David Steyn has been appointed General Manager of the award-winning all-inclusive Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia’s South Cardamom National Park.
South African-born Steyn has 13 years’ hospitality and management experience at high-end safari and beach lodges in South Africa, East Africa and Bhutan under his belt, including 3 assignments at the prestigious Singita, Sabi Sands. This impressive background makes him the perfect candidate to take the helm of this incredible property which is a living case study of sustainability, conservation and wildlife protection, offering a luxurious wilderness and educational adventure and experience for its guests.
David is a trained field guide with extensive wilderness experience, leading guest experiences in South Africa and Tanzania and is also a trained sommelier. He is a passionate traveller with a love of nature, a keen interest in exploring new places and cultures and with a desire to create authentic and meaningful experiences for both guests and staff.
Prior to taking up his new position at Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild, David was the Lodge Manager at Aman Resorts’ Amankora Punakha Bhutan, followed by a short term assignment as Rooms Division Manager at One & Only Nyungwe House, Rwawnda.
“I’m absolutely delighted for the opportunity to move to Cambodia and join the team at this unique world-class property. It has all the touch points that I am passionate about as an integrator, environmentalist and humanitarian who looks to build community in the teams and communities I work in,” said David.
Given his past experience and love of all things wild, his arrival by zipline over 400m of the forest canopy, river and waterfalls should be a breeze, where he will be met by his band of Bensley Butlers for a warm Wild welcome.
Jason Friedman, Director of Development at HMD Asia who manage Shinta Mani Hotels added “Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild requires a very special type of General Manager to operate it and David is that General Manager. With his passion for conservation, together with his African and Bhutan lodge experience, we know that he brings the right personality and skills to manage and share this unique resort and its environment with our guests.”
