By Kate Springer
Walk on the Wild Side
A new project from respected resort designer Bill Bensley, the Shinta Mani Foundation, and Cambodia’s Wildlife Alliance, Shinta Mani Wild promises to take adventurous travelers on a safari escape. Set to open by mid-2018, the eco-focused tented camp project is located southwest of Siem Reap in a private nature sanctuary that borders Kirirom, Bokor, and Cardamom National Parks. Perched on the side of a rushing river, the Khmer-inspired accommodations provide easy access to treks, rafting, and guided safaris – where there’s a great chance of spotting fauna such as wild elephants, tigers and bears. Can’t wait until 2018? The Shinta Mani Group is also launching 10
Bill Bensley-designed “Angkor” villas in Siem Reap this November, should a trip to Cambodia be in your near future.
Shintamani.com.
Feel-good adventures
Every month seems to bring a new “workation” retreat – programs that enable digital nomads to travel from country to country without the logistical headaches. But one in particular caught my eye: Venture with Impact is not just about working and traveling – this social enterprise emphasizes skill-based volunteer projects so you can travel, work, and give back to the community. Co-founded by Ann Davis – who traveled to more than 40 countries after after surviving brain cancer – the various programmes provide accommodation, a workspace and a personalized volunteer program to suit your professional skills. The only catch? You’ll need to be able to travel for a minimum of one month at a time. If you’re not quite a digital nomad yet, not to worry: the group’s first Asia program (in Chiang Mai, Thailand) launches in April 2018, so there’s plenty of time to go wireless.
One-month programmes from $1,250, including accommodation, Wi-Fi, volunteer placement, activities, and 24-7 staff support.
www.venturewithimpact.org
Coming up Roses
Phuket isn’t exactly off the beaten track, but there’s still plenty happening on this island. The Rosewood Phuket is joining the action, opening its very first Southeast Asia resort this month. Located along Emerald Bay, west of Patong, the hotel will feature 71 pavilions – all with private infinity pools and Andaman Sea views. The location will be a luxurious home base for adventurous excursions, such as island hopping or jungle trekking. Rosewood Phuket is opening with a “Charms of the Andaman” wellness experience. The deal includes a two-hour wellness consultation, a spa treatment, private herbal oil-making workshop, daily breakfast, a dinner at Ta Khai restaurant, airport transfers and more.
Available from Nov 2, 2017. Starts from HK$41,781 per night for a minimum 4 nights’ stay. 88/28 Muen-Ngern Road Patong Kathu Chang Wat Phuket, 83150, Thailand, +66 76 356 888, www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/phuket.
