Experience Siem Reap’s Premier Luxury Retreats – Combining Exquisite Design, Wellness, and Social Responsibility at Cambodia’s Best Hotels
During a recent trip to Cambodia, I had the pleasure of staying in both the Bensley Collection Pool Villas and Shinta Mani Angkor in Siem Reap. Make no mistake, both hotels are an exquisite design lovers paradise.
Cambodia is the type of destination that changes lives. The tragic – and recent- history means most of the current generation do not have grandparents as a result of the widespread genocide that occurred. But it is a country filled with young people who are determined to get ahead, and make their country and their lives into something successful as well as meaningful.
It is a country that won Angelina Jolie’s heart as she not only made a movie about Cambodia’s history, First They Killed My Father, but she also adopted a child from there,
Staying in any of Bill Bensley’s Shinta Mani properties in Cambodia is to truly elevate the journey into something extraordinary, as it is clear from the astonishing hotels he has created there that Cambodia won his heart.
As a frequent traveler with a love for luxury stays in South East Asia, I can honestly say that the Bensley Collection was one of the greatest Asian accommodations I’ve experienced in a long while.
Designed by the brilliant American landscape architect Bill Bensley, these two properties combine sophisticated design, impeccable service, and a strong commitment to social responsibility, creating an unforgettable experience.
Shinta Mani Angkor sits on one side of the road and offers a fabulous in-house restaurant, pool and relaxed accommodation, whilst Bensley Collection, a “hotel within a hotel” is brilliant for couples wanting a stylish, elevated, tranquil escape in absolute luxury and design bliss.
The Bensley Collection Pool Villas are more than just a place to stay—they are an experience in themselves. With breathtaking design, unparalleled service, and a commitment to sustainability, this property offers a perfect mix of luxury and responsibility.
Whether you’re lounging by your private pool, indulging in a Khmer-inspired spa treatment, or exploring the wonders of Angkor Wat, every moment here is infused with beauty and design prowess.
Location 9.5/10
Located in Siem Reap’s peaceful French Quarter, the Bensley Collection Pool Villas and Shinta Mani Angkor are just minutes from the Royal Gardens and the lively Old Market. A short walk from the town center and iconic Angkor Wat, the property is ideally located for exploring both Cambodia’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Whether I was wandering through the town or marveling at the ancient Angkor Wat, the location offered the perfect balance between tranquility and easy access to the heart of Cambodia’s most famous sites.
I was able to ride a bike before dawn to the ruins and really have my very own adventure from either property.
Rooms 10/10
Staying in the Bensley Collection Pool Villas was nothing short of extraordinary. The Bensley Collection Pool Villas redefine luxury with Bensley’s seamless indoor-outdoor design. Each of the 10 villas is extraordinary. My villa, a spacious 156 square meters, featured a private nine-meter pool and a rooftop sky lounge.
I found myself spending hours lounging poolside in the lush gardens, as well as in the sky lounge, indulging in the quiet luxury of having a private retreat all to myself.
The attention to detail, from the Art Deco influences to the custom-designed furniture, made the space feel both unique and extravagant. These villas are both a sanctuary and a showpiece of Khmer-inspired elegance.
The 24-hour butler service was also a highlight—my butler went above and beyond, ensuring fresh coffee and pastries were waiting for me on mornings when I left early to explore and even helping me pack up my room when my flight was called earlier than anticipated (a surprisng element of the adventure of flying in and out of Cambodia).
I also stayed at the Shinta Mani Angkor, which offers a more boutique and hotel-like experience. Guests can opt for rooms in either the Shinta Mani Angkor or Bayon Wing, where rooms showcase modern Khmer décor.
The Bayon Wing boasts 66 rooms with tranquil views of landscaped gardens and sparkling pools, while Shinta Mani Angkor offers boutique-style comfort with just 39 beautifully designed rooms.
My room was beautifully designed, blending modern touches with Khmer-inspired decor. The artwork on the ceiling was brilliant, and the black and white colour scheme created a calm, stylish feel throughout. Bensley leaves no detail untouched or unthought of ensuring everything from the study desk to shower is functional and brilliantly designed.
The views of the gardens and nearby pools were calming, making it a perfect space to recharge.
Wellness 9/10
Wellness is a big part of my travel routine, and the Khmer Tonics Spa at Shinta Mani Angkor was one of the most rejuvenating experiences I’ve had.
The spa menu features treatments inspired by traditional Khmer healing techniques, and I opted for the Shinta Mani Signature massage. Treatments are rooted in traditional Khmer healing practices that use 100% natural, locally sourced ingredients.
After a couple of long days exploring the temples of Angkor Wat on foot and by bike the massage worked wonders on my tired muscles. The option to have a massage in my villa was tempting, but the serene atmosphere of the spa made the visit worthwhile.
Sustainability 9/10
What really struck me about both properties was their commitment to sustainability and giving back to the local community.
Through the Shinta Mani Foundation, they support education and vocational training for underprivileged Cambodians.
Knowing that a portion of my stay contributed to these initiatives added a deeper level of satisfaction to the luxurious experience.
I went on a tour to meet members of the community who benefit from this foundation and that was truly one of the greatest experiences I have had.
Rather than simple donating money to poor communities and families, the foundation teaches them entrepreneurship – how to invest money they borrow from the foundation to then grow their own businesses such as growing vegetables or breeding pigs then selling to the local community.
In addition this unique and through through foundation also helps train locals for employment in the hospitality industry by ensuring they can speak English and by having classrooms and classes to train them It’s a beautiful way for the hotel to make a meaningful impact.
Food & Beverage 10/10
Local Cambodian every day food is a delight, as it is fresh, flavoursome and very low in carbohydrates.From salads to soups, I couldn’t get enough.
When I wanted something more casual, Baitong Restaurant was a great choice, offering a mix of international and Khmer street food and some of the best food in the whole area.
I had a cooking lesson which was brilliant, learning the basics and complexities of this Asian cuisine which is fairly easy to create.
Dining at Shinta Mani Angkor was nothing short of sensational. Kroya, the fine dining restaurant, served up an incredible seven-course Khmer degustation menu. The Tonlé Sap Lake butter-catfish soup and the perfectly sautéed Koh Kong scallops with minced pork. The attention to local flavors, combined with Chef Chanrith’s modern twist, made for an unforgettable dining experience.
For sunset drinks, Bensley’s Bar was the perfect spot to unwind with their selection of over 30 gins.
A Stay to Remember
Reflecting on my time at the Bensley Collection Pool Villas, it was one of the greatest South East Asian stays I’ve had in years.
From the jaw-dropping Bensley design to the impeccable service and focus on sustainability, every aspect of my stay exceeded expectations.
Whether relaxing by my private pool or enjoying a Khmer massage, or taking a stroll nearby, I found that the blend of luxury and responsibility created an experience I want to return for.
In Siem Reap, the Bensley Collection Pool Villas and Shinta Mani Angkor offer the perfect combination of elegance, comfort, relaxation and cultural immersion. I truly didn’t want to leave
Experience ultimate luxury at the Bensley Collection Pool Villas and Shinta Mani Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia. These stunning retreats, designed by the renowned Bill Bensley, offer an unparalleled blend of contemporary elegance, local heritage, and exceptional service. Here’s why this unique “hotel within a hotel” has captured the hearts of traveler
