Escape with architect
Bill Bensley
Season 1, Ep. 2
Today’s guest is internationally-acclaimed architect Bill Bensley.
It’s very likely that at some point on your travels you’ve come across a hotel that was dreamt up by the innovative Bangkok-based hotel designer. Bill Bensley’s work spans over 200 resorts and hotels in more than 30 countries, and he is famous for his eclectic, extravagant and eco-conscious designs. His signature style features flamboyant flourishes, up-cycled antiques and lush gardens.
Recently, Capella Ubud in Bali was named as Travel + Leisure’s ‘best hotel in the world’ for 2020, and his own Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild won ‘best new hotel in Asia’ in Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List last year.
He’s a self-described “wide-ranging explorer” and his travel adventures will take you from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the endless expanse of Mongolia. Be warned, you better buckle up for this episode, as we ascend to dizzying heights with a haphazard hot air balloon journey across Burma and a flight over Peru’s mysterious Nazca Lines that doesn’t quite go to plan!
BILL BENSLEY’S CULTURE GUIDE
Don’t Stop the Carnival by Herman Wouk
DESTINATION INSPIRATION
Khao Yai National Park
Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok
Sing Sing Theater
Yellowstone National Park
Mongolia
Bali
Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Myanmar
Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto
Antigua, Guatemala
Newark Market, Newark-on-Trent
Sapa, Vietnam
Peru
You can learn more about Bill Bensley's design portfolio, conservation efforts and philanthropic projects at BENSLEY.
If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review so others can discover this podcast as well. If you’re looking for some more travel inspiration, you can find me on Instagram @escape.artist.podcast