Well beyond the crowded streets of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, hidden in one of Cambodia’s beautiful and relatively untouched corners, lies Bill Bensley’s pristine nature sanctuary where your exclusive retreat awaits.
After the world-renowned architect and designer came upon an unprotected wildlife corridor on the southern border of Cardamom National Forest, he set up a unique conservation project to save it from poaching, mining and logging. Since 2018, Shinta Mani Wild has been attracting eco-conscious travellers to the heart of the Cambodian wilderness and has put this 865-acre river valley firmly on the Cambodian travel map.
"Conservation is at the heart of all activity here, with organic locally sourced food, and more than 70% of the 120 employees coming from nearby villages."
Its diverse landscape makes it the ideal environment for the vast collection of rare and endangered species that call it home. Thrilling sightings might include elephants, sun bears, Siamese crocodiles, gibbons and clouded leopards.
The luxurious Shinta Mani Wild tented camp is a fusion of world-class design, hospitality and conservation set along 1.5 kilometres of rivers, waterfalls and lush jungle. The camp features 15 custom-designed riverside tents offering plush accommodations and aims to cause minimal impact on the natural surroundings. Conservation is at the heart of all activity here, with organic locally sourced food, and more than 70% of the 120 employees coming from nearby villages.
Depending on the season, Shinta Mani Wild has plenty of activities to choose from with 4.5 million acres of the Southern Cardamom National Park to explore. During your stay unparalleled experiences include a pontoon boat ride along the waterways of Southeast Asia’s last estuarine ecosystem or joining Wildlife Alliance rangers on an action-packed motorcycle ride through the forest on anti-poaching patrols.
Kayaking, bird watching and mountain biking are all available with a team of expert guides on hand to curate thrilling adventures. In addition, jungle treks with a private Bensley Adventure Ranger can be tailored to suit your ability; from sedate riverside trails to hardcore day-long excursions through the dense jungle. If you wish to take things easy then choose from the range of treatments available at Boulders Spa in the tranquility of the lush surroundings.
If you’ve been looking for a decadently luxurious retreat set in majestic natural surroundings with conservation at its heart, then this is the ideal experience for you. The Kingdom of Cambodia’s magnificent jungles and wildlife combined with Bill Bensley’s pioneering luxe conservation camp makes for an irresistible and incredibly rewarding experience.
