With more than 200 hotels in his portfolio – including iconic properties like The Siam on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and the recently opened, opera-themed Capella Hanoi – Bill Bensley has earned a reputation for his genius, unconventional style. Generous doses of extravagance, eclecticism and storytelling are always deeply entwined in his design narrative. He’s also reputed to be very sensitive towards local communities and maintains a profound commitment to minimise the environmental footprint of the projects he works on.
Just over two hours from Bangkok and slated for an opening towards the end of the year, InterContinental Khao Yai National Park, Thailand is set on a 40ha site blessed with 50,000 trees and views over seven lakes. Among the 61-key resort’s inventory will be 16 suites, each 80 sq m, which have been repurposed from salvaged train cars – the first time in Asia that an international hospitality brand is involved in an upcycling project of this nature.
For Bensley, it’s a dream project, especially since the owner, Rena Udomkunnatum, is a previous client and close friend; the pair having worked together on her Rosewood Luang Prabang resort. Prestige gets the inside story from the designer himself.
How did this project come about?
My client Rena was working on a project in Khao Yai and asked me to come aboard. It is a beautiful part of the country with mountains and cooler weather – a novelty for Thais who travel there, many from Bangkok, hoping to get their annual dose of greenery, a chance to wear a sweater and be transported elsewhere for a while. As with all of our projects, this needed to have a really unique story that would make this a destination in and of itself.
Esta historia es de la edición July 2021 de Prestige Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 2021 de Prestige Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.