Set the scene
A zipper-line brings you hovering by the cover of bushes to a bar beside a waterfall, and a flamboyant tented camp, classic in fashion, as if pegged there for passing royalty again within the day. A shot of tequila in an iced pineapple cordial is obtainable earlier than you could have time to step out of your harness.
The backstory
Cambodian hotelier Sokoun Chanpreda and daring resort architect Bill Bensley received a parcel of hardwood forest in a logging public sale. Their aim: to not chop down the rosewood, ironwood, and teak bushes. So they set about drawing plans for this tented camp. Shinta Mani Wild is the fourth property for Chanpreda (his first three are in Siem Reap) and the second in partnership with Bensley.
Rooms
There are simply 15, every flamboyantly designed with a classic really feel and some up to date pops of color among the many brass fittings, dress-making mannequins, old school followers, trunks, and leather-bound books. Room 1 is the furthest from camp, which additionally makes it essentially the most personal, and there is a seductively romantic roll-top bathtub on the deck beside the white-water river. It’s all sumptuously comfy; there’s even a maxi bar with cocktail equipment and the tech is remarkably good throughout the property.
Food and drink
Perhaps the largest shock is how good the meals is right here, given the remoteness of the resort and Cambodia’s lesser-known repute for delicacies. Under the steerage of the culinary director, Patricia Yeo, there’s a powerful every day altering menu. Breakfast is irresistible; lunch is crisp chilly soups and salads equivalent to pomelo, shrimp, and cashews; whereas the Khmer menu within the night has greens, mushrooms, and fruits foraged from the forest. Everything’s included within the price.
Service
Endearingly eager-to-please. Check-in and check-out is unnoticeable; one merely arrives by zip-line and the journey begins. There’s a dream group of guides available for actions and excursions: mountain-biking on dusty trails and kayaking down slim streams, orchid-hunting and anti-poaching patrols, and fly-fishing with Tulga, Bensley’s private attendant in Mongolia, who relies right here for stints all year long.
Anything left to say?
There are limitless spa therapies (included within the room price) and a sensational black metal bathtub-shaped pool. No spa; as an alternative there’s mountain climbing, mountain-biking, and kayaking. The minimal age of visitors is 13 and there are at all times butlers round if supervision is required.
Is it value it?
It’s costly however value it. This pioneering tented camp is elevating the bar for the area, in addition to pledging critical dedication to conservation.