Smiling Albino is my personal choice for my own travels in Thailand for many years. They always exceed expectations (Bill Bensley)
"I Think, Dream, Draw Art Constantly": A Quick Chat with Bill Bensley
1 august 2023
Architect, designer, gardener, artist...Bill Bensley is a legend in Southeast Asia hospitality and art circles.
Later this year Bill will be joining Smiling Albino to host the Bensley Art Trail, a luxury small group adventure taking in some of his favourite resorts and including art workshops. We sat down with Bill for a chat about the trip and what guests can expect...
Firstly, on a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about the upcoming Art Trail trip?
12.5! These days I think, dream, draw art constantly… it makes me leap out of bed in the morning, and makes me wish i did not have to sleep.
Why did you decide to partner with Smiling Albino for this particular trip?
Smiling Albino is my personal choice for my own travels in Thailand for many years. They always exceed expectations – and besides I love Dan’s silly sense of humour!
During the trip you’ll be running several art classes and workshops. What can participants expect – and take away from – these sessions?
I want to immerse our guests into what I am thinking about art at the time, as it constantly changes! I want to get our guests as excited about creating art as I am.
The trip stops at several Bensley-designed resorts. Of all the hotel projects you’ve been involved with over the years, which one is closest to your heart?
And which of my babies should I drop over the waterfall?! I can’t answer that….but if you force me, Shinta Mani Wild!
Your resorts are always built in harmony with nature – where some projects involve clearing the land of trees, you seem to build around them. How much more difficult does this make the project, and how do you encourage more companies to follow this example?
I have for years now been teaching architects a simple technique of using bamboo stakes to peg out their positions on the land to understand the idiosyncrasies of the land and to realise if there are tree conflicts. Simple but effective.
You’ve been in Thailand now since 1984. What keeps you here?
Well in essence I grew up here. it is my home. It is a land of great love, honesty and artistic ability. What more does one need?
As a fellow dog lover/owner I love to see how much you love your Jack Russells. Will they be involved in the Art Trail at any point?
Certainly! On the final day we will have have a huge bash at our home, Baan Botanica, where all five terriers will have a seat at the table.
And finally, time to get your crystal ball out. As someone who’s constantly been ahead of the curve when it comes to resort concepts, how do you see hospitality evolving in the years to come?
What will 5* resorts look like in 2033? Hopefully much greener, with cross ventilation, lower consumption of energy, more participatory in local neighborhoods and culture. And they will all hover above the surface of the earth some five meters…
want to join bill?