Idea Indochina

Designer Chic in the Cambodian Rainforest

Shinta Mani Wild is a radical new fusion of world-class design, hospitality and rainforest conservation where nature and nurture truly combine. Experience the raw beauty of Cambodia’s flora and fauna in extravagant style and comfort in this unique secluded luxury eco-lodge set between rivers and waterfalls in the Cardamom National Rainforest, just a three-hour drive west of Phnom Penh. Idea Indochina, our expert DMC partner for Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos creates the perfect itinerary to discover this unique destination.

Fifteen permanent tented suites are discreetly located in the trees by the river’s edge and designed with natural interiors blending with the surrounding colours of nature to emphasise the harmonious indoor-outdoor relationship but with modern accessories such as wifi and ipod docks. It’s best described as a crossover from luxury safari lodge with Khmer inspiration, offering guests sumptuous accommodation with natural touches such as open-air bath tub and living area with views over the forest and waterfall. This is responsible tourism at its best.

The camp was the brainchild of world-renowned designer Bill Bensley, who together with The Shinta Mani Foundation and Wildlife Alliance, identified this 350-hectare wildlife haven as a place to be protected from poaching, mining and logging, yet enjoyed by guests in search of nature expeditions in safety and extreme comfort. Cambodia has experienced dynamic growth and development, shaking its image as backpacker country through a boom of exceptional five-star boutique hotels. A new kind of tourist has emerged, seeking to combine the exploration of Cambodia’s cultural treasures with luxury stays in lesser known corners of the Kingdom and Shinta Mani Wild ticks all the boxes. Bensley has been designing his own brand of resorts throughout Asia since 1989. Enjoy jaw-dropping views over the Big Raging Sister Waterfall and choose from a tempting drinks menu created by their master mixologist using ingredients harvested in camp. Every meal is designed to introduce fresh unfamiliar ingredients from the surrounding forest to add to the adventure. The dining possibilities at Wild are endless, whether you’re eating at Headquarters, on the lawn, at the Cistern, or having a waterfall picnic. In terms of sustainability, Shinta Mani Wild does not have any single use plastics and bottle their own water.

What activities are on offer? There’s unlimited scope to discover the natural surroundings with incredible mountain biking trails, forest hikes, butterfly and bird watching with expert naturalists, kayaking, foraging and cookery classes. Continue the adventurous theme by zip-wiring into the camp! If in search of pure relaxation, the spa offers a river stone foot massage while soaking in a waterfall pool in the middle of the forest. The development of this opulent tropical-themed paradise is changing the luxury outlook for tourism in southeast Asia. Idea Indochina are Plateau’s expert DMC partner for any reservations, offering very experienced and professional ground services in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos with a selection of exciting themed land itineraries to combine with your stay at Shinta Mani Wild.