Life

“My main purpose in life, besides having as much fun as possible, is to help the needy, to educate, help animals, and help the planet via conservation.” – Bill Bensley

Exotic artworks on the facades, monochrome tiles, soaring ceilings and vibrant artefacts; these details speak greatly of the man—Bill Bensley—who redefines luxury travel by incorporating designs that give back to the local community and connect guests to nature.

At the opening of Vietnam’s first and only Bill Bensley gallery at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, visitors will be able to experience the artist’s unique, outstanding masterpieces through his one-of-a-kind approach. 

Bill Bensley is the “Willy Wonka of Design”

Bensley paints in a fauvist style, bursting with beautiful bold colours, delightful forms, often a touch of humour and his trademark gift for storytelling. From elephants to historical artifacts, every artwork designed for luxury hotels has an underlying message of natural conservationism and is incorporated with elements of the local environment.

As the region’s most outstanding hotel architect and landscape designer, Bill “the odder, the better” Bensley boasts a repertoire of unquestionably impressive profile. The man behind some of the world’s most extravagant properties—Four Seasons Tented Camp Chiang Rai, Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott Phu Quoc and the Capella Ubud, to list a few—has brought life to over 200 resorts, hotels and palaces in over 30 countries to date. The Harvard graduate’s passion for art and the universe has evolved him into an ambitious teller of charming stories. His playful thinking, then and now, manifests as a powerfully positive force for a change.

With the existence of his remarkably paradigm-shifting architecture practice, he is indeed the epitome of success.

The Bensley Outsider Gallery features 50 of his original artworks

The word “Outsider” reflects his feeling of not being classically trained to be an artist. Because of that, he positioned himself (and his latest gallery) as an outsider in the art world. Yet, his paintings have the opposite effect. 

The Bensley Outsider Gallery features 50 colourful and bold artworks, including prints and paintings, which can be viewed and purchased by in-house guests and outside visitors alike. More than just a luxurious display of art, the gallery offers a unique interactive storytelling approach where they can hear the story behind each artwork through QR codes and YouTube videos. 

The gallery is a naturally lit pavilion in a cobblestone courtyard

Situated at the Sky Level of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, the stunning location offers a spectacular natural reserve of the Son Tra Peninsula, north of Danang City, Vietnam. Designed by Bensley himself, it is considered one of Asia’s most prestigious beach resorts. Once the resort has officially reopened, visitors will be able to visit the gallery from Wednesday to Sunday, and no appointment will be necessary.

Giving back to the community

Passionate about wildlife protection, Bensley will donate proceeds from his art sales to wildlife charities, including those dedicated to combating poaching in Southeast Asia. The featured artworks are available to purchase at a starting price of US$250. 

Photos credit: BENSLEY