Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection Pool Villas

Asit Wagle1 year ago

5/5

A private, secluded jungle retreat, luxurious & functional with every attention to detail AND with a personal butler! The property is divided into two parts split by a road. The hotel itself is boutique has its own pool and pool bar, the Bensley Bar, Kroya the speciality Khmer restaurant, Tonic the Spa and the Gym. There's also a restaurant at the Bensley Villas across the road and a larger pool, but more sunny. The Villas are nothing short of spectacular. My personal butler G1 escorted me to the villa and walked me through its key features. To give you a sense of detail, the villas have keys not key cards (bliss), they provide a Bose Soundlink portable speaker and a wifi hotspot you can take out with you so you have connectivity when sightseeing or shopping etc - and for regulars, I of course forgot to carry it with me :-) . Bill Bensley has designed these villas to feel like they are in the midst of the jungle so a strong indoor outdoor feel. The ground floor outer section with the pool has a full wet bar, hot and cold drinks including wine and beer, espresso machine and a SMEG kettle, plus all kinds of snacks and treats. A staircase leads to the upper terrace overlooking the back garden with a raised dining bar and an amazing day bed - sadly I did not have time to enjoy this space very much. The villa itself has a giant bed on a wooden frame, be warned it is a tad high, but OMG so comfortable, getting up to do a 0445hrs sunrise jaunt to Angkor Wat was not the easiest. You have the pool in front and the tropical jungle behind - truly idyllic. The toilet is just off the entrance corridor, but the bathroom is along a short semi open passage twin sinks, walk in wardrobe and changing room, full size shower with both overhead rain shower and a hand shower and of course the soak tub outdoors. The pool bar, main restaurant and Khmer restaurant Kroya are excellent as are the staff; huge regret that I didn't have more time. I would like to especially thank those that went above and beyond - Ewan Taylor, you have an incredible team! Ms Ratanak the level off detail this lady went through with me prior to and during my stay really allowed me to optimise use of time to the max. Mr. Kosal who picked me up at the airport and drove me for my sightseeing. Mr. Veasna and Mr. G1 who handled all my check in and out formalities. Mr. Yaya at Kroya, Ms. Mom at the pool bar I'd also like to thank Mr. Khamrin the guide the hotel arranged, excellent, solicitous and happy to work at my pace.