Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia

Shinta Mani Wild is a radical new fusion of world-class design, hospitality and conservation.

The camp was born when world-renowned designer, Bill Bensley identified an unprotected, 350-hectare wildlife corridor and set out to save it from poaching, mining and logging. Sustainability informs everything at Shinta Mani Wild, hence its partnership with the Wildlife Alliance (whose rangers have an on-site station), and the resident naturalists. The Shinta Mani Foundation spearheads conservation and community outreach programmes, providing local employment via its hospitality school in Siem Reap.

Shinta Mani Wild’s lofty, 100 square-metre tents perched above the river offer new levels of luxury in glamping, each with a colourful Cambodian design scheme and kitted out with antiques, vintage books and custom-made furniture. The spacious tents include sleeping quarters with a deck and a river-spying bathtub, an en suite bathroom and a wild-at-heart bedroom with a king-size bed.

Indulge in pampering treatments at the Khmer Tonics Spa nestled amid giant natural rocks. Have a river-stone foot massage while soaking in a waterfall pool. Yoga and meditation can be arranged and there are even plans to offer guests a Cambodian take on meditative Japanese fishing.

Inspired by permaculture, chef Kian is on a mission to protect indigenous herbs and plants from disappearing from their forests. Restaurant ingredients are plucked from the wild paradise garden, and dishes pay tribute to ancient Khmer cuisine. Instead of limiting guests to restrictive set menus, Kian makes suggestions suited and adapted to each guests’ personal tastes.

Adventure awaits at Shinta Mani Wild with a host of wild bespoke Bensley experiences. Join Wildlife Alliance rangers motorcycling through the forest on anti-poaching patrols and tracking previously unrecorded wildlife activity, or follow the naturalists through the forest on their daily forage.

Traverse the secret estuary backwaters on luxurious six-metre pontoon-style boats designed by Bill Bensley. Each has a fully-equipped bar and a top deck with daybed and sun loungers. ‘On the rocks’ takes on a whole new meaning at the camp’s picnics, all thoughtfully prepared by highly skilled Bensley Butlers, which can be enjoyed beside the camp’s cascading waterfall, atop a mountain, or wherever guests please.

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