‘More Escapism’ Celebrates Bill Bensley’s Joie de Vivre
‘More Escapism: Hotels, Resorts and Gardens around the World’ is a lavish tome that encapsulates the singular work of interior designer, architect and landscape designer Bill Bensley
JW Marriott Lamark University, Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Courtesy of JW Marriott Phu Quoc
Encapsulating the wonder and sheer joie de vivre of Bangkok-based American designer Bill Bensley in a discrete package is no easy task, but this lavish 500-page tome edited by Design Anthology founder Suzy Annetta makes a fine effort. Presenting only 12 projects, the book is able to give maximum focus to the full-bleed, full-colour imagery that showcases Bensley’s idiosyncratic blend of regional vernacular, Art Deco and modern. The designer’s home, Baan Botanica, is included first, and gives some context to the remaining hospitality projects, which range across Southeast Asia and include waterside resorts, urban retreats and tented camps. Each project is detailed in an introductory text and image captions, but the irrepressible imagery is where the tropical-luxe inspiration lies.
Purchase the book or listen to Suzy Annetta in conversation with Bensley for the Design Dialogues
Copyright Thames & Hudson
MGallery Hotel de la Coupole SAPA, VIETNAM. Courtesy of MGallery Hotel de la Coupole
JW Marriott Lamark University, Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Courtesy of JW Marriott Phu Quoc
JW Marriott Lamark University, Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Courtesy of JW Marriott Phu Quoc
JW Marriott Lamark University, Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Courtesy of JW Marriott Phu Quoc
Capella Hanoi, Vietnam. Courtesy of Bill Bensley
MGallery Hotel de la Coupole Sapa, Vietnam. Courtesy of MGallery Hotel de la Coupole
MGallery Hotel de la Coupole Sapa, Vietnam. Courtesy of MGallery Hotel de la Coupole
MGallery Hotel de la Coupole Sapa, Vietnam. Courtesy of MGallery Hotel de la Coupole
MGallery Hotel de la Coupole Sapa, Vietnam. Courtesy of MGallery Hotel de la Coupole
Shinta Mani Siem Reap Cambodia. Courtesy of Bill Bensley
Sinta Mani Wild, Cardamom Forest, Cambodia. Courtesy of Bill Bensley
Sinta Mani Wild, Cardamom Forest, Cambodia. Courtesy of Bill Bensley
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand. Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle, Thailand. Courtesy Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle