The YDFA training program includes 8 months of hands-on instruction and then a four-month placement in a five star hotel in Siem Reap. As such it prepares students for meaningful employment on completion of the program. The Secret Garden Hotel and Restaurant has been established to provide them with a real-world training environment and thus enhance their hospitality skills.

A student / staff canteen and kitchen has also been established on site so that students can cook themselves a meal each day, fill their bottles with filtered water, and have somewhere to relax away from work.

A second major ambition of Patrick and Rhonda is to generate a sustainable source of income for local NGOs doing important work in Siem Reap and surrounds. Once set up costs have been recouped it is their intention that any future surplus generated by the hotel will be given to NGOs they work with or who have proactively promoted staying at The Secret Garden to their voluntary workforce. Youth’s Dream Fulfilment Association will obviously be one of the recipients of income once a surplus is generated. Patrick is involved in Global Vision International (GVI) and they currently work with The Wat Damnak Learning Centre, Life and Hope Association, Banteay Srei Women’s Empowerment, and The Spitler Schools Foundation. Volunteers working with these organisations will be residents at The Hotel. Patrick is looking forward to partnering with other NGOs who attract volunteers to become an accommodation partner and thus generate funding for their programs.

Finally Patrick and Rhonda are looking to ensure that The Secret Garden Hotel and Restaurant is as environmentally friendly as possible. They have placed a filtered water refill station in the hotel where guests can refill their water bottles throughout their stay. They will use environmentally friendly resources wherever possible and aim to educate guests, employees, and YDFA students on how to be as friendly as possible to the environment.

Patrick is open to having discussions with any individual or third party on how they can collaborate to continue making a difference to the people and communities of Siem Reap. This may involve hosting functions, providing space for away days or training events, and any other activity that would appropriately engage with the setting.

The location and setting for the Hotel and Restaurant were carefully chosen so that it is a place of calm in the middle of a busy, bustling city. A place where weary tourists or those giving their time in the city to others can return and relax in peace.

“We believe we have chosen well and hope you agree.”

Thank you for taking the time to read about The Secret Garden Hotel. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to approach any of the staff or Patrick and Rhonda – they can be contacted through the Hotel communication channels.