Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
A unique resort in Cambodia
Bill Bensley designed property
Arrive by zip wire and view the national park
Ethically-run resort
Conservation projects and initiatives to learn of in the region
Adventure of a lifetime
A unique resort in Cambodia
Bill Bensley designed property
Arrive by zip wire and view the national park
Ethically-run resort
Conservation projects and initiatives to learn of in the region
Adventure of a lifetime
A unique resort in Cambodia
Bill Bensley designed property
Arrive by zip wire and view the national park
Ethically-run resort
Conservation projects and initiatives to learn of in the region
Adventure of a lifetime
“Story of Shinta Mani Wild by Bill Bensley”
Wild by name, wild by nature… Shinta Mani Wild occupies a pristine 865 acres river valley on the southern border of the Cardamom National Forest.
In 2010 Sokoun Chanpreda and I, Bill Bensley, purchased this concession in the park with no intentions of destroying it, but without a clear vision of what to do with it. It was a “Buy first, think later” moment. For years we just visited the valley trying to understand it and get a handle on what to do with it, and in the process went down a few wrong paths.
We began to understand the serious threats of logging as we saw bullock carts of hardwoods leaving the site. Duh! Putting up a tall Trumpian wall all around the park so that it could regenerate properly was one great idealistic option, but despite our pleads , Donald would not come up with the cash.
The idea of a small camp was not a new one as I had a very successful experience designing the Four Seasons Golden Triangle Elephant Camp of Chiang Rai, Thailand. Our good teammate, Jason Friedman, opened that camp as GM so we thought well why the hell not? But if we do, it must rock, and make industry waves as that was the only way to get travellers to these parts unknown.
The industry disrupting idea of a high yield low impact camp, with the main mission being a sustainable way to support the policing of the forest via Wildlife Alliance, seemingly is getting traction.
You would think that maintaining just 15 tents, cooking a bit of food, and going for the occasional bike ride might require a handful of staff? Well in fact, we employ about 120 good folks, 70% are from the local village and some of those were poaching and illegally cutting trees.
Shinta Mani Wild does not have any single use plastics, including much of our back of house supply chain which is even more difficult to do. We bottle our own water and use recycled containers.
Accommodation
The first and most striking thing about each of the 15 luxury tents at Shinta Mani Wild is their irresistible vintage décor of retro fans and old-world chests, lamps and books, all carefully placed through a tented room that boasts a generous floorplan of over 1,000sq ft. There are hand-carved ornaments dotted throughout, candles, trinkets and kitsch clocks, all playing their part in what is a fun, though stylish and memorable space. Dark wood floors, sofas, king-size beds and an outdoor deck complete with its own rolltop bathtub are all impressive extras too; it’s easy to forget your luxury accommodation at Shina Mani Wild is actually in the heart of rainforest wilderness, such as its style and standard. Of the 15 available luxury tents, there is just one two-bedroom option for families, so be sure to book early.
Gastronomy
Waterfall Restaurant
During your tour of Cambodia, few dining experiences will have a more memorable setting than the one to be found at Shinta Mani Wild’s Waterfall Restaurant which, as the name suggests, overlooks a picturesque cascade nearby. Local, ethically-sourced produce – some of which comes directly from the forest itself – complements a seasonal menu packed with Khmer-inspired cuisine here, it all fits together just perfectly.
Landing Zone Bar
Head to the Landing Zone Bar for a pretty special setting to enjoy your evening aperitif, accompanied by spectacular jungle views and picture-perfect sunsets too; enchanting.
The Wellbeing Difference
A must on anyone’s bucket list
Wellness
Indulge in pampering treatments at the signature Spa, Khmer Tonics. The spa’s two treatment rooms are nestled amid giant natural rocks perched in the forest canopy. Sensibly the design takes its cues from the forest, with plenty of wood and stone. The river takes center stage, have a river-stone foot massage while soaking in a waterfall pool or have therapists visit your tent for a treatment on your balcony with the river rushing below.
The refined treatment menu celebrates Cambodia with chemical-free tonics made from a unique mix of medicinal plants, herbs and spices all of which are present in the surrounding rainforest.
Guests can experience the traditional Khmer art of healing during a full body massage which employs a range of acupuncture techniques and passive stretching. The spa offering, which also includes natural heat healing, a full-body scrub and a detoxifying facial, can be enjoyed anywhere guests desire, whether that be on the deck of their tent, atop a peak in the jungle or aboard a custom Bensley expedition boat.Unlimited spa treatments are included in the room rate at no extra charge.
Foraging and Cooking
Discover and taste Cambodia’s natural larder in the company of the resorts wild foragers; All of whom are reformed poachers and loggers and accustomed to living off the rain forest when camping out in the jungle as part of their past professions.The wild foragers will guide you through the forest on a daily forage explaining and tasting ingredients and some unexpected flavors.
Chef will be grateful for the help in filling his basket of goodies for the Wild foraged tasting dinner.
Hiking
The 800 acres that comprises WILD sits within the 4.5 million acres of the Southern Cardamom National Park. The opportunities are endless and are only limited by what you want to do.
From easy walks on riverside trails on the WILD property to full day, hardcore slogs into the Cardamom interior the Bensley Adventure Rangers will happily guide you on the adventure of your choosing.
These guys crave adventure so don’t be shy to challenge them and yourselves.
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Birdwatching
During the migratory season when birds are making their bi-annual pilgrimages you have a good chance to spot numerous rainforest and wet land dwelling species on all of your adventures.
Adventure butlers
Part guide, part friend, part magician. The Adventure Butlers anticipate your every need. Finding unforgettable activities to suit your tastes and fitness, they accompany you on all your adventures, from motorbike rides to boat trips. Not to mention the classic butler role: unpacking and packing your luggage and fulfilling your ad-hoc requests.f
Join an anti-poaching patrol
Daily, the rangers seize far too many snares, which can kill nearly any animal, including young elephants. Sometimes WA rescues live animals from the many snares; other times they must tally the count of dead wildlife. They travel in groups of 2-8 and are armed, as they run loggers out of their makeshift camps, confiscate homemade guns, chainsaws, and the like. They are the real deal.
The reason for Shinta Mani Wild’s existence is to create a sustainable way to patrol and defend these beautiful forests and their wildlife. Please do join the rangers on motorbike for 2-6 hours depending on your stamina, and prepare for an eye opening experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
Shinta Mani Wild has built an on-site ranger station for Wildlife Alliance at the end of the track, at the highest camp in the valley. You are more than welcome to visit! Wild also pays for all of the rangers expenses and equipment. As you will learn, the battle, and it is a battle, to keep the Cardamoms from becoming just another empty forest is never ending and at times disheartening.
