Your hosts: It's all in the Family...

You may be wondering who built The Kamaya and who your hosts are—the people behind the vision, experiences, and carefully curated activities. Daniel and Kimty, the couple behind The Kamaya, come from very different backgrounds, and their meeting could be seen as nothing short of a miracle. They were married on December 31st, 2006, and since then have built a life together filled with both personal and professional accomplishments.

Their deep love for Cambodia and its culture has kept them rooted in the country for over 20 years. The Kamaya is a reflection of that love—a heartfelt expression of their shared journey, passions, and commitment to this place they now call home. Through The Kamaya, Daniel and Kimty invite you to experience a part of their world, filled with meaningful details, local craftsmanship, and curated adventures. It’s more than just a stay—it’s a glimpse into their story.

Cambodia continues to surprise us, and what we love about it all,
is that the country and its people allow us to be surprised time and time again! It keeps us refreshed and creative.

- Daniel de Gruiter -

Meet Our Family

With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, Daniel and Kimty have shown their children that, while the industry involves long hours and challenges, it can be both rewarding and enjoyable. Their dedication and hands-on approach have inspired their kids to get involved from a young age. Aliyah assists at Bambu Stage, while Misja and Yaella help with catering, learning the ropes by joining their parents in daily activities. Through this involvement, the children are beginning to understand the value of hard work, creativity, and flexibility. For the family, hospitality is more than a profession—it’s a shared passion and lifestyle that brings them together and allows them to connect meaningfully with others through their work.

Kimty Tan

Kimty, born in Damdek, moved to Siem Reap in the early 2000s to focus on her studies. She became a model student in English and Accounting, gaining experience in various jobs and businesses. Kimty worked at Smateria in 2008 and started Tangram Garden Restaurant & Lounge in 2011, introducing a local concept. Her cooking skills helped her secure jobs in The Netherlands, where she worked as a cook and lunchroom chef. After five years, she returned to Cambodia, setting up a catering company, creating the accounting system for a travel company, and hosting The Kamaya. Kimty is also a mom of three and never misses a dull moment in her life.

Daniel de Gruiter

Daniel, a passionate international tourism management graduate from the Netherlands, embarked on an adventure in Cambodia in 2004. His experiences in Cambodia have allowed him to develop his skills and passion for adventure. He has worked in various roles, including English teacher, Adventure Manager, and consultant positions within various organizations. Daniel now runs Lolei Travel, a company that aims to share the excitement and experiences of Cambodia with guests. He values personal attention to detail and a smile on the face of his guests. The smile tells all he needs to know and confirms that he was able to deliver the unique blend of creativity and authentic experiences that he wants to share with his guests.

The Kids

Aliyah, Misja, and Yaella were born in Cambodia and lived in The Netherlands from 2017 to 2023. They hold dual nationality and are bilingual, giving them the freedom to study and live internationally. Each child brings their own personality to the family: Aliyah, the oldest, is creative and loves the beach; Misja, the middle child, is highly social with many friends in both Cambodia and The Netherlands, and plays basketball for his school team; Yaella, the youngest, is kind-hearted, deeply cares about animals and people in need, and often gives toys and clothes to others. She also loves their dog, Yazzy. Together, they embody a warm, globally-minded family rooted in both Cambodian and Dutch cultures.

Yazzy the dog

Yazzy, a black and white terrier named after Aliyah’s best friend in the Netherlands, joined the family in 2023. He acts way bigger than he ctually is, due to his big best friend from across the street, Krohorm (Red) who is always protecting him. Yazzy is known for chasing people on motorbikes, going after frogs, snakes, and other animals in the garden. He has a stuffed dog that he always carries around. He is known for his friendly nature and playful nature and is fully vaccinated.