The hotly anticipated Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection opened last month (December 2018) crowning a transformative year for Cambodian luxury tourism. Nestled deep within the wilderness of the South Cardamom National Park, in a pristine wildlife corridor three hours’ drive south of Phnom Penh, Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection offers a radical new concept for a luxury tented camp experience. From the exhilarating moment of arrival – criss-crossing the rapids via a 320m zipline, straight into the Landing Zone Bar – there will be no such thing as a typical day at Shinta Mani Wild.

Perched over 1.5km of river and waterfalls, the 14 one-bedroom tents (100sqm) and one two-bedroom tent (140sqm) have been meticulously designed to evoke Bensley’s vision of what it might have been like to be on luxury safari in the jungles of Cambodia with Jacky O’, who travelled throughout the Kingdom with King Sihanouk in 1967. Stunningly realised, this extraordinary product of Bensley’s imagination provides an experience unlike any other in Asia. Creative luxury adventures include exploring the untrammelled waterways of South East Asia’s last wild estuarine ecosystem aboard a custom Bensley-designed expedition boat; or joining Wildlife Alliance rangers on anti-poaching patrols.

Ever changing menus are inspired by sustainably foraged wild edible plants, as the camp’s naturalists guide guests through the forest to discover – and taste – Cambodia’s natural larder. The Boulder Spa provides chemical-free Khmer Tonics treatments including a river-stone foot massage while soaking in a waterfall pool.

Described by Bensley as a “utopia of sustainability”, Shinta Mani Wild’s comprehensive conservation and community programmes are spearheaded by the Shinta Mani Foundation, and include the provision of long-term employment opportunities to local inhabitants where there is minimal infrastructure and fewer work prospects. Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection, in conjunction with the Foundation, will nurture its natural environment through partnerships with respected conservation organizations including Wildlife Alliance and The Cambodian Government. This extreme exercise in ingenuity will enable guests to explore this pristine wilderness, while making the lowest possible impact on the land, offering a luxury adventure with intimate access to one of Asia’s most stunning forest ecosystems.

BOOK IT

Rates at Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection start from $2,345 (approx. £1,845) per night, inclusive of all food and beverage; all private guided activities and excursions; spa treatments; personal Bensley Butler; land transfers from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville airports, and taxes.  Helicopter transfers are additional.  A minimum 3 night stay is required and a minimum age of 13 years.

For more information and reservations, please contact Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection on: +855 63 969 123 email: wild@shintamani.com www.shintamani.com/wild.php