What makes Canvas & Orchids Retreat, Cambodia different from other hotels?

Canvas & Orchids Retreat offers floating and on-land tented villas in Cambodia's Cardamom Rainforest. Sustainability and community engagement create unforgettable adventures, from river sounds to rainforest symphony, while supporting the Koh Kong region.

Cambodia, Asia

Canvas & Orchids Retreat

Drift to sleep in a luxurious Cambodian eco-tent, lulled by the rainforest symphony and wake up to breathtaking nature at Canvas & Orchids Retreat

At Canvas & Orchids Retreat, we invite you to indulge in the ultimate Cambodian eco-lodge experience. Our floating and on-land tented villas offer unparalleled luxury in the stunning Cardamom Rainforest. Focused on your comfort and relaxation, our dedicated team ensures every moment is filled with wonder and care. Immerse yourself in nature, from the gentle river sounds to the symphony of wildlife. Explore the rainforest, savour both local and Western cuisine, and discover the rich culture of the Koh Kong region. We are committed to sustainability and community engagement, creating a unique and unforgettable adventure for you.

As you set foot in Tatai Village, you’ll be greeted by a serene ambience that seems untouched by time. The village rests along the picturesque Tatai River, offering you breathtaking views and a sense of tranquillity that can only be found in nature’s embrace. The Cardamom Mountains stand tall in the distance, their lush green peaks reaching for the sky. These mountains, a haven of biodiversity, will leave you in awe as you explore their pristine trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and encounter rare plant and animal species.

While nature takes centre stage, Tatai Village itself offers a glimpse into the simplicity and warmth of traditional Cambodian life. The local community, predominantly Khmer villagers, welcomes you with open arms, eager to share their customs and ways of life. Witness their daily activities, from fishing on the river to tending their bountiful crops. You’ll find solace in the gentle rhythm of village life, far from the stresses of the modern world.

But the wonders of Tatai Village do not end with the mountains. Just a stone’s throw away lies the mesmerising mangrove forest, where the Tatai River meets the Gulf of Thailand. Here, you can immerse yourself in a labyrinth of winding waterways, surrounded by a symphony of vibrant flora and fauna. Glide through the mangroves on a boat and let the sunlight filter through the dense canopies, casting an ethereal glow on the emerald waters. The mangroves teem with life, offering you a glimpse of exotic bird species and an abundance of marine creatures.

To complete your extraordinary journey, you can rest, rejuvenate and reflect on the beauty that surrounds you at Canvas & Orchids Retreat. With 8 floating and 5 in-land luxury safari tents, we promise you and your family and friends an unforgettable glamping experience amidst the lush greenery of the rainforest and the tranquil Tatai River.

ECO-LUXURY
AT ITS FINEST

Discover our peaceful retreat in an overwater or inland tented villa, enjoy stunning views and local dishes in the restaurant

FRESH, ORGANIC
& LOCALLY SOURCED

Indulge in our delicious and healthy dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients that capture the authentic flavours of Cambodia

RELAX & RECHARGE IN OUR TROPICAL PARADISE

Enjoy kayaking, indulge in a rejuvenating massage, explore Tatai Waterfalls or visit the coastal mangrove for an unforgettable day trip

WALK INTO THE LIFE OF THE KHMER PEOPLE ON KOH ANDET ISLAND

Meet locals, view traditional Cambodian architecture, and see what it’s like to live a life on the river and in the jungle

Your Hosts - Ravy and the Team at Canvas & Orchids Retreat

At Canvas & Orchids Retreat, we consider our crew as family. Our family staff team consists of local Cambodians who are fully responsible for the operations of the lodge and restaurant. All our team members are passionate about nature, wildlife and providing you the best service possible.

As soon as you step off the boat our welcoming staff will greet you, headed by resort manager Ravy. Every member of our highly trained staff team shares our commitment to hospitality. They are our most precious asset and each one wants to make sure you have a comfortable and memorable experience. They are the ones who will share and brighten up your day.

The majority of the crew working at the resort originates from nearby villages or from the island itself. Before becoming employed at Canvas & Orchids Retreat, some of them practiced illegal logging and poaching for a living. This means they know a lot about the forest, the river, the flora and fauna and they are keen to share this in-depth knowledge with you every day.

The resort also employs graduates from Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE) school in Phnom Penh, helping disadvantaged children gain skills and experience in gainful employment.

Our insights..

Transparency is essential if we are all going to grow and improve together and this is why we have dedicated this section to sharing what we love about each place and its hosts. We work with each of our hosts to improve their guest experiences, sustainability practices and local impact, this is where you can learn more about that along with what still needs to be improved, the measures being taken to ensure our hosts continue to move forward and every now and then we’ll come back to update you on their progress.

Lars von der Wettern

Visited the property in November 2023

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ECO-LUXURY AT ITS FINEST

Discover our peaceful retreat in an overwater or inland tented villa, enjoy stunning views and local dishes in the restaurant

RELAX & RECHARGE IN OUR TROPICAL PARADISE

Enjoy kayaking, indulge in a rejuvenating massage, explore Tatai Waterfalls or visit the coastal mangrove for an unforgettable day trip

FRESH, ORGANIC & LOCALLY SOURCED

Indulge in our delicious and healthy dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients that capture the authentic flavours of Cambodia

WALK INTO THE LIFE OF THE KHMER PEOPLE ON KOH ANDET ISLAND

Meet locals, view traditional Cambodian architecture, and see what it’s like to live a life on the river and in the jungle

Your Hosts - Ravy and the Team at Canvas & Orchids Retreat

The resort also employs graduates from Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE) school in Phnom Penh, helping disadvantaged children gain skills and experience in gainful employment.

