Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Springing from the wonderful imagination of noted Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas is a stylish blend of modern elegance paired with Khmer traditions, all layered with the his distinctive style.
Approaching from the road, a long, high-ceilinged corridor fronted by lotus ponds echoes the hallways of Angkor Wat, though the black and white color scheme that permeates the resort is a bold, untraditional palette choice. While it is always difficult to unpick Bensley's thought process, one imagines this is his conception of what an Angkor temple might look like if built in the modern day.
Beyond the design, Shinta Mani has much to offer: rooms, set around gardens and a pool, are accessed via a combination of stairs and paths evoking the underground passageways of Bayon. Inside, the monochrome theme continues from the bedspread to the furnishings, though special mention must be made of the ceiling-mounted photos of Angkorian temples, which transport you to the ancient complex as you drift off to sleep.
The other highlight is Kroya, an all-day restaurant where you can sway on swing seats, indulge in a menu of local organic ingredients and international classics and, of course, reflect on the design.
- The hotel’s Small Tour with Sunrise adventure is an excellent way to see Angkor without the crowds, beginning with a torchlit walk through the complex's quiet eastern gate.
- The on-point and friendly service is even more impressive when you learn that many staff members are graduates of the resort's own Shinta Mani School of Hospitality, which educates students from underprivileged backgrounds.
- With its bold, quirky design and warm atmosphere, Shinta Mani Angkor has Bensley's stamp all over it. After a stay here, you'll be a fan of the designer.
- Among all of the enticing treatments at the spa, we recommend the traditional Khmer massage, an oil-free service that combines gentle pressure and restorative stretching.
- While the food at Kroma is fantastic, the 42-ounce tomahawk served at the American-style steakhouse is a mouthwatering pick.
- Tucked away on the second floor, the discreet Bensley's Bar has a members-club atmosphere. Spend an evening sampling its famous gin and tonics.
- When it comes to choosing a souvenir, browse the selection on offer at Shinta Mani Shop with a Heart, where your purchase supports local craftspeople.
- Designer Bensley's accents appear everywhere throughout the property, with the rooms featuring artwork created at his rambling studio headquarters in Bangkok.
- The Bayon Wing puts you in a courtyard setting overlooking the monochromatic swimming pool.
- For a lavish touch, Pool Villas come with a rooftop sky lounge and their own private pool surrounded by gardens.
- You won't any plastic water bottles in the minibar (which, by the way, is all complimentary), as the Siem Reap hotel is an admirably plastic-free green environment.
- A pleasant 15-minute stroll brings you to the welcoming embrace of Miss Wong bar, an atmospheric 1930s Shanghai-themed cocktail lounge.
- On the banks of the Siem Reap river you'll find King's Road Angkor, home to the crafts-filled Made in Cambodia Market, and high-end restaurant Embassy Khmer.
- Spend a half or full day visiting the friendly giants that reside at the Kulen Elephant Forest Sanctuary, a 530-acre reserve that is home to one of the largest herds in Cambodia.
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