Words by Benjamin Russell
Every year thousands of people flock to Cambodia to enjoy the food, soak up the nature and discover the history. For many, the gateway to all of that is the town of Siem Reap. Of course, accommodation is a necessity, but after long, hot days exploring this wonderful country, if the place you rest your head is also a calming refuge, the enjoyment of your trip can soar to another level.
Hotel
The Shinta Mani has a sizeable footprint straddling a road in the leafy French Quarter of Siem Reap, between the Royal Gardens and the Old Market and just a short walk from the centre of town. From the minute you arrive, you can see that this is a shrine to design, perhaps not surprising given that it’s a creation from renowned American hotel architect Bill Bensley.
A beautifully chic monochrome palette is punctuated with splashes of colour and electric artworks. The style continues outside, where palm planted gardens and elegant koi ponds make for a tranquil ambience, finding the perfect balance between sophistication and relaxed informality.
Shinta Mani Angkor boasts two remarkable swimming pools, each with its own unique charm. The first sits at the heart of a minimalist courtyard surrounded by lush tropical foliage. The second is a sprawling landscaped, lawned oasis, basked in all-day sunshine. Both pools are accompanied by inviting bars serving a delectable selection of cocktails, ensuring pure relaxation from the cooling water, or comfort of your lounger.
For further serenity, the Shinta Mani Spa by Khmer Tonics offers an extensive menu of therapeutic treatments based on traditional and modern healing rituals, using 100 percent natural, locally sourced products.
The good vibes of the hotel manifest themselves further with its commitment to philanthropy through the Shinta Mani Foundation, which supports the education and development of young adults in the local community with a percentage of every room rate funding the amazing work they do.
Room
The hotel is divided into three distinct properties, which flow into each other with elegant ease. The Shinta Mani Angkor, is a stylish boutique hotel with 39 rooms boasting modern facilities and beautifully designed Khmer-inspired interiors. The rooms themselves feature exquisite images of Angkor and boast tasteful, contemporary décor. This is where you’ll find the first of the pools mentioned above, as well as a gym.
The Bayon Wing offers 66 rooms, including two junior suites and two executive suites, set in a courtyard overlooking the second of the two pools.
For those seeking the epitome of luxury, the ten Bensley Collection Pool Villas will not disappoint. Each villa spans an impressive 156 square metres and features separate bedroom and bathroom pavilions, a private nine-metre pool, a rooftop sky lounge and round-the-clock butler service. For larger groups, six of the villas can be combined to form three 12 sqm two-bedroom villas, complete with two pools.
Food and drink
There’s plenty of food to try in Siem Reap itself, but you’d be missing out if you neglected to try the hotel’s impressive culinary offering. First there’s the Baitong Restaurant, an all-day dining concept in the Bayon wing offering western food along with popular signature Asian dishes as well as bar service, all of which can be enjoyed by the pool, making it the perfect spot for lunch.
For a pre-dinner drink, there’s Bensley’s Bar, which enjoys an elevated position with the cantilevered balcony seats suspending you. The signature Open Heart cocktail makes the perfect sundowner, or work your way through the selection of over 30 Gins, not in one sitting, obviously.
When it’s time for dinner, head downstairs to the jewel in the culinary crown that is Kroya. It’s led by chef Chanrith, who draws inspiration from the area’s rich heritage, skilfully combining local ingredients and traditional knowledge to craft a modern menu influenced by his favourite childhood dishes, resulting in an aromatic, thrilling, and mouth-watering adventure. Don’t miss the Tonlé Sap Lake butter-catfish soup or the sautéed Koh Kong scallops with chilli minced pork.
As you’d expect, the dining room is exquisite, but if you choose to dine al fresco you can sit on a swinging table seat, suspended above crystal clear water, watching the koi swim below you.
To do
If you’ve travelled to Siem Reap, chances are you’re planning on seeing the Angkor Wat. The temple complex is an almost millennium old UNESCO World Heritage site and is not to be missed. It’s well worth booking to go with a guide though, not only do they have an amazing knowledge that will bring the past to life, but know all the best spots for pictures, and will get you there early to hear the dawn chorus and watch the sunrise over those ancient towers.
To see first-hand the relics of Cambodia’s more recent history, the War Museum holds a poignant collection of tanks, weapons, and artefacts that bears witness to the country’s tumultuous past. Unlike polished museums, here, visitors can touch and feel the remnants of the conflict by handling weapons and climbing aboard vehicles.
No visit to Siem Reap is complete without immersing oneself in the vibrant cultural performances of Phare Circus. Founded in 1994 by young men seeking to empower underprivileged youth, this extraordinary celebration of Cambodian dance and culture is a testament to the resilience and talent of its performers. Enthralling audiences with their energy and skill, the circus weaves tales of Cambodian life and history, leaving spectators of all ages amazed.
If shopping is your thing, just over the road from the hotel you’ll find the Made in Cambodia market, which is a treasure trove of locally crafted products and the perfect place to pick up a souvenir. You can also stroll a little further, or jump in a tuk tuk into the centre of town to browse the Angkor Night Market and the Old Market.
While in town be sure to visit Pub Street, where neon lights colour the night sky, beats from open fronted clubs fill the air, and people sit drinking beers while those weird little fish eat the skin of their feet. It’s what Blackpool could be if the UK had better weather. If you’re a party person you can dance the night away until the wee hours, but if you fancy something a little quieter, the nearby streets still offer plenty of food, drink and shopping. For a late night bite there’s a food market at the side of the river where you can sit with the locals and admire the illuminated bridges that span the waterway.
In a nutshell
A breath-taking property that drips with style and luxury, making it the perfect sanctuary to enjoy the nightlife of Siem Reap, explore the wonders of Angkor Wat, or just stay put and relax in chic surroundings.
Factbox
Rooms in the Bayon Wing start from $150, and rooms in the Shinta Mani Angkor start from $165. Stays in the Bensley Collection Pool Villas start from $615.
Address: Junction of Oum Khun & 14th Street, Siem Reap
Phone: +855 63 964 123
Website: shintamani.com
