Sleeping on the wild side
Nestled deep in the wilderness of the South Cardamom National Park, Cambodia, Shinta Mani Wild, which opened its doors just last week, is a radical new concept in the luxury tented camp experience.
Operated by the Bensley Collection, it is located in a pristine wildlife corridor three hours’ drive south of Phnom Penh and is perched over 1.5km of river and waterfalls. The 14 one-bedroom tents (100sqm) and one two-bedroom tent (140sqm) have been meticulously designed with inspiration from a luxury safari in the jungle of Jacky O who travelled throughout the Kingdom with King Sihanouk in 1967.
Creative luxury adventures include exploring the untrammelled waterways of Southeast Asia’s last wild estuarine ecosystem aboard a custom Bensley-designed expedition boat; or joining Wildlife Alliance rangers on antipoaching patrols. Ever changing menus are inspired by sustainably foraged wild edible plants, as the camp’s naturalists guide guests through the forest to discover – and taste – Cambodia’s natural larder. The Boulder Spa provides chemical-free Khmer Tonics treatments including a riverstone foot massage while soaking in a waterfall pool.
Described by Bensley as a “utopia of sustainability”, Shinta Mani Wild’s comprehensive conservation and community programmes are spearheaded by the Shinta Mani Foundation, and include the provision of long-term employment opportunities to local inhabitants where there is minimal infrastructure and fewer work prospects. Shinta Mani Wild Bensley Collection, in conjunction with the Foundation, will nurture its natural environment through partnerships with respected conservation organisations including Wildlife Alliance and The Cambodian Government. Rates start from US$2,345 (about Bt78,000) per night, inclusive of all food and beverage; all private guided activities and excursions; spa treatments; personal Bensley Butler; land transfers from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville airports, and taxes. Helicopter transfers are additional.
A minimum threenight stay is required and kids under the age of 13 are not accepted.
Find out more at www.Shintamani.com/wild.php.
