Hannes Schmid’s journey from a Swiss photographer to a humanitarian is a tale of resilience and compassion. Known for his daring adventures, including surviving a cannibal tribe in Indonesia, Schmid’s life took a significant turn when he encountered the plight of exploited Cambodian children. This led to the creation of Smiling Gecko, an NGO aimed at providing education and sustainable living to impoverished communities.Within this transformative project lies the Farmhouse Resort & Spa, which houses our Restaurant Un. Explore the full story to learn more about Hannes Schmid’s...

Explore the untold story behind Smiling Gecko, Farmhouse Resort & Spa, and Restaurant Un with founder Hannes Schmid, a renowned photographer of rockstars like Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger, as he shares his remarkable transition from capturing iconic images to championing the cause of underprivileged women and children in Cambodia. In a revealing interview on Daily Cuts from CNA938, Hannes shares how a pivotal moment with Bob Geldof inspired his mission with Smiling Gecko, the NGO behind Farmhouse Resort & Spa and Restaurant Un. Join hosts Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin as...

A standout achievement of our project is the inspiring tale of Chef Mariya Un Noun. Chef Mariya Un Noun’s rise from Phnom Penh’s slums to executive chef at Smiling Gecko embodies the essence of inspiration. With minimal formal education, her extraordinary talent and perseverance took her to Switzerland, transforming Cambodian cuisine with a European twist. Championed by culinary luminary Andreas Caminada, Mariya’s journey is a shining example of culinary arts as a vehicle for change. Read Full Article

Enfold the transformative journey of Smiling Gecko, where a small hotel project blossomed into a thriving farmhouse serving over 100 guests daily. Witness the inspiring tale of Mariya Un Noun, a culinary talent supported by Michelin-starred chef Andreas Caminada. Experience the power of transformation and trust where future of hundreds children in Kampong District are transformed Read Full Article

Chef Mariya Un Noun’s culinary art at Farmhouse Smiling Gecko radiates passion and innovation. Elevating Cambodia’s food scene since 2015, her expertise fuses local and European tastes, crafting a unique dining experience. Mariya’s intuitive cooking not only enriches Cambodian cuisine but also highlights her remarkable path to gastronomic excellence. Read Full Article

From the depths of poverty to culinary mastery, Mariya Un Noun’s story resonates with resilience and talent. Supported by Smiling Gecko and mentored by Hannes Schmid and Tino Staub, she crafts a culinary legacy, embodying transformation and friendship. Read Full Article  

In an extraordinary alliance of Cowboys & Rockstars, the Farmhouse Smiling Gecko has emerged as a beacon of sustainability in Cambodia, thanks to their funding efforts. This unique partnership has created a culinary haven within a luxury hotel that serves innovative dishes while championing the cause of building a sustainable community. Read Full Article

Experience a Gastronomic Journey with Chef Mariya! Delight in a fusion of Khmer and European cuisine at the exclusive Four-Hands dinner, crafted by Chef Mariya and Aniba’s Chef Anas Shami. Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavors while supporting a noble cause. Read Full Article

Aniba welcomes you to a timeless dining encounter, where exceptional culinary craftsmanship meets a commitment to philanthropy. From Thursday to Saturday, 7PM to 10PM, Chef Mariya Un Noun will unveil a menu that captures the essence of Khmer cuisine, weaving together tradition and contemporary flair. Experience a night of unforgettable flavors and contribute to the noble cause of Smiling Gecko Cambodia, as we strive towards fostering sustainable communities.  Read Full Article

Experience a Gastronomic Journey with Chef Mariya! Delight in a fusion of Khmer and European cuisine at the exclusive Four-Hands dinner, crafted by Chef Mariya and Aniba’s Chef Anas Shami. Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavors while supporting a noble cause. Read Full Article

An inspiring evening with Chef Mariya Un Noun and Founder Hannes For two exclusive evenings, join us for an inspiring night, with a 6-course fine dining journey into Nouvelle Khmer Cuisine and culinary by Chef Mariya Un Noun (Un Restaurant).  And a Conversation on the journey and story behind Smiling Gecko — Hosted by internationally-renowned Swiss photographer, Speaker and Founder of Smiling Gecko, Hannes Schmid. All in support of Smiling Gecko’s mission to raise awareness, including a charity auction of Smiling Gecko’s Children creations & special treats...