Cambodia Leadership Review
At the intersection of luxury and social impact lies The Farmhouse Resort & Spa, a hospitality concept unlike any other in Cambodia. Operated under the Smiling Gecko Cambodia (SGC) social enterprise, the resort offers more than just a high-end rural retreat—it’s a purpose-driven model reinvesting its profits into education, vocational training, and community development.
In this interview, General Manager Daniel Ruprecht shares how The Farmhouse blends commercial success with community uplift, offering guests immersive rural experiences while empowering local talent.
From redefining off-the-beaten-path travel to setting new standards in sustainable, experience-led tourism, Daniel explains how leadership in this unique setting means not just working with the community—but being the community.
Purpose-Driven Leadership in a Changing Sector
CLR: The Farmhouse Resort & Spa is a standout example of hospitality with a social mission. As Cambodia’s tourism landscape evolves, how do you lead a luxury property where commercial success must also deliver meaningful community impact?
Leading The Farmhouse Resort & Spa is similar to managing any other resort—but with one key difference: we are part of Smiling Gecko Cambodia, a nonprofit social enterprise.
All our earnings are reinvested into the project to support its sustainability and growth. Achieving full self-sufficiency for SGC is our ultimate goal.
Most of our team members come from the surrounding community, and we provide them with both education and employment. For me, the difference is clear: we don’t just work with the community—we are the community.
Rethinking Rural Travel Experiences
CLR: A major challenge in Cambodian tourism is encouraging travelers to explore beyond Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. What role can destinations like The Farmhouse play in changing travel patterns, and how are you drawing visitors into rural, experience-driven stays?
We offer a visit off the main tourist track.
Our primary market is Europe, and we’ve observed a strong demand for meaningful holidays. Guests want their spending to have a direct, positive impact on the community. We call it “a visit with purpose,” and by staying with us, guests directly support the mission of Smiling Gecko Cambodia.
At the same time, we offer visitors an opportunity to engage more deeply with rural Cambodian life—something they wouldn’t typically encounter. Our resort provides cultural immersion alongside comfort, from stunning natural settings to outstanding meals, including a fine dining restaurant. It’s an experience designed to create lasting memories.
The local market is also very important to us. With everything we offer, it’s the perfect escape from the city. Families enjoy nature and the pool, food lovers explore our farm-to-table and fine dining options, and couples can unwind in the spa—all in a green, welcoming, and warm environment.
Blending Luxury with Local Engagement
CLR: Guests today are seeking more than just comfort—they want connection. How do you deliver high-end service while keeping your guests engaged with the resort’s sustainability efforts, agricultural roots, and the local community?
Every guest is invited to join our Farm Tour, which offers a deeper understanding of the work done by Smiling Gecko Cambodia.
Guests can engage with the local community throughout the resort and on the farm, and we also organize excursions with local families to showcase rural life in Cambodia.
Our guests understand where our team members come from and the purpose behind what we do, which makes the experience even more meaningful. High-level service remains a top priority, and our team is proud to deliver it.
Talent Development with a Mission
CLR: The Farmhouse is closely linked to vocational training and education. How do you turn this social mission into a core part of your talent strategy, and what does leadership look like when your staff includes youth from underserved communities?
You could say we operate as one large educational facility. Most of our team members come from the local area, and it’s inspiring to see how quickly they learn.
Many of them are highly motivated and understand that, with effort and support, they can progress in their careers. We’ve seen many examples of team members who started with little and have worked their way up.
Executive Chef Mariya is one of the best examples of that success. While it may take a bit more time, with the right training, trust, and self-confidence, our team proves that real growth is possible.
Trends in Sustainable Hospitality
CLR: From wellness to ethical sourcing, new trends are reshaping luxury hospitality across Southeast Asia. What emerging expectations are you seeing among travelers, and how is The Farmhouse staying ahead of the curve while staying true to its core values?
Because our concept is quite different from most other resorts, many of the usual trends have less of an impact on us. Our guests are specifically seeking experiences they wouldn’t normally encounter, and we deliver that.
Of course, we monitor industry trends and look for opportunities to enhance our offering. But we always stay true to what we do best—creating meaningful, purpose-driven experiences in a setting that blends comfort, culture, and community impact. CLR
