Asia Designers Directory - More Escapism: Bill Bensley’s Second Monograph

Bill Bensley’s exuberant aesthetic is renowned around the world. Vanity Fair has described him as “the craziest sane designer in the world”, while Condé Nast Traveller hails him as a “master of fabulation”.

From the jungle hideaway of Capella Ubud, winner of best hotel in the world, to his own Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia, More Escapism: Hotels, Resorts and Gardens around the World by Bill Bensley features detailed presentations of 12 of Bensley’s most exciting, extravagant, outlandish and award-winning projects.

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While the projects centre in Southeast Asia, spanning luxury hotels and resorts to his own home in Bangkok, American-born Bensley’s designs have international appeal and his studio has designed over 200 projects in more than thirty countries. Written by the designer himself, with consultant editor Suzy Annetta (Design Anthology), the book provides behind-the-scenes insight into his process as well as exclusive commentary on key design details.

Reflecting Bensley’s theatrical style, the book is ambitious in format, totalling more than 500 pages, and vividly illustrated with photographs of stunning interiors. In his own words, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing.” However, Bensley’s designs do not only embody luxury but also a forward-thinking outlook. He has developed a reputation for building sustainably, refusing to cut down trees through his process of minimal intervention, and encouraging clients to turn to homegrown food in hotel kitchens and plastic-free supply chains, ensuring that his are designs for the future.

More Escapism is a showpiece in itself and a treasure trove on interior and architectural inspiration – an essential volume for purveyors of luxury and seasoned globe-trotters alike.