Our insights..

–

Lars von der Wettern

Visited the property in November 2023

Community & Sustainability Commitment

Here are some key sustainability & community practices that these hosts are committed to. Please use the key below the icons for reference. You might see that some measurements are not currently in place and that’s okay, we choose to support our hosts on their imperfect road towards a better world and we understand that that takes time.

Sustainability Practices

Community Commitments

Not in Place

Eco Certifications & Efforts

Just as we admire each of our hosts for their singularity, we appreciate that their sustainability journeys are also unique. Because of this, we do not require our hosts to have an eco certification or two under their belt, we simply guide them on improving their sustainable business practices one imperfect – but positive – step at a time. If a host has eco certifications they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.

Our Efforts

Water is the lifeblood of our ecosystem, and the Tatai River holds immense significance in the region. To protect its pristine beauty and ensure its long-term health, we have initiated awareness campaigns among local communities about the importance of responsible water usage and waste management. By spreading this information, we aim to instil a mindset in future generations that will help keep the river flowing freely.
Water management is crucial to our sustainability efforts. We have developed a water pumping and treatment system unique to our retreat, ensuring safe and clean water for showers, taps, and toilets. Rainwater catchment systems and specially designed septic tanks contribute to the responsible use and treatment of water, respecting the fragile ecosystem of the Tatai River.

Our Efforts

The clean-up efforts around the Tatai Waterfall are a daily task due to the significant volume of waste that accumulates within a few hours. With the support of the Tatai Tourism Community, we work diligently to maintain the cleanliness of this area. These ongoing clean-up projects benefit both the people and the land, ensuring a cleaner environment for years to come. By sharing information and educational tools, we foster hope for a brighter, more sustainable future.
At Canvas & Orchids Retreat, we are committed to minimizing waste generation and working closely with local businesses and communities to reduce our environmental impact. We provide food waste to local farmers as animal feed, recycle and repurpose plastic waste, and utilize eco-friendly items provided by local companies. By partnering with innovative and sustainable businesses, we prioritize the protection of our environment while delivering the highest quality of service and care.

Our Efforts

At Canvas & Orchids Retreat, we are dedicated to promoting sustainability, community engagement, and biodiversity conservation in the Koh Kong Region. With a commitment to minimizing our environmental impact and empowering local communities, we have implemented various initiatives and projects to create a positive and lasting change.
To minimize our negative impact on the environment, we constructed Canvas & Orchids Retreat using sustainable materials and locally sourced items. Solar panels provide electricity, reducing our reliance on conventional power sources, and we utilize water hyacinth plants to create furniture. We learn extensively from our local team and neighbouring villages about the use of renewable materials, striving to live in harmony with nature.

In conclusion, at Canvas & Orchids Retreat, we are dedicated to giving back to nature and the local community. Through our sustainable practices, community engagement, and conservation efforts, we strive to create a positive impact on the environment and inspire change. We invite you to join us in experiencing the wonders of the Cardamoms Rainforest, contributing to the preservation of the ecosystem, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. construction techniques used for hundreds of years. We use natural organic paint. The house makes the most out of daylight in many of its social areas by keeping the warmth in despite the cold surroundings.

NGOs & Local Impact Projects Supported

Each of our hosts strive to have a positive impact on their local communities. Some of our hosts already have established connections with local partners to enrich the lives and wellbeing of their communities, others are in the process of creating these long term relationships. If a host has local NGO connections they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.

Wildlife Alliance

We partner with Wildlife Alliance – a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and natural resources in Cambodia. They rescue and rehabilitate animals, combat illegal wildlife trade and deforestation, and work with local communities and the government to promote sustainable development and environmental education. Their efforts aim to safeguard Cambodia’s biodiversity and raise awareness about the importance of conservation.

Wildlife Alliance

Water for Schools

Children are the custodians of our future, and it is our duty to equip them with the knowledge and tools to protect the environment. We have collaborated with several local business owners to construct a water catchment system that provides clean drinking water to schoolchildren in the Tatai area. Additionally, we have established a school library, supplied educational resources, and facilitated the installation of electricity in nearby schools.

Our Efforts

Our most recent project involves the complete renovation of the Koh Kong Khnong School, located two hours downstream. This school receives minimal financial assistance from NGOs and charities, and its severely damaged classrooms have been affected by moisture and adverse weather conditions. We are dedicated to raising funds for repairing the school, providing the students with a dry, comfortable learning environment.

The Koh Kong Region is home to a magnificent and delicate biodiversity that demands protection and nurturing. We collaborate closely with Wildlife Alliance, an NGO dedicated to wildlife and forest conservation, to gain valuable insights that we share with local children and villagers. Together, we aim to restore animal populations to sustainable levels. Our nature tours are designed to showcase the region’s diverse fauna and flora, offering guests an opportunity to learn about the marvelous nature surrounding them while gaining insights into local culture and traditions.

The Four Cs

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Conservation

72%

Highlights:

Community

43%