Featured photo courtesy of GreenTree Hospitality — Marc LeBlanc and Laura Robinson, welcoming you to one truly amazing journey. Today, they’re enjoying an abundant life in some of the world’s most spectacular locations like the Maldives, Bali, and the Cayman Islands. Today, they live at Shinta Mani Wild, a luxury tented resort set deep within the jungles of Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains. Here, they navigate the challenges and rewards of managing a unique resort while embracing the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Daily operations at Shinta Mani Wild are guided by the general manager, Marc LeBlanc, who maintains a close focus on the day-to-day experience of each guest. Laura Robinson, a British marine biologist and former dive instructor, is deeply involved in organizing operations and maintaining the company’s sustainability efforts. United in purpose, they have now developed a soulful, art-filled oasis that showcases their vision of luxury hospitality blended with nature conservation.
LeBlanc and Robinson first crossed paths while working rideshare in the Cayman Islands. It’s there they realized their love for creating amazing memories for guests. So have their colleagues, who are used to working on small islands throughout Asia. As hoteliers, their backgrounds on the westernmost of the Nusa Tenggara islands have given them insights into running island resorts in equatorial landscapes.
With just 15 guest tents, Shinta Mani Wild offers the most exclusive experience imaginable. These tents are now hidden along a vast swath of land the size of Central Park. This family-friendly atmosphere really builds a sense of community among staff and guests alike. Robinson notes, “It becomes a little community of its own,” emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships within the resort.
Managing 100 employees is a whole other animal – with new considerations and a deeper level of complexity. Robinson understands that it’s on her to make sure her crew is happy and engaged. “You’ve got 100 [employees] that you’ve got to make sure are happy,” she explains. LeBlanc echoes this sentiment, stating, “There’s no shortage of places looking for managing couples,” highlighting the unique dynamic they bring to their roles.
Since moving to the Cardamom Mountains, LeBlanc and Robinson have thoroughly immersed themselves in the local culture. They’ve created a beautiful and sustainable home there after saving two dogs from the adjacent forest. This personal investment drops them straight into the thick of their environment and builds a stronger sense of community.
One of the many refreshing aspects of the couple’s approach to leadership is their collaborative spirit. Robinson calls herself an ideas person, idea generator, and executor. LeBlanc is good at rolling out brave new ideas. It’s that joint partnership that enables their ability to marry the creativity with the practicality of a winning combination, which has been key in their roles.
LeBlanc keeps employees on their toes too, busting out his DJ decks for surprise dance sessions. “Marc sometimes gets his decks out and DJs for them, which they adore,” Robinson shares. This friendly but strict attitude helps build rapport between employees and creates a joyful employee culture.
Of course, living and working in these gorgeous places is not without its challenges. LeBlanc recalls the very real apprehension that accompanies moving to a new island. “Initially you don’t know how it’s going to go,” he admits. To get there, the couple has become experts at quickly pivoting to the sometimes strange constraints of the environments they’re working in. “You’re locked on that island, surrounded by water,” he notes, acknowledging the isolation that can come with island life.
Cambodia is a challenge in its own right, especially with its hot, humid climate and dense vegetation. Robinson describes her experience: “Here you’ve got the humidity and the forest trying to reclaim itself.” This simple observation reflects that this couple is deeply committed to sustainability and has a real interest in working with, rather than against, nature.