Shinta Mani Wild, Cardamom National Park

Blend luxury travel with eco-conscious action, and what do you get? A game-changing tented camp in the heart of the jungle. Shinta Mani Wild nestles amongst 865-acres of protected thick forests and waterfalls of south-western Cambodia. Its unrivalled beauty and sustainable design is kept in tune with the natural surroundings, integrating into the environment with the lowest possible impact. Fill your days with activities or experience nature from the comfort of the camp’s pool and spa, before tucking into sumptuous Cambodian dining. Reaching far beyond imagination, Shinta Mani Wild is undoubtedly a tough act to follow.

LOCATION

Delve into the heart of the rainforest. At the edge of the southern Cardamom National Park, Shinta Mani Wild nestles within the 865-acre nature reserve and protected river valley. What was once a prime logging and mining location has now been dedicated as a project to fully restore the ecosystem. The camp is set within a three-hour drive of Phnom Penh and two and a half hours from Sihanoukville, followed by a 20-minute off-roading experience. It pays to get off-the-grid.

YOUR ROOM

Eccentric and bold, the 15 tents, including a larger family tent, each present their own unique theme, ranging from the relics of the war to botany. A pathway stretching throughout the camp leads you to the complete privacy of your tented suite, surrounded by lush vegetation and sounds of the river and jungle creating your very own soundtrack. Gaze out onto the jungle from your al fresco bathtub with a drink in hand. For something extra special, opt for the Waterfall Tent that overlooks the waterfall and rapids.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Start your adventure with a thrilling zipline experience over the jungle canopy, directly into the camp’s Landing Zone Bar. Nerves aside, a celebratory refreshment awaits. There’s plenty to discover, from river safaris to exclusive forest patrols with Wildlife Alliance rangers. However, the reigning title goes to Shinta Mani Wild’s conservation efforts, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand in modern day travel.

SUSTAINABILITY

From their fight against logging and poaching to the embargo on single-use plastic at the property, Shinta Mani Wild’s stance on sustainability is truly admirable. Partnering with Wildlife Alliance, the reserve acts as a wildlife corridor, protected from poaching, mining and logging. 70% of the staff are employed from the local village, some of which were previously poachers and illegally cutting trees to support their families. And it doesn’t end there. Shinta Mani Foundation also actively supports rural communities around the country through education, micro-finance, direct assistance and healthcare.