NEW STREET FAIR KICKS OFF

Shinta Mani hotel general manager Christian De Boer’s “dream”  – the new Well Made In Cambodia monthly market and street fair – kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, from 3-9pm.  Just look for the giant bee puppet and you’ll know you’re there. The press release says the market, “Will bring together the most exciting examples of craftsmanship in Cambodia today. Internationally recognised artisans and designers participating include Eric Raisina Haute Texture, Theam’s House, Saarti Candles, Eric Stocker Laque & Textures, Saomao, Grace Gecko Creations and more. “Those who attend Well Made In Cambodia will have the opportunity to purchase fine quality artisanal products and luxury goods that redefine what it means to be made in Cambodia today. Each item for sale has been produced by a new generation of talented Cambodians. The greatest benefit of Well Made In Cambodia will be to these Cambodians, including many in need, through both direct income and skills development. Live entertainment, artist workshops and wholesome food will round out the market’s festive and diverse offerings.”

Also on sale will be another of Christian De Boer’s creations – the reusable bamboo drinking straw. Make sure you don’t miss it.

GROW WITH STARWOOD

Le Meridien Angkor, a Starwood hotel, is holding a special careers day, Grow with Starwood, on Wednesday March 6 at the Tara Ballroom from 10am-3pm. The hotel is inviting students from Sala Bai and Paul Dubrule hospitality schools, plus friends or relatives of its employees, to spend a day at the luxury resort.

Dennis Kam, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, says the objectives of the special day include giving the hotel’s  future employees knowledge about Starwood as a company.

Each department head will spend some time explaining the workings of his or her respective department, and successful employees who have developed their careers with the company will talk about their rise in the ranks. For example, the front office manager will explain how his career at the hotel began as a bar tender. A site tour will be arranged for the students to observe the hotel’s daily operation, and at the end of the day, students will be encouraged to sign up for future casual jobs so that they have an understanding on how the hotel operates, as well as being able to earn some money.

A special feature of the day will be an introduction to the hotel’s new general manager, Masahiro Taguchi, who was officially promoted to the post on January 1.

SHINTA MANI RENAMES AND EXPANDS

HMD Asia, the owning and management company of Shinta Mani Siem Reap, will take over the management of the Royal Bay Inn Angkor Resort on April 20. The Royal Bay, conveniently located over the road from the Shinta Mani Hotel, will then shut down for a complete refurbishment, and magically re-open in all its new glory on August 1, when it will then be known as the Shinta Mani Resort. The resort will feature 24 poolside rooms, 38 standard rooms  and two family suites, and will be designed by Bill Bensley’s  Bensley Design Studios. Bill’s designs are of course somewhat iconic in Siem Reap. The resort will be positioned as a 4 star property. The press release claims it will be, “Ideally suited to holiday makers and families, meetings and small group tours.

It will boast a resort style setting including all day dining café/restaurant, conference and meeting facilities. Complimentary wifi will be available throughout.”

The Shinta Mani Resort will also incorporate the Shinta Mani Foundation and guests will be able to visit the Development Center and participate in the community projects run by the foundation.

But that’s not all folks. To coincide with the opening of the Shinta Mani Resort, the present Shinta Mani Hotel will be renamed the Shinta Mani Club, and according to the press release, will be “offering guests even higher levels of service and amenities in an upscale boutique setting.”