Shinta Mani

Shinta Mani Staff

Part of the experience of staying at Shinta Mani is the interaction with the trainees, encouraging and supporting them during their training.

Shinta Mani, which is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "The gem that provides everything one desires" is an 18-room hotel and institute of hospitality in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The training institute provides non-fee paying hotel education to young, underprivileged Cambodian people "at risk", and is funded by profits from this 18-room boutique hotel.

During their 9 month training the students are suplemented with a wage, a uniform and food. Their families are also provided for with 4 kilos of rice every month. Guests are invited to join the students when they go out to the Siem Reap countryside and deliver the rice to the families. (A small contribution is required to cover transportaion and donation costs).

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:
Community development and education.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:
As part of our ongoing commitment to the community and environment, and through joint sponsor efforts, Hotel de la Paix and Sanctuary Resorts have initiated Shinta Mani, a non-fee paying vocational hotel and institute of hospitality in Siem Reap for less fortunate and "at risk" young people. The training institute is funded by an 18-room boutique hotel, spa and restaurant/bar. In addition, Shinta Mani works with a local NGO, Tabitha Cambodia, to help raise support for the local community by asking if guests would like to contribute to special purchases. Visits can then be arranged via the hotel to meet the families impacted.

The school's first intake was in July 2004, and in April 2005 they had their first graduation of students with 18 of the 20 graduating successfully. All students who graduated were placed in jobs in the local industry. One student at the graduation explained how his family of 9 had lived on just US$22 per month prior to him getting a job at one of the large hotel chains after graduation. Now he earns $72 per month, which is more than three times what his entire family lived on previously.