Shinta Mani Wild

Step into a scene from The Jungle Book at Shinta Mani Wild, a luxury tented camp buried in the wilds of Cambodia’s Cardamon Mountains. At this 15-tent eco-sanctuary strewn along a white-water river, there is little distinction between indoors and outdoors. Draw back the tent wall to invite the rainforest in, then step into a freestanding clawfoot tub on the deck to luxuriate in the canopy views. Each tent has a unique dedication – no two are the same –and is adorned with antiques and curio. For an especially ambient stay, room in any one of the waterfall tents for a soothing soundtrack of rushing water.  

You’ll pass adventurous days at Shinta Mani Wild on personalized outdoor experiences designed by attentive Bensley Butlers. Kayak along mangrove-lined channels, explore secretive backwaters on an expedition pontoon boat, and “stumble upon” al-fresco picnics, set up in the most surprising jungle settings. Guided hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, camera trapping, foraging, cooking classes, and “wild bathing” in secretive swimming holes handily fill a multi-day stay.  

Between excursions, relax at camp. Swim in The Cistern, a 115-foot-long pool shrouded by ironwood, teak, and rosewood trees. At sundown, make your way to a pop-up cocktail bar assembled on flat rocks in the middle of the river, complete with a campfire. Take advantage of unlimited wellness treatments in the spa—or wherever it suits you: poolside, riverside, or on your tent’s private deck. Don’t leave Shinta Mani Wild without taking in a dawn yoga session perched atop a seven-story zipline tower. Make your sun salutations and then take a thrilling zipline ride back to camp for breakfast.  

When it’s time to feast, nosh on jungle-to-table fare. Seasonal plates made with foraged ingredients and prepared with Khmer flair that will be remembered long after you’ve returned home.  

Shinta Mani Wild belongs to a collection of properties owned by architect, designer, and conservationist Bill Bensley. The camp was born when Bensley and Sokoun Chanpedra acquired 865 acres of the Cardamom Rainforest that had been slated for logging—despite sheltering some 54 endangered species. As such, each guest stay at Shinta Mani Wild contributes to the conservation of resident wildlife while creating high value employment for the local community. It’s just the type of travel-as-a-force-for-good ethos that aligns with Extraordinary Journeys’ core values.