Latest news with #BillBensley
Tatler Asia
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Tatler Asia
Home tour: A modern tropical Kuala Lumpur home with sculptural staircases and a four-storey climbing wall
Modern tropical Above Red perforated screens filter sunlight into this entrepreneur's reimagined split-level sanctuary Above The open terrace extends the living space into Bukit Damansara's lush surroundings A prime concern was that this project should embody the following key features of modern tropical architecture: the integration of the building into the landscape, the utilisation of locally-sourced materials, and the implementation of both passive cooling and natural ventilation. The distinctive red screen of the façade played a large part in ensuring that the house was attuned to the local climate while also projecting a modern aesthetic. Don't miss: Y2K aesthetic revival: Decoding the millennium design trend making a comeback Above An airy living room opens to the sculptural courtyard, where natural light cascades down from the skylight One of the main challenges with this particular site was its west-facing orientation; the architects had to find a way to mitigate the harsh glare of the afternoon sun. A happy solution was found in the double façade, whose perforated metal allows natural light to filter through without excessive heat gain. At the same time, there is a cooling effect due to the air gap between the screen and the interior walls. The intentionally small diameter of the screen's punched holes creates a dynamic visual effect while also ensuring privacy. Tan explains: 'When viewed up close or from a dimly lit interior, it remains see-through, but from a distance and under bright daylight, it appears as a simple red box.' Read more: 7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture Above Minimalist elegance defines the dining area, where clean lines and natural light create a serene gathering space The structural framework of the original 5000 sq ft house was preserved in its entirety. This was in line with OTCQ's ethos of sustainability since it minimised the need for demolition and reduced material waste. The team also made an effort to use locally sourced materials that matched the original design intention, hence the loose granite gravel and the clay bricks and tiles. It was the interior layout that was changed the most; in particular, the architectural geometry was simplified and rationalised. The flow of movement and air benefited from the resulting open plan of the ground floor: there is now a straightforward ease of access from the foyer to the living room and then to the dining. See also: Bill Bensley: Eco-luxury hotels' design rebel Inner strength Above The striking central staircase doubles as a functional art piece, complemented by a rock-climbing wall The indoor courtyard has to be the most striking part of the whole design. As Tan points out, it 'serves as both the functional and experiential centrepiece'. The idea for this space emerged from the constraints imposed by the central staircase: rather than working around or fighting against this structural element, the design team resolved to celebrate it. Don't miss: Private islands and wealth: How 6 tech and business leaders built their secluded domains Above OTCQ Architects preserved the entire structural framework of this home while transforming its heart into a light-filled courtyard Above The custom rock climbing wall soars dramatically through all four stories of the home's central courtyard They removed the staircase walls and introduced a skylight, thus allowing an unimpeded flood of natural light into the formerly gloomy stairwell. By opening up this four-storey vertical space, they were able to create natural ventilation, allowing hot air to rise and escape. The addition of the rock-climbing feature not only draws attention to the height of the interior volume but also imparts a sense of dynamism and activity. Read more: Le Creuset at 100: How enamelled cast iron cookware conquered culinary culture Above A carefully positioned tree and white pebble landscaping bring natural elements into the interior Above The custom rock climbing wall soars dramatically through all four stories of the home's central courtyard Besides its airy verticality, the indoor courtyard functions on the horizontal plane as well. Tan explains that 'the courtyard strengthens spatial connections, fostering a sense of openness and interaction between spaces'. One important element that ties together the horizontal spaces is the linking bridge. According to Tan, 'the bridge is particularly impactful given the original split-level design, as it seamlessly unites different areas of the house'. See also: Inside the world's most extraordinary art homes: 5 residences where architecture serves priceless collections Above Light and shadow dance through the geometric breeze blocks, creating ever-changing patterns Above The sleek wooden sauna offers a tranquil retreat on the second floor, complementing the home's wellness-focused design philosophy The staircase itself was conceived of as a work of art. Custom-made handrails ascend skywards before unfurling near the ceiling in the shape of a blossoming flower. Tan notes how this 'adds a sense of movement and fluidity'. The railing was meticulously crafted using metal rods of varying diameters. Metal was chosen for its durability, allowing for the creation of fine, intricate curves while maintaining structural strength. Of course, the texture of the metal, along with its distinctive maroon hue, links the interior with the screen of the façade. Tan points out proudly how this sculptural staircase is 'a central feature that is not only visually striking but also deeply functional.' NOW READ Biophilic luxury: 7 stunning nature-integrated resorts Home tour: A nature-inspired lakefront retreat in Canada blends quiet luxury with seasonal beauty 11 exclusive Bali villas from Aman's limited collection of Indonesian residences Credits Best of Tatler Asia video highlights Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
Skift
3 days ago
- Business
- Skift
First Creative Details Emerge for Vietnam's New 'Resort in the Sky' Airline
Putting Bill Bensley at the creative helm is a bold statement of intent for Sun PhuQuoc Airways, but turning a lifestyle concept into a viable airline remains a challenging task. A new Vietnamese airline is hoping to take flight by the end of the year: Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) will be operated by a subsidiary of local real estate and hospitality developer Sun Group. Much is still unknown about the venture, which intends to operate a hub-and-spoke network from Phu Quoc island in southern Vietnam. But attendees at the Skift Asia Forum in Bangkok this month heard some exclusive details from Bill Bensley, creative director of Bensley Design Studios. 'We're going to build – within three years – this 40-fleet airline,' Bensley told Skift CEO and co-founder, Rafat Ali. 'They want it to be very, very high-end … with half the plane in executive class and first class.' Bensley spoke of his love for Vietnam and explained how this will manifest itself on the aircraft: 'I've identified about 35 of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam. These parts [will] then be painted full-body on the plane. Instead of a stripe across or a swish, the entire image of these 35 places are painted on the outside of the plane.' Bensley said this imagery will 'carry through' into the aircraft. He will take a creative lead on numerous passenger-facing elements such as uniforms and menus. 'It's the whole deal, the whole imaging,' he added. Bensley previously worked with the Sun Group on seven hotels in the region. Watch Bill Bensley in Conversation with Rafat Ali at the Skift Asia Forum 2025: RECORDED MAY 2025. The investment case for the new carrier has received the green light from Vietnam's prime minister. Despite the ambitious timeline, there are no details about how SPA will source its aircraft. The Sun Group already operates a private jet business in Vietnam, however these planes are much smaller than those that will be needed for the new airline. A statement from Sun Group said that along with domestic routes, it is considering international destinations, including Japan, South Korea, and China. The company is using the term 'resort airline' to describe its vision: 'This innovative model combines transportation and tourism, where each flight is not merely a means of getting from one place to another but the beginning of a vacation, starting the moment passengers step on board and journey through the skies,' said a company statement. The wider ambition is to 'transform every aircraft into a resort in the sky,' with amenities and services designed to create a sense of leisure and relaxation. Sun Group already has a significant footprint in Phu Quoc through its hospitality and leisure portfolio. The company says it will package flights with these existing products. A First-Time Project Established as a go-to name for hotel, landscape, and interior designs, the world of aviation is new to Bensley and his team. 'It's a totally new thing for me. First time ever, but that's the thing that I like to do... We are asked to do a new project about once a day, so it's a great honor to be able to be very choosy about what we do,' he told the Skift Asia Forum. Vietnam's Golden Visa Ambition to 23-Million Tourist Target More Chinese tourists are now choosing Vietnam over Thailand. Smart visa policies could help keep it that way. The easier it is to get in, the more likely travelers, and their wallets, will follow. Read More If realized, Sun PhuQuoc Airways will join Vietnam's five other major airlines. As well as flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, these include low-cost operators Vietjet Air and Pacific Airlines. An initial investment of 2.5 trillion Vietnamese dong ($96m) has been allotted to the project. An undertaking of SPA's scale will require a figure many times higher, however additional sources of capital are currently unclear. Major airlines already serving Phu Quoc include AirAsia, China Eastern, Korean Air, and Scoot. Skift analysis of data from Cirium Diio suggests around 25 carriers fly to the island, although some of these are only on a seasonal or charter basis. What am I looking at? The performance of airline sector stocks within the ST200. The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including network carriers, low-cost carriers, and other related companies. The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more airlines sector financial performance. Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.
Skift
3 days ago
- Business
- Skift
'Put Away Your iPhone' and Other Travel Lessons From a Leading Hotel Designer
Bill Bensley isn't your typical hotel designer: "Everything I do has one purpose: to learn something new," he told us. Designer Bill Bensley took the stage at the Skift Asia Forum in Bangkok, a city he's lived in since 1984. He discussed his career in hotel design, his creative philosophy, and inspirations, among other topics, with Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali. Bensley, who has been described as the 'Willy Wonka of Design,' founded his studio in 1990 and has designed more than 200 properties worldwide, including Shinta Mani Wild – an award-winning jungle camp in Cambodia. "Respect Mother Nature has always been a guiding principle," Bensley told Skift prior to the Forum. "(Shinta Mani Wild) has set the Asian standard for conservation and hospitality working hand in hand successfully." Watch a full video of the discussion below: Highlights From Our Conversation with Designer Bill Bensley Why Working in Southeast Asia Is Attractive to Him: "My few experiences in the States ... have been there's are too many cooks in the kitchen ... In this part of the world and certainly Africa, when you draw something, that's the way it is. And you can build it." India's Advantages: "I love India because it's still a place where everybody can use their hands ... There's so many people in India that can sew, that can lay stones, that can carve craftsmanship ... and that's very important for my work." Travel Advice: "I teach a lot in the universities around here. And one of the main things that I do is that I ask them to travel. But most importantly, to travel and put away their iPhones ... and do what I do. No matter where I go, I always have a portfolio with me and I'm always sketching ... If I'm sketching something, that enters my head. If I take my 3,000th photo of the day, I'll probably never look at it again." About Innovation: "Even in my paintings ... I try many styles as opposed to doing the traditional artist way of sticking to one. Everything I do has one purpose: to learn something new." On Dealing With Budget Constraints: "One of our best hotels ever was a Novotel… and it was the only Novotel which ever made the cover of Architectural Digest. You know what my budget for landscape was? $50,000. The entire thing." When Asked About the Desert and Greenery in Asia: "Conservation doesn't only have to happen in the greenest parts of the world ... The desert is just as fragile as everywhere else. There's some really good conservation projects happening in Saudi ... So it would be wonderful to be part of that."
Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
The White Lotus season four? This is where it should be set
While many of us are still unpacking the shock finale of The White Lotus season three — the globetrotting HBO drama's most-watched yet— theories about where the next instalment will take place are spreading faster than toxic gossip around a sea-gazing infinity pool. Will we be swapping sarongs for ski pants? Jacquemus dresses for safari jackets? Keeping us guessing is what the writer Mike White does best, but one thing's for sure: a Four Seasons will again double as the oh-so-fabulous fictional hotel, with the ad hoc partnership forged between HBO and the luxury hospitality group in 2020 having been cemented with a multi-season deal in October. Long synonymous with discreet indulgence in 'big trip'-worthy locations, Four Seasons properties have played a leading role in all three White Lotus outings: in Maui, we saw vast Hawaiian Pacific views mirror a quiet existential drift; in Taormina, baroque Sicilian splendour set the stage for Don Giovanni-esque betrayals; and, most recently, in Thailand's Koh Samui, a symbolism-rich Bill Bensley-designed hotel amplified themes of death, rebirth and spiritual emptiness in paradise. Next? Well, the Four Seasons outposts in Australia, Egypt and Japan are among the rumoured contenders, but the team has also been scouting in Europe — and White reportedly stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo in Mexico late last year. Was he plotting scenes over breakfasts of huevos rancheros? Or might he instead brave potentially drizzly days to deliver high camp on horseback in the English countryside? An announcement is said to be due soon, so watch this space. In the meantime, these are the Four Season hotels where we think season four of The White Lotus should be set. • What the hotel from White Lotus season three is really like This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue • Best for ski noir• What to pack Vallon goggles, Goldbergh salopettes and sequins for après A champagne-fuelled tryst gone wrong? A body in the snow? Four Seasons Megève's Suite Idéal practically writes its own storyline. Perched at 1,850m and accessible only by cable car, this secluded Haute-Savoie eyrie — all cashmere throws, log fires and privileged Mont Blanc views — is ripe for an icy White Lotus narrative exploring themes of isolation and introspection. And the rest of the hotel more than holds its own. A collaboration between Four Seasons and the Rothschild family (whose wealth has contributed to the chocolate-box town), the 55-room property combines traditional chalet style with sleek, state-of-the-art amenities, including one of the largest spas in the French Alps: a 900 sq m white-marble sanctuary home to six treatment rooms, a sauna, hammam, gym, hairdresser, herbal tea bar, relaxation zone and heated indoor-outdoor pool. There's also a Michelin-starred restaurant for fireworks over fancy fondue and ample room on the surrounding slopes for collisions — literal and emotional. Details B&B doubles from £533 ( Fly to Geneva • Best for hushed hammam hustles • What to pack statement kaftans and a straw fan Snake charmers … Vigorous scrub-downs in the hammam … The muezzin's call to prayer echoing in the distance … Marrakesh is a frontrunner for season four, and it's not hard to see why. The Red City serves up countless opportunities for intrigue in the souk and surrounding Atlas Mountains. If the yet-to-be-announced cast is indeed set for western Morocco, it will be to this opulent 141-room oasis — a red-stone hideaway bookended by the ancient medina and the cosmopolitan neighbourhoods of the Ville Nouvelle. Set within 40 acres of fragrant rose gardens, fountains and sun-dappled walkways, its mosaic-clad courtyards might have been made for stolen kisses. After spending days around the palm-lined adults-only pool and in the spa's steamy marble chambers, lamé-clad characters could sip sunset cocktails in the white-tiled rooftop bar, where, against 360-degree views of the city and mountains beyond, a dramatic finale would easily play out in the flickering lantern light. Details B&B doubles from £463 ( Fly to Marrakesh • Best for Fans of Rivals • What to pack cashmere, wellies and anything Princess Beatrice has been spotted in You couldn't get much further from the 'crashing waves on rocks vernacular' White has said he wants to leave behind than at this red-brick Georgian manor house that is about an hour's drive southwest of London and Heathrow airport, where, this being the UK, the vernacular is often more 'crashing rain on brollies'. But who cares when pursuits including horse riding, clay-pigeon shooting and falconry are on the cards — the birds of prey perhaps taking over where season three's ominous monkeys left off. American stars would swoon over reports that British royals stay here, but fail to glean any gossip from the discreet staff while viewers would thrill to watch tensions simmer against the patrician elegance of the hotel's 133 rooms and suites — all decked out in colours chosen to emulate the wildflowers and woodlands found in the hotel's 500-acre grounds. Plot twists could play out across the spa, glass-roofed infinity pool and flagship Wild Carrot restaurant, and if a genteel game of croquet were to take a dark turn, who knows what might ensue?Details: B&B doubles from £614 ( • Best for apex predators• What to pack khaki linen, light blue cotton and no camo — that's for military personnel only Could wallowing hippos be seen as a metaphor? Would the leopard print be modelled by its rightful owner? If season four were to unfold deep within Serengeti National Park, it would mark a tonal pivot for the series, leaving beachy ennui for African dust. And vying with those golden, elephant-and giraffe-grazed plains for our attention? This extraordinary Four Seasons lodge, which blends a cool, eco-conscious design with lashings of safari luxe: mosquito-netted four-posters; well-stocked minibars and private plunge pools overlooking the watering hole. It's prime terrain for a cast of wannabe conservationists and multigenerational family groups, with a new baddie possibly taking the form of a suspiciously well-dressed wildlife photographer with sociopathic tendencies. Could it happen? 'We're exploring a few locations that feel completely unlike anything we've done before,' White has said, and industry chatter has it that scouts were in northern Tanzania this year. Yes, guests will have a spear-wielding Masai guard to escort them safely to and from their rooms after dark, but what if a tech bro with control issues decided to go it alone? Will, in future, The White Lotus be what springs to mind whenever Maneater comes on the radio. We'd like to think B&B doubles from £896 ( Fly to Seronera via Kilimanjaro or Arusha • Best for Olympic-levelpeople-watching • What to pack fisherman sandals and all the gold you own The Athenian Riviera is no stranger to gods, scandals and impossibly chic bikinis. In its 1960s heyday, the Astir Palace welcomed such stars as Brigitte Bardot, Jackie Kennedy and Frank Sinatra, making it a mischievous proposition for a new White Lotus ensemble composed of trust fund philosophers and social media influencers claiming Dionysian bloodlines. Reimagined as a Four Seasons in 2019, the 74-acre compound delivers a crisp, minimalist take on Hellenic luxury, with highlights including 61 sea-facing bungalows, a glittering spa complex, sandy, white-parasol-studded beach and waterfront dining under the stars. As HBO exec Francesca Orsi teased: 'Chances are [the next season is set] somewhere in Europe.' Somewhere steeped in myth and dripping in modern money? We're crossing our fingers for a Mediterranean fever dream packed with day trips to ancient ruins and Oedipal complexes unravelling over shots of B&B doubles from £482 ( Fly to Athens • Inspired by The White Lotus? These hotels are the cheaper alternatives • Best for Modish musings• What to pack bold red slip dresses, tailored tuxedos and a tango heel Fiery Buenos Aires happens to have more therapists per capita than anywhere in the world, so if season four were to relocate to the Argentine capital, the scope for characters airing their neuroses on velvet couches between late-night visits to backstreet tango halls would be huge. Not to mention mortifying attempts at mate etiquette by a guest whose Spanish begins and ends with a Duolingo streak. And can you imagine the dramatic potential for the theme tune? If it were to pan out, there could be no better base camp than this devilishly handsome Four Seasons in the city's ritzy Recoleta district. Straddling a belle époque mansion and a sleek modern tower, it would spell carte blanche for juicy parallel storylines involving high-society meltdowns and nouveau riche debauchery: picture puffy-eyed polo players at the breakfast buffet, melancholic poets mooching around the spa and one (vegan) chef who's definitely not the parrilla kingpin they claim to be. All 165 rooms and suites come in the soothing blond of a good Torrontes, and the Roman-style heated outdoor pool would impress even Eva Perón (the Latin archetype for season two's Daphne). Nevertheless, this is still 'the Paris of South America', where every glance could ignite a grand scandal. Mike White, are you reading?Details: B&B doubles from £499 ( Fly to Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini Where do you think White Lotus Season Four should be set? Please let us know in the comments
Tatler Asia
25-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tatler Asia
Home tour: Penang bungalow transformation creates resort-inspired living
Photo 1 of 3 Overhead view of 30-foot mosaic-tiled swimming pool with German stone feature wall and tropical garden landscaping. Photo 2 of 3 Outdoor living perspective showcasing curved pool edge and strategic plantings that create privacy within gated community Photo 3 of 3 Striking limestone-clad facade with resort-style balcony featuring tropical plants The materiality speaks to deliberate choices: imported marble flooring anchors the main level, custom veneer finishes warm the cabinetry, and sintered stone extends from interior spaces to the outdoor barbecue area. The neutral beige and cream palette capitalises on natural light, reducing energy consumption throughout the day. Don't miss: Embracing warm minimalism: Beyond austerity in interior design Photo 1 of 4 The living room features curved modular seating, bespoke wooden shelving and a textured white accent wall Photo 2 of 4 Contemporary living room with textured wall treatment, circular LED pendant light and bespoke curved seating in neutral Aman-inspired palette Photo 3 of 4 A serene Penang living room featuring a textured wall, wooden accents and a minimalist furniture arrangement. Photo 4 of 4 Contemporary open-plan living area with sculptural ceiling fixture, textured wall treatment and floating media console in neutral palette The outdoor space serves as the property's defining element. 'The 30-foot swimming pool, adorned with custom beige mosaic tiles, is undoubtedly my favourite feature of the home,' Chuah said. 'Set against a striking backdrop of sculptural beige marble, the entire scene radiates understated sophistication and timeless serenity.' Read more: 7 distinctive mid-century modern hotels in Asia for design lovers Photo 1 of 4 Open-plan dining area with limestone table flowing to outdoor spaces through full-height sliding glass doors Photo 2 of 4 Layered lighting design with fabric pendants illuminating bespoke limestone dining table and artisanal ceramic vessels in neutral dining space Photo 3 of 4 Open-concept kitchen and dining area with limestone island, fabric pendant lighting and Japanese-inspired slatted cabinetry Photo 4 of 4 Seamless open-plan living space with textured white feature wall, custom pendant lighting and Aman-inspired furniture selection This pool area is framed by a 30-foot-tall feature wall clad in German Solnhofen limestone in varying sizes. 'Its rich texture evokes a refined resort ambience, seamlessly complementing the pool, deck, and clubhouse to create a cohesive outdoor experience,' he explained. 'A simple façade cladding which made a world of difference.' Sputnik Forest's landscaping enhances the waterfront setting with strategic plantings that provide privacy while preserving the site's openness—a response to both the tropical climate and the family's desire for a private retreat. See also: Bill Bensley: Eco-luxury hotels' design rebel Above Bespoke kitchen cabinetry featuring slatted wood details, integrated recessed handles and artisanal vessels against travertine backsplash Above Aman-inspired dining space with limestone table, designer pendant lighting and neutral palette Inside, the home strikes a balance between shared and private spaces. The kitchen, completely reimagined for Jocelyn, functions as a gathering hub. Michael's custom-designed 'man cave' offers personal space. Furniture from Timeless Design throughout the residence provides durability without compromising aesthetics. Don't miss: Private islands and wealth: How 6 tech and business leaders built their secluded domains Photo 1 of 3 Monolithic limestone island with integrated sink complements pale oak cabinetry in this minimalist kitchen Photo 2 of 3 Minimalist kitchen featuring premium veneer cabinetry and brushed metal fixtures in Penang waterfront home renovation Photo 3 of 3 Bespoke kitchen cabinetry featuring slatted wood details, integrated recessed handles and artisanal vessels against travertine backsplash Environmental considerations extend beyond natural lighting. 'We sourced eco-friendly materials, such as Lamitak laminates with Singapore Green Label certification, to align with sustainable practices,' said Chuah. Read more: 9 greenest skyscrapers in Asia Photo 1 of 4 Contemporary bedroom sanctuary with bespoke wood panelling, integrated storage and sheer drapery maximising natural light Photo 2 of 4 Minimalist home office corner with floating shelves, ceramic vessel and natural light optimizing the neutral palette. Photo 3 of 4 Light-filled workspace featuring a bleached wood desk, a contemporary dome lamp and custom joinery Photo 4 of 4 Bleached wood wardrobe with recessed handles and limestone-lined display niche showcasing dried floral arrangement in master suite entryway For Chuah, whose Nevermore Group is among Penang's established design studios, the project's success manifested in the family's response. 'The most rewarding moment was witnessing the family truly embrace their new space—the children delighted by the pool and outdoor areas, the wife beaming in her stunning new kitchen, and the client proudly enjoying his personal man cave,' he said. 'It brought us immense satisfaction knowing we had delivered not just a project, but a home tailored to their dreams.' NOW READ Feng shui tips for pet owners: How to harmonise your home energy with your furry friends Home tour: Malaysian indoor-outdoor home blends concrete design with African influences Inside the world's most extraordinary art homes: 5 residences where architecture serves priceless collections Credits Photography: Bricks Begin Best of Tatler Asia video highlights Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
