AllWays Traveller Features
The Bensley Collection - Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
The Bensley Collection - Shinta Mani Wild will open on 1 November 2018, following the first Bensley Collection property, Shinta Mani Angkor, which opened in January 2018.
It is located within a 350 hectares (860 acres) valley between the Phnom Bokor and Kirirom National Parks.
This is within the wilderness of Cambodia's South Cardamom National Park, in a wildlife corridor three hours' drive south of Phnom Penh.Shinta Mani Wild looks to offer a radical new concept for a luxury tented camp experience, with guests arriving at the gate lounge by road or helicopter.
From there from there they can gain entry to the resort via a 380 metre zip line over river and waterfalls.
Arriving 'Indiana Jones style' in the Landing Zone Bar, they will be met with cooling refreshments by the Bensley Butlers.
For those preferring a more sedate arrival, Jeep transfers are available.
The 14 one-bedroom tents (100sqm) and one two-bedroom tent (140sqm) have been designed to evoke Bensley's vision of what it would have been like to be on a luxury safari in the jungles of Cambodia with Jacky O', who travelled throughout the Kingdom with King Sihanouk in 1967.
The Shinta Mani Wild will offer a unique dining experience, with no official menu.
Culinary offerings will be under the direction of the camp's Chef Kien Wagner, and will include wild edible plants sustainably foraged each day from the forest to accompany the meat and seafood available.
Fresh condiments will be made in-house and the camp will have a permaculture farm and will support local farmers and fishermen.
To the south east of the camp, guests will be able to explore the waterways of South East Asia's last wild estuarine ecosystem aboard a custom built, Bensley-designed expedition boat - fully equipped complete with kayaks.
Around the camp there are opportunities for mountain biking, hiking and wild swimming.
To the north, guests will have the chance to accompany anti-poaching rangers and researchers as they check camera points and study the wild forests.
An important part of the camp's ethos is having a team of Wildlife Alliance rangers conducting anti-poaching patrols in order to generate a safe haven for birds and animals.
A team of full time naturalists has been living at the camp during construction for the past year studying the flora and fauna.
They have also developed a range of hikes for guests to explore the area.
While not exploring guests can relax and enjoy the camp facilities including the Waterfall Restaurant, Landing Zone Bar and Boulder Spa featuring chemical-free products by Bensley's Khmer Tonics.
The South Cardamom National Park
The South Cardamom National Park is Cambodia's newest and largest National Park, covering 866,930 hectares (2,142,231 acres).
It is one of the last great wilderness areas of South East Asia, with pristine estuaries and a mountain range covered in tropical rainforest.
The Shinta Mani Foundation will be spearheading the camp's conservation and community outreach programmes, including the provision of long-term employment opportunity to the local inhabitants where there is minimal infrastructure and fewer work opportunities.
The Bensley Collection - Shinta Mani Wild, in conjunction with the Foundation, will nurture the natural environment through partnerships with conservation organisations including the Wildlife Alliance, The Royal University of Phnom Penh and The Cambodian Government.
The Shinta Mani Hotels & Resorts portfolio also includes:
Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Shinta Mani Angkor is an upscale boutique hotel with 39 rooms and public spaces in an Angkorian-inspired design.
It is locatedwithin the French Quarter of Siem Reap, a 15 minute Remork ride from the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat.
Bensley Collection - Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Bensley Collection, Bensley Collection - Shinta Mani Angkor is an exclusive 'resort within a resort'.
www.shintamani.com/angkor-bensley-collection
Shinta Mani Shack Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Shinta Mani Shack Angkor is a boutique resort also located in the French Quarter between The Royal Gardens and the Old Market Area just 15 minutes from Angkor Wat.
Shinta Mani Foundation, Cambodia
The Shinta Mani Foundation, looks to be a leader in responsible tourism by enhancing the lives of the individuals in the local communities where the resorts operate.
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