ALERT! We had to confront a very rich, very old American SEXUAL PREDATOR. He put money into Jasmine Valley Eco-Resort under the guise of wanting to help poor Cambodians, but it turned out he was just doing it to try and manipulate us into turning a blind eye. When we raised the allegations against him he immediately demanded the money back so we offered to sell Jasmine Valley and give him the money, thinking it would be the quickest way to safety. He then took out an injunction with the Kampot court to prevent us from selling and returning the money, and subsequently spent large sums of money bribing corrupt Cambodian court officials - has now successfully taken all we own - that is, he now owns Jasmine Valley Eco-Resort. My wife and I eventually fled the country with our young family when we realised we were in danger. IF YOU WITNESS SEXUAL PREDATORS IN CAMBODIA, BE VERY CAREFUL how you approach the problem, since it can cost you everything you own in countries where the law means very little and the police and courts are corrupt.

The net result of this man's predatory behaviour has also greatly impacted the lives of poor young Khmer people - fifteen good young Cambodians from very poor homes and with very little education have lost their opportunity to pursue a better future. The safe environment we offered them, with the ongoing education, training, and employment has been taken from them by an 89 year old very wealthy American who says he "just wants to help poor Cambodians". You can read more about our saga at www.kepbutterflyfarm.com.

Jasmine and I would like to offer our deepest and sincerest gratitude to the wonderful people who made up the community that shared in the joys of Jasmine Valley Eco-Resort, including the thousands of guests who visited from across the globe, regulars who live in Cambodia and especially our wonderful staff.

Jasmine Valley - Kep, Cambodia Welcome to Jasmine Valley, nestled just below the national park in the beautiful jungle-covered mountains of the seaside Cambodian town of Kep. Jasmine and Owen Beck opened what might best be described as an eco-resort, in December 2009; offering solar powered accommodation, healthy, home-grown foods, the sound of the Cambodian Jungle, magnificent views across islands to Vietnam and the sweet fragrance of Jasmine and jungle blossom.

Six mud-brick and thatch bungalows are currently available, overlooking the rainy-season creek, deep in the valley.

One 'tree-house' was completed late 2009 and the first guest booked for two nights, but stayed for 20. The second 'tree-house' was soon added, with a garden bathrooom downstairs, a big open bedroom and a large, semi-detached terrace.

The 'tree-houses' have wonderful views across the bay to Vietnam as well as a spectacular panorama of the jungle and mountain across the valley.

Two 'Mountain Lodges' were completed by the end of 2010. They're two story, with two huge bedrooms each, both with the best views on the property - right down the valley, across the islands to Vietnam. They have outside garden bathrooms with a regular shower as well as a dipping shower for those who choose to try the authentic Cambodian bathing experience.

The restaurants/bars (complete with upright piano), sit by the stream-fed (during the rainy season) natural swimming pool, where you can swim, or relax as the fish 'massage' you all over! Jasmine Valley also has a 'games room', complete with pool table, table tennis and foosball (table soccer), as well as an amphitheatre for occasional performances and what we're told is the first skateboard bowl in South East Asia.

In Jasmine Valley, you can spot for Monkeys in their natural habitat in amongst the trees on the mountain - you may even be lucky enough to spot a Great Hornbill - right from your own veranda.

Learning Together

Jasmine Valley Eco-Resort had its beginnings early in 2009. Through the initial stages, only hand tools were used, in keeping with the valley's peaceful ambience. Picks and shovels, hammers and chisels were used, even when digging the driveway.

The early part of the construction was very much a learning process, as Owen, a filmmaker from Australia, and the Cambodian builders got to know each other, and how the other worked. By the time the house was built, the Khmer team had built with mud-bricks, constructed a pizza over and created beautiful tile mosaics.

The next phase, was to make lots of mud bricks, organise bamboo and thatch, and begin construction in earnest. It was important to Owen and Jasmine that the buildings were created in response to, and in harmony with, the natural beauty already present. As a filmmaker, it was also important to Owen that creative license was given to those working in each area of construction.

For those interested in the building process, here are some photos available of the very early stages as well as some pics around the valley.

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email info@jasminevalley.com