista Restaurant. Driftwood Bar on the beach is an ideal spot to grab a crisp beer or a mojito, along with a wood-fired pizza or some tapas as the sun goes down. Dotted around the resort are little sanctuaries where you can indulge in a spa treatment surrounded by nature. There’s also a large infinity pool, a fitness centre and yoga sessions for those that like to keep active while away. You’re surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, so grab a snorkelling mask, a paddleboard or a kayak and explore. Alternatively, take to the rainforest trails and discover the native plants and wildlife.
Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline