FIRST LOOK: BILL BENSLEY’S SHINTA MANI ANGKOR
After years designing hotels for prestigious brands from Four Seasons and Rosewood to JW Marriott, Bill Bensley has earned a deserved reputation as the king of luxury resorts. Marking the debut of his eponymous Bensley Collection brand, this year’s new Shinta Mani Angkor – Bensley Collection is the first to ever actually bear his name – and newly released official images now offer an unprecedented chance to see what the ‘Willy Wonka of hotel design’ dreamt up when dancing to his own tune.
The Bensley Collection is the embodiment of an innovative type of indulgence-by-design that Bensley calls ‘escapism’ (also the title of his book). Says Bensley, “Often I am asked: What is the most important design aspect about building a resort? I often answer that it is about private – completely private – outdoor space. It is a glorious luxury. Think about it. Where can you go and be outside, next to your room and be completely private? Shinta Mani Angkor – Bensley Collection is about that, and about providing the best accommodation in Cambodia.”
Opened in January this year, the 10 opulent split-level Villas introduced an offering to Siem Reap that is as committed to luxury as it is to celebrating and supporting the local culture. Under the palace trees of Siem Reap’s leafy French quarter, the villas showcase striking design, regal interiors and high walled facades that reference the area’s heritage as the heart of the Khmer Empire. Upon entering through the dramatic padlocked wooden doors, playful monochromatic tiles guide the eye across to the tropical garden, outdoor lounge area and a dazzling blue 30ft pool – tiled in a recurring pattern drawn from the layout of the ancient Angkor temples.
Bensley took inspiration from the Khmer culture and their ambitious architectural feats throughout. Subtly emphasising the flow from inside to out, the Villas’ walls are adorned with a three-dimensional carving representing the riplling robes of Jayavarman – a 12th century Khmer King revered for his powerful, pioneering spirit. Asked which individual design element he is most proud of, Bensley replies “I love the idea of King Jayavarman’s robe, 100 times bigger than real scale, spanning the courtyard walls from inside to outside. That crazy idea really worked out well.”
Encouraging the calming effect of being surrounded by greenery, the bedroom is bookended by floor-to-ceiling glass doors. At one end a tropical garden encloses an outdoor bath, while direct pool access beckons at the other. The lush green hues of the outdoor space are contrasted by sophisticated splashes of Khmer orange. Dark wood inlaid with brass flows across the floor and up the walls, framing the luxuriously comfortable centrepiece bed.
The monochromatic tile design extends to the villa’s roof terrace where the ancient canopy of palace trees is augmented by verdant hanging baskets creating another private oasis. Boasting a large day bed and bar area, the rooftop is the perfect spot for sundowners and stargazing.
As with all Shinta Mani hotels, part of the cost of every stay is donated to the Shinta Mani Foundation, something Bensley is incredibly passionate about. “In Siem Reap we have been working with the communities for 15 years and have done a world of good.” The Foundation seeks to be a leader in responsible tourism with a goal to enhance the lives of the locals by increasing their human capital and providing them with the tools to overcome the constraints of poverty. The expansion of the Shinta Mani group, in collaboration with Bensley, is set to further boost the efforts of the Shinta Mani Foundation.
www.shintamani.com/angkor-bensley-collection
