PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Hanchey Eco Retreat Center (HERC) provides a unique opportunity to experience world class retreat facilities infused with Buddhist principles whilst creating social impact through the training and development of youth in Kampong Cham.

As a new social enterprise and hospitality training school, HERC enters a growing global market of wellness travellers and tourists, and immediately stands apart from its South East Asian competitors due to its unique offer to the spiritual and cultural traveller – an immersive Buddhist experience infused in to the very being of the property.

Built on a beautiful parcel of land overlooking the Mekong River, and only 20 minutes from nearby Kampong Cham city, the retreat has been designed with social and environmental impact in mind. HERC is purpose built to include a number of sustainability features to minimise impact including natural filtration pools, recycled grey and black water systems to water the local organic farm, and solar panels supplying electricity and hot water. Underpinning this is HERC’s commitment to training disadvantaged youth, building their capacity as they learn skills and undertake employment in supporting roles at the center. The center will be constructed through two phases – an additional build and opening phase with all of the main buildings completed and the majority of the accommodation, with an expansion option available to increase the accommodation levels by the start of the third year of operation.

HERC offers a full range of packages delivered by experts that can be tailored to suit the individual guests’ needs. Packages include a range of opportunities from single session yoga, counselling with active Buddhist monks, pampering in the in-house spa and group meditation overlooking the Mekong. Options also include cooking classes and local tours.

The retreat aims to generate sales through local expatriate and international wellness travellers, with potential for day visits from the growing Cambodian tourism markets,. With over 5 million visitors to the Kingdom of Cambodia in 2015, the retreat is neatly situated between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and will be easily added to tour itineraries. Hanchey is only 2.5 hours’ drive from Phnom Penh, the main tourism hub in Cambodia with its main competitors based in Sihanoukville (5 hours) and Siem Reap (7-8 hours). Whilst Siem Reap draws direct tourists via its international airport, Hanchey is also uniquely positioned to tap into the southern Cambodia tourist market and the expatriates that live in Phnom Penh.

Initial funding and investments are in the form of a generous donation by EcoSolidar to Buddhist Social Development and Action (BSDA), with an aim to generate positive returns after the first year, with ongoing dividends being used to fund BSDA’s development programs.

Hanchey Eco Retreat Center is aiming for full financial sustainability after its first two years operations and a return the initial investment amount after 5 years. Ongoing annual return on investment is projected at 20%.