The Shinta Mani is one of Journeys Within’s favourite properties in Siem Reap (besides our own of course!) Sharing our philosophy that contributing to the local community should be a part of every business model, they ensure that their guests stay is as meaningful as it is comfortable. From offering English classes to all staff — front of house and back — to running their own training foundation, the Shinta Mani is an organization we are proud to support. General manager Christian de Boer, pictured below with his staff, sat down with Journeys Within to talk about what makes the Shinta Mani a property so close to his heart.
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How did the Shinta Mani come to be in Siem Reap?
My owner is from Battambang, he is Khmer. He wants to help his country develop. We have been here ten years – one of the older hotels in town. We started with 18 rooms, then 32 and now up to 102 with the Resort as of September.
What is your vision for the hotel?
I want the hotel to go back to the real meaning of hospitality — to making people fall in love with a place, with Cambodia, with Khmer people long term. With the foundation we can’t be 5 star. The quality of the bedding and materials we use is very much 5 star, but the students are still learning, which means making mistakes. For us it is better to under promise and over deliver. I need to wow my guests to a degree that they go home and rave about us to their friends and family.
You have a history working with designer and architect Bill Bensley. How has this relationship developed?
I think he is in love with us. He’s an amazing gentlemen and an acclaimed designer. Most of his hotels are big projects and award winners and then there is us – the little Shinta Mani. It is very close to his heart. He’s back very often – he celebrated his birthday with us. He just loves Cambodia and the people here.
What are some of the challenges of working in Cambodia?
None. There are a few minor challenges, but they are far outweighed by the positives. They aren’t even worth mentioning.
What are some of the features of the properties?
We have three restaurants including Kroya and Aha – their Khmer tasting menu is enormously popular. There is the foundation and the training facilities. My personal favourite is the English classes that are provided to all the staff.
One of the comments we read most often on our feedback forms is about the attentiveness of your staff. How are you able to maintain the quality of the service you provide?
I actively try and push them forward. Sometime we make mistakes, but the focus is on positive enforcement and positivity. It’s not my hotel, it is our hotel. Our staff really believes it’s their hotel like I believe it is mine. We want to take care of our staff the way we want them to take care of our guests. I like to lead from the middle – push the ones I can forward and help pull those who fall behind.
How long have you been in Siem Reap?
I’ve been here 7 years. I don’t think I can leave.
What are some of you must-visit locations for visitors in town?
Mrs. Wongs — Vintage cocktail bar with some of the best martinis in town.
Phare Circus — Cambodian Circus: Uniquely Cambodian, Daringly Modern. Top of the Siem Reap must do list.
Cuisine Wat Damnak — Fine dining cuisine inspired by local ingredients
Garden of Desire — Handmade jewellery
Eric Raisina — A local fashion designer with a shop at the FCC
Who are Shinta Mani guests?
Our guests are a traveller that wants more fun out of their holiday. A traveller that wants to experience. A traveller that wants to see. A traveller that wants to feel. A traveller that wants to be alive.
We had the great pleasure of staying at the Shinta Mani during a recent Mekong river tour. We booked a couple of extra nights and we are very glad we did. The service was impeccable and the food was amazing, the motel itself (we stayed in the resort) was extremely well presented but what made the stay a stand out for us was the staff. Each and every one of the people involved with this establishment was professional and an absolute pleasure to deal with. Thank you for giving us a holiday to remember.