Glamping It Up!
Travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer…and younger. This is an adage I live by, that is why I make it a point to take off every few months to refresh my spirit and nourish my soul.
Camping has always been one of the to-do things on my bucket list. I find being in nature very therapeutic and often take my dog for a walk up the hill near my home, whenever I get writer’s block. Unfortunately, I am also a cleanliness freak (I can’t even use public restrooms without being squeamish), so roughing it out and making my business in the wilderness, as romantic as it sounds, will probably make me miserable.
Expansive & luxe room at 4Rivers Floating Lodge
Then, I came across 4Rivers Floating Lodge and all my prayers were answered. You get a luxurious tented villa which is a generous 45 sq m, filled with comfortable furnishings and a generously equipped bathroom! On top of these creature comforts, you also get a flatscreen TV, free wi-fi and a restaurant – all floating on a river! With only 12 exclusive villas situated at a secluded area, far away from civilisation, this sure sounds like a haven for city dwellers like me.
Bird’s eye view of the 12 exclusive tents
4Rivers prides itself on its personalised service and I received a short questionnaire asking if I was celebrating any special occasion as well as my dietary preference after my booking. The pick-up at the airport was also on time and the four hour drive to Tatai from Phnom Penh airport allowed me to soak in Cambodia’s culture and natural beauty. Before long, we arrived at the reception of 4Rivers, where we were greeted warmly by our names as we awaited our boat to take us to our floating paradise.
P.E.A.C.E at 4Rivers Floating Lodge
I felt all my stress melt away as I lay on the deck chair outside my tent with a glass of wine in hand, admiring the blanket of stars above me, and being lulled to sleep on a floating tent with the lullaby of nature outside is something I can definitely get used to! If you need to work away the calories from the delicious Khmer and Western cuisine served at the restaurant, you can always book an excursion out to hunt for waterfalls, kayak as well as visit a neighbouring fishing village. During dry season, a jungle trek to see rare wild animals like gibbons, leopards and sun bears is the preferred sport. Or you can be just a sloth like me and order a room service massage after lunch!
Restaurant at 4Rivers serving delicious Khmer and Western cuisine
My partner & I with owner of 4Rivers, Anna Pawlik
Owner, Anna Pawlik, works with local partners to ensure that Tatai’s beautiful environment is preserved, using solar energy and gas for power and making sure that all waste is processed in a safe and natural way. She is warm and hospitable, and will regale you with exciting tales of how she started 4Rivers three years ago with her Romanian husband, as well as the many interesting guests she has met during her tenure here.
Gorgeous sunset
It is no wonder that my partner and I were reluctant to leave after three days. The peace of being on a secluded resort with only a frog and fireflies for company, combined with and friendly staff and beautiful, unspoilt surroundings, makes 4Rivers an unbeatable getaway for city folks and honeymooners.
Room rates start from SGD 215++ (approximately USD 179++) per night.
4Rivers Floating Lodge
Tatai River, Koh Andet Village, Tatai Commune, Kohkong Province.
For more information, check out their website: http://www.ecolodges.asia
