Luxury #Cambodia getaways win worldwide deluxe resort awards

Cambodia used to have the unwanted reputation of a “land of conflict and sorrow”. But that has dramatically changed in recent years. The Kingdom is now known as the place where you can find dome of the best and most alluring luxury destinations in the world.

Last week, that new reputation was strengthened with reports that Shinta Mani Wild and Song Saa Private Island bagged more than a few recognitions in the Destination Deluxe Awards 2019.

The Destination Luxury Awards are the brainchild of Destination Deluxe, a travel and wellness publication that picks and recognizes the top hotels, spas, treatment, skincare and wellness brands in the world. This is the inaugural edition for the awards.

There are 28 categories for the awards. The winners are chosen by a group of distinguished industry experts based on quality, transparency and originality. There are three ranked winners for each category.

Song Saa Private Island is the top awardee in the Eco-Hotel of the Year category. Soneva Fushi in Maldives and Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge in Nicaragua are also on the list.

The Khmer Tonic Spa in Shinta Mani Wild is number one in the Eco-Spa of the Year category. The others in the list are Fivelements Retreat Bali in Indonesia and FieldSpa GoldenEye in Jamaica.
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Shinta Mani Wild itself is the runner-up in the New Hotel of the Year and Hotel Design of the Year awards.

The other winners in the New Hotel of the Year category are Rosewood Hong Kong in Hong Kong and Amarla Boutique Hotel in Colombia.

For the Hotel Design of the Year, the others on the list are Datai Langkawi in Malaysia and Joe Lalli Resort Hotel in China.

“It is both an honour and very humbling that Bensley Collection-Shinta Mani Wild has been the recipient of ten awards in its first year of operation and a tribute to the GM and his team for their dedication, commitment and hard work on a daily basis,” Bill Bensley, the world-renowned designer behind Shinta Mani Wild, said.

“Shinta Mani Wild has an important eco and sustainability message, especially with our Wildlife Alliance partnership and their daily patrols to protect the forest and its inhabitants. These awards also bring much-needed awareness to the work we do in this regard,” he added.

The two Cambodian luxury destinations have reaped numerous international awards between them in recent years.

Shinta Mani Wild, which sits on 160 hectares of land between the Cardamon, Bokor and Kirirom national parks, said that it “provides the highest level of luxury while also working to protect the environment around it”. It opened two years ago.

Last year, it was included in the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Big Sleep Awards 2019, Time magazine’s “100 Greatest Destinations on Earth”, Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Hot List 2019, Harper’s Bazaar Ultimate Travel Guide 2019 (UK) : 100 Greatest Experiences in The World, among other recognitions. Located in Preah Sihanouk province, Song Saa Private Island is an ultra-exclusive and luxury getaway said to be frequented by some of the richest and most famous people in the world.

Last month, Luxury Travel Intelligence named it as among the “top 10 best luxury hotels built this decade”.

Source - Khmer Times

Just the ticket for girl time

Travel website Booking.com has been busy finding out what types of trips ladies between the ages of 18 and 34 favour right now and unsurprisingly the results are almost equally divided between beach vacations (54 per cent) and city breaks (53 per cent).

The respondents indicated that most important factors were travelling to somewhere new, a relaxing getaway and great value for money.

The data was collected by Booking.com from 12,781 respondents across 13 markets in September 2016. Respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2016 and had to be planning at least one trip for 2017. 

Interestingly, 65 per cent of Thais said that they took a beach vacation in 2016 with 51 per cent opting for a city break. 

 FOR THE BEST GLOBAL HOTEL & FLIGHT BOOKINGS

 So whether you’re planning ladies nights or some quality mother-daughter time for 2017, one of the destinations below could well be what you’re after. 

For the Beach Lovers: Sydney, Australia 

A getaway to the sun-drenched capital, Sydney is a must on the wish list. Check out the most photographed ocean pool in Australia, Bondi Icebergs, have a picnic in the Botanic Gardens, take a hike through the Royal National Park, stroll from Bondi to Coogee or savour a cocktail or two with a view at the impressive Hacienda Bar. 

 Where to stay: Bounce Sydney is the perfect scene for travellers on a budget but who do not want to compromise on style. Bounce Sydney boasts an onsite restaurant, bar, BBQ facilities and a rooftop terrace offering views of Sydney. You and your girl squad can choose from shared dormitories to private rooms and can meet fellow travellers in the three communal lounges and the fully equipped kitchen.

For the City Girls: New York City, US

The Big Apple is the perfect fun-fuelled getaway for you and your friends, from the neon lights of buzzing Times Square, the famed Broadway theatres to the sprawling beauty of Central Park.

Where to stay: Located on Manhattan’s Lower East Side is Sanctuary NYC Retreats. Offering retreat-style accommodation complete with an onsite yoga studio, Stanton Street Yoga and free unlimited classes for guests, this is the perfect scene to recharge your batteries after hitting the town.

For the Zen Seekers: Ubud, Bali

Bali is the perfect beach getaway. Discover tropical rainforests, terraced rice paddies, Hindu temples and shrines, ancient holy sites and breathtaking coastlines fringed by swaying palm trees. Be sure to check out the Goa Gajah Elephant Cave and the Ubud Monkey Forest!

Where to stay: Alam Ubud Culture Villa and Residence boasts two spring-water swimming pools and stunning views of the river valley and forest. The spacious villas are set on the hillside and come with modern Balinese decor.

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