Shinta Mani Wild

Be it by zipline through the Cardamom rainforest, or in a 1965 jeep from the Vietnam War, your arrival into Shinta Mani Wild is just the beginning of a truly special experience. Bill Bensley's eclectic design is something to marvel, with plenty of curious features to discover.

You are welcomed at the Landings Bar with perfectly curated welcome drinks and views over the glistening river and falls. The 15 secluded tents are individually styled and accessed by stony trails through the jungle. We were upgraded to a waterfall view tent (#15) which whilst further away from HQ, offered ultimate privacy, (the higher room categories are furthest away: 1, 2, 14 & 15). You can admire the view from your private terrace dining area, on your cushioned sofa with a drink from the well-stocked, complimentary minibar, or from your freestanding outdoor tub! Each tent is assigned an Adventure Butler who will curate a customised itinerary based on your interest and escort you on all excursions. Nothing is too much trouble, and all staff have a genuine warmth.

Activities are all included in your stay (though some are dependent on the season). After settling into our tent, we enjoyed a 90 minute Signature Shinta Mani massage at the spa, a small tented haven amidst the jungle. Guests can also enjoy treatments at their tents should they prefer (body scrubs, facials, massages). Our excursions included: ziplining (the longest zip line in Cambodia), an orchid walk with expert guide, and a three hour trip with the Wildlife Alliance on an anti-poaching patrol! It was a unique experience and highlighted one of the many conservation projects supported by Shinta Mani Wild who put sustainability at the heart of everything they do.

Food at Shinta Mani Wild is a real highlight - breakfast is a la carte and can be enjoyed in the main HQ restaurant area or brought to your tents. The two course lunch menu works on a four day rotation (so guests typically get to try it all) and as if that's not enough, dinner consists of a six or seven course tasting menu! The dishes use locally sourced ingredients and were full of flavour with Asian influences throughout. (For picky eaters you can request western options and dietary requirements can all be catered for).

At a two to three hour drive from Phnom Penh, or an hour and a half from Sihanoukville, you have to stay a minimum of two nights to really get the most out of this property. For those with the time and budget to linger longer, three or four nights is idyllic. Shinta Mani Wild is not just a hotel, it's an experience. Book with confidence!