Pack your bags, it’s time for some gallivanting. Renowned architect and interior designer Bill Bensley has teamed up with leading luxe and intrepid Asia travel designer Remote Lands to create The Bensley Trail – an exclusive new expedition taking place next February.
This extraordinary 14-day itinerary will take just 16 lucky guests on an unforgettable journey through Southeast Asia – with pitstops including Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.
At each location, travelers will enjoy opulent accommodation in four of Bensley’s most iconic resorts – each one a truly magical experience that brings the destination to life.
Experience a deep exploration of each country, including immersing in nature, adventure and astounding natural beauty, marveling in the culture and of course, indulging in authentic regional cuisine.
“As a client of Remote Lands, I am honoured to be working with them on this journey to showcase some of my favourite works of hospitality in these incredible destinations,” said Bill Bensley.
“I am passionate about conservation and helping folks and animals in need, and my inspiration in developing this trip was to use hospitality to help people that need it in a sustainable fashion.
We will be working with the Shinta Mani Foundation, which aims to enhance the lives and livelihoods of people in the communities where they operate, to help families in a rural Cambodian village, providing quality water, a hospitality school and youth dentistry programs.
Our hope is that this trip will educate and inspire, while providing remarkable experiences in incredible places.”
There’s no backpacks and buggies involved n this expedition- all touring is private. Each guest or couple will have their own private car and driver, as well as a guide for all airport transfers and touring.
Here’s what’s entailed:
1 Rosewood Luang Prabang
Start with a stay at Bensley’s Rosewood Luang Prabang resort, where travellers will get the chance to explore Laos and interact with elephants at the MandaLao Elephant Sanctuary, as well as cruising downstream on the Mekong River and enjoying a temple walk with Rosewood’s resident Buddhism expert.
For a cultural immersion, guests will also get the chance to participate in a farm-to-table cooking lesson at Rosewood, receive a blessing at the Wat Mai monastery, discover the cultural sites and attractions of Luang Prabang, participate in an alms giving ceremony, and stroll the Hmong Night Market, shopping for textiles and other handmade creations.
2 Bensley Collection
After departing Laos, participants will then make their way to Cambodia where they will stay in two different Bensley Collection properties, including Shinta Mani Siem Reap, a lush, Art Deco-inspired private villa resort which offers a serene oasis in one of Cambodia’s most exciting towns.
It was also include the new Shinta Mani Wild, a 15-tent luxury adventure camp in the heart of the Cambodian jungle which plays a vital role in protecting a small part of Cardamom National Park.
As part of the collaboration with the Shinta Mani Foundation, a portion of the proceeds from this trip will go towards building a water well in the name of each guest in a remote Cambodian village.
In Siem Reap, highlights include exploring the iconic Angkor Wat; visiting the rural Cambodian village where the water wells are being built to meet the families whose lives have been impacted by these generous donations; enjoying a private temple dinner complete with gourmet Khmer cuisine and taking a private helicopter tour over Angkor and Siem Reap.
3 Shinta Mani Wild
Next, the group will head to the wilds of the Southern Cardamom National Park. The experience will be paradise for adventure, nature and design lovers alike, beginning with an incredible zip-line arrival experience to check in to Shinta Mani Wild in style.
With an endless list of immersive experiences including Jeep safaris, motorbiking, boating, indigenous cooking lessons, visiting the naturalist’s research centre and viewing wildlife, there’s plenty of things to tick off the bucket list.
Those looking for downtime can enjoy the Boulder Spa, indulge in incredible alfresco dining and kick back at a mobile cocktail party in Shinta Mani Wild’s Land Rover Bar: a WW2 vehicle reimagined as a portable, playful bar.
The group will next head to Thailand’s metropolitan capital Bangkok, where they will enjoy an exclusive soiree at Bill Bensley’s private home and an exclusive hard hat tour of Bensley’s latest project by the Chao Praya River led by Bensley himself- as well as the chance to explore the fascinating city.
4 Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
The itinerary ends in Danang, Vietnam for three days of beachside relaxation after an adventure-packed trip.
The final resort on The Bensley Trail is the Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, a whimsical realm spread across four levels – Heaven, Sky, Earth and Sea – taking advantage of the incredible vistas from the mountaintop and pristine beach.
Bensley was inspired by Vietnamese temples in his design and brought this idea into the resort in a light-hearted, innovative way.
Make it happen
Remote Lands’ The Bensley Trail expedition will take place from February 16 – March 1, 2020 and costs US$37,888 (approx. GBP29,125) per person based on double occupancy.
Includes daily breakfast and select meals, all ground transfers and flights required within itinerary, visas, all beverages including alcohol at select events. Excludes international flights, places limited to 16 guests.
How: Click here to find out more and make a booking.