As you venture deeper into the heart of Mustang, the landscape morphs into a mesmerizing blend of arid desert-like terrain, dramatic cliffs, and ancient rock formations — an other-worldly ambience that will transport you to a distant, untouched realm.
The world of Bill Bensley
Architect, interior designer, landscape architect, and — most of all — conservationist, Bill Bensley has designed more than 200 resorts, hotels, and palaces in 30-plus countries.
Bill’s whimsically maximalist aesthetic — as seen in projects for prestigious brands like Four Seasons, Rosewood, and JW Marriott, as well as independent hoteliers — has earned him the moniker “the Willy Wonka of hotel design.” His focus on sustainable design has won him accolades from across the industry and has culminated in the creation of his own brand, Shinta Mani Collection, founded on the principle that true luxury is the opportunity to do good.
Raised in California and educated at Harvard, Bill moved to Asia after graduation and has never looked back, operating studios in Bangkok and Bali with a team of 150 interior designers, architects, landscape designers, artists, and makers of all things beautiful. Bill has also written two books, Escapism and More Escapism. He spends most of his time in Bangkok with his other half Jirachai and their six Jack Russells.
Bills books Escapism and More Escapism
JW Marriott Phu Quoc - An abandoned university turned hotel
Rosewood Luang Prabang - A ultra luxurious 23 room time-capsule of Laotian history
Yen Tu MGallery - A secluded 12th century monastery brought back to life
Capella Hanoi - A turn of the century tale, steeped in the history of the nearby Hanoi Opera House
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Tented Camp Chiang Rai - Respecting the jungles of the Golden Triangle
Bill at his studio working on one of his paintings
Bill at his house with one of his six Jack Russells
Bensley Outsider Gallery
In his free time, Bill is a gardener, fisherman, lover of all things natural, and most recently, an “outsider” artist. “I say outsider as I was not traditionally trained in fine art, so I might have a different perspective on the matter,” says Bill. Bensley Outsider Gallery, with locations in Siem Reap, Bangkok, and Danang, Vietnam, as well as online, is where Bill sells his prints and original paintings, with all proceeds benefiting the Shinta Mani Foundation and our partners.
