Cambodia August 2024

A Stay at Shinta Mani Angkor and Shinta Mani Wild - Bill Bensley Collection

Cambodia, a country renowned for its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, offers travelers an unforgettable experience. For those seeking a luxurious and immersive stay, the Shinta Mani properties in Siem Reap and the Cardamom Mountains provide an exceptional way to explore this Southeast Asian gem. Here's a glimpse into what makes Shinta Mani Angkor and Shinta Mani Wild truly remarkable, along with some amazing tours and inclusions I experienced on my brief trip to Cambodia.

Elegance and Comfort in Siem Reap

Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor is more than just a hotel; it's a sanctuary that embodies the charm and elegance of Cambodia. This boutique hotel offers a blend of traditional Khmer design and modern amenities, making it an ideal base for exploring the nearby Angkor temples.

A Cultural Retreat

From the moment you step into Shinta Mani Angkor, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The hotel's design reflects Cambodia's artistic heritage, with intricate woodwork, lush gardens, and elegant interiors. The spacious rooms and suites offer a serene retreat after a day of temple-hopping, with views of either the tranquil garden or the bustling city.

Experiences and Excursions

A stay at Shinta Mani Angkor isn't complete without experiencing the Angkor Archaeological Park. The hotel's expert guides can arrange personalized tours to the iconic Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm, providing insights into the fascinating history and architecture of these ancient wonders. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to local markets and restaurants allows for a taste of Cambodian cuisine and culture.

We were able to experience these three major temples, and I can truly say this experience exceeded my expectations. We had an incredible guide during our stay who had outstanding English and an abundant amount of knowledge not just for this region but for the entire country.

Floating Dreams: Houses on Asia's Largest Lake

Imagine a world where houses dance with the waves and daily life floats on a shimmering expanse of water. Welcome to Tonle Sap, Asia's largest lake, where the traditional stilted and floating houses offer a unique glimpse into a way of life as fluid and dynamic as the lake itself.

Here, vibrant floating villages like Kampong Phluk and Chong Kneas offer an astonishing spectacle. These houses, perched on stilts or anchored to floating platforms, bob gracefully with the lake's ebb and flow, adapting seamlessly to the changing water levels. As the lake swells during the monsoon, the villages transform into a bustling aquatic metropolis, with boats replacing roads and water taxis gliding between homes.

Each floating home is a vivid splash of color, reflecting the rich culture and resilience of the communities that call this lake home. Picture children splashing in the water, fishermen casting their nets, and vendors navigating the maze of canals, all while the backdrop of the sun-kissed lake creates an ever-changing canvas.

A visit to these extraordinary floating houses offers an enchanting blend of adventure and cultural immersion. As you navigate this living mosaic of waterways, you'll experience firsthand the ingenuity and spirit of those who thrive on the world's largest lake, where every wave tells a story and every house floats on the pulse of life.

Shinta Mani Wild: A Jungle Adventure

Embracing Nature in the Cardamom Mountains

For those seeking adventure and an intimate connection with nature, Shinta Mani Wild is a hidden gem in the Cardamom Mountains. This luxury tented camp is set amidst pristine jungle, offering a unique way to experience Cambodia's natural beauty. If you're an adrenaline junkie or love a challenge, the entry to this property is nothing short of amazing! Two zip lines from high in the treetops across cascading waterfalls is an experience I'll never forget. Despite my fear of heights, it felt exhilarating!

Eco-Luxury in the Heart of the Jungle

Shinta Mani Wild blends high-end comfort with environmental consciousness. The tents, designed with eco-friendly materials, offer stunning views of the surrounding forest and river. Each tent is a spacious haven, complete with plush furnishings, outdoor bathtubs, and private terraces where you can immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the jungle. Each tent is furnished completely differently, and with Bill Bensley's design, they just feel like home, with every nook and cranny filled with yet another quirky feature. You'll see this throughout the property.

Adventure and Conservation

The camp is not just about luxury; it's also about making a positive impact. Shinta Mani Wild is dedicated to conservation efforts, working to protect the Cardamom Mountains' rich biodiversity. Guests can partake in guided jungle treks, wildlife spotting, and river excursions. The camp's location also provides access to unique experiences such as visiting local villages and learning about traditional crafts and customs.

We took part in the Conservation excursion, which involved riding on the back of motorbikes with our butler and the conservation team to head high up into the jungle in search of poachers, weapons, animals, and more. THIS experience is one to remember. It poured rain for half of the time (we went out for about 4 hours), saw some poachers, and found weapons and traps used within the surrounding jungle. Keep in mind that this is a complex topic because forest conservation is quite new, but it's also all the people of Cambodia in the area have ever known to stay alive. They hunt for food. I learned a lot on this trip, and it is one of the MUST-DO excursions through Shinta Mani Wild.

Dining and Relaxation

Dining at Shinta Mani Wild is an experience in itself. The camp's restaurant offers gourmet meals made from locally-sourced ingredients, with dishes that celebrate Cambodian flavors. After a day of adventure, relax by the camp's fire pit or take a leisurely swim in the natural pool, enjoying the tranquility of the jungle.

The spa treatments are also included in your stay, and you can enjoy as many as you like, wherever you like. We enjoyed treatments in the treatment room and in the outdoor area of our tent. Imagine closing your eyes late afternoon while having a facial and listening to the sounds of waterfalls right beside you, then waking up to darkness and having your dinner delivered to your door to enjoy after the most relaxing treatment. Simply amazing!

Conclusion

Whether you're marveling at the ancient temples of Angkor or exploring the untamed beauty of the Cardamom Mountains, Shinta Mani Angkor and Shinta Mani Wild offer unparalleled experiences that cater to both the curious traveler and the nature enthusiast. These properties exemplify the best of Cambodian hospitality, combining luxury with cultural immersion and conservation. A stay at either or both of these unique destinations will undoubtedly enhance your journey through one of Southeast Asia's most captivating countries.