Shinta Mani Angkor began as a not-for-profit school giving free hospitality training to disadvantaged Cambodians, and the hotel that grew from it still helps fund the Shinta Mani Foundation from its room revenue. It sits in the tree-shaded Royal District of Siem Reap, a short walk from the town centre and a tuk-tuk ride from the temples of Angkor. The Bangkok-based American designer Bill Bensley shaped the whole property, with his own artworks throughout and gardens that stay green in the middle of the town. There are 105 rooms and suites in wings around a central pool, plus 10 Bensley Collection Pool Villas: two-storey houses with a private pool, a rooftop living area and butler service. Kroya, where Chef Chanrith cooks, serves modern Khmer food, Baitong offers Khmer street dishes and international plates, and there is a pool bar. The Khmer Tonics Spa looks after treatments. The hotel's own packages pair the stay with guided days at Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, and with its sister camp, Shinta Mani Wild, in the Cardamom rainforest.
- Rooms
- 105 rooms and suites, plus 10 pool villas
Insider tip The 10 Bensley Collection Pool Villas come with butler service and a rooftop living area, so ask for one at the time of booking if privacy matters.
Why I choose it A Bill Bensley hotel in Siem Reap's Royal District whose room revenue helps fund free hospitality training.