Renowned architect, designer, philanthropist, and artist Bill Bensley has unveiled a unique tour to bring art enthusiasts and conservation advocates on an exploration of BENSLEY-designed hotels across Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
The Bensley Art Trail, which is set to launch from 28 November to 10 December 2023, is an exclusive 12-day tour that will takes art enthusiasts and conservation advocates on a discovery of Bensley-designed hotels across Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. All proceeds from the trail will provide 32 full scholarships for students of the Shinta Mani Foundation Hospitality School, Class of 2024.
The trail will commence at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, a unique railway-themed resort located a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok. Participants will engage in immersive art workshops led by Bill, alongside a forest conservation walk.
The journey will begin at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, a distinctive railway-themed retreat situated 2.5 hours away from Bangkok.
The adventure will then continue with a stay at the Rosewood Luang Prabang in Laos, followed by luxurious stops at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The final leg of the journey will take participants to the heart of Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains and National Park, where they will experience the award-winning all-inclusive luxury tented camp, Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection.
The grand finale of the Bensley Art Trail will be held at The Siam Hotel in Bangkok, with a remarkable art dinner at Baan Botanica, the private residence of Bill and Jirachai Bensley.
Participants will immerse themselves in Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains and National Park at the renowned luxury tented camp, Shinta Mani Wild - A Bensley Collection.
Throughout the tour, participants will have the opportunity to learn from Bill Bensley himself about hospitality and hotel design, vernacular architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Bill will curate daily muses, introducing participants to notable artists and their unique work.
The Bensley Art Trail is co-designed and managed by luxury travel company Smiling Albino. Priced at US$25,000 per person (based on double occupancy), the trail includes regional flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, activities, and a US$10,000 per person contribution towards the Shinta Mani Foundation. Single occupancy incurs an additional US$4,500 fee. A limited number of 12 rooms are available for art and travel enthusiasts looking to embark on this expedition.