Whether he’s designing a tented camp in the heart of the Cambodian jungle or reinventing urban hotels as engines of social impact, Bensley believes travel should leave places better than we found them.

At this year’s Skift Asia Forum, Bensley will take the stage to share what it really means to “push the boundaries” in 2025. 

Ahead of his talk, we caught up with him to hear his thoughts on the future of travel, the challenges that come with growth, and why imagination will always be his greatest tool.

What is your company’s vision for the future of travel, and how are you leading or shaping it? How is your organisation redefining the travel ‘experience’ in 2025?

When asked about the future, Bensley leans into the bigger picture. “While BENSLEY is not a company of fortune tellers,” he said, “I try to steer us in the right direction.” For him, that direction has always been rooted in environmental responsibility and social impact.

“Respect Mother Nature has always been a guiding principle,” he explained. A shining example is Shinta Mani Wild, his award-winning jungle camp in Cambodia that’s as committed to conservation as it is to luxury. “It has set the Asian standard for conservation and hospitality working hand in hand successfully,” he added. 

And it’s not just remote destinations that inspire change, he pointed to Shinta Mani Angkor and its philanthropic arm as proof. “The Shinta Mani Foundation is a good example of how an urban hotel (Shinta Mani Angkor) can, with imagination, affect thousands of lives positively.”

Travel across Asia is accelerating — but where do you see friction or slowdown?

As Asia sees a resurgence in travel, Bensley cautioned against mistaking volume for value. “Acceleration, or mass tourism, does no one any good,” he said. 

Instead, he advocates for a more thoughtful approach: “High-end, high-yield travel is the best alternative.”

How has White Lotus opened new opportunities for Southeast Asia to connect with global travelers?

For Bensley, the buzz around White Lotus is more than just a pop culture moment, it’s personal. “White Lotus is a wonderful BENSLEY cinematic portfolio. I am a friend and a fan of Mike White,” he said. And while he’s not one to chase the limelight, Bensley sees storytelling, both onscreen and off, as a powerful tool for spotlighting the region.

What does ‘luxury’ mean in 2025 — and how is that definition changing for your audience?

For someone whose work spans jungle retreats, royal residences, and beachfront escapes, Bensley’s take on luxury is simple and deeply personal. 

“Luxury, to me, is a very safe place in the wilderness,” he shared. It’s not about gold taps or thread counts, but about a sense of serenity, safety, and immersion in nature, something travelers are craving now more than ever.

What’s one big bet you’re making on the future of travel in Asia?

Bensley isn’t one to throw the dice. “I am not a gambler,” he said. “I work hard to make good things happen… and the best things happen over a lifetime.” 

It’s a philosophy that underpins his work: patience, purpose, and a belief that the best design, like the best journeys, takes time.

Hear More from Bill Bensley at Skift Asia Forum

Don’t miss your chance to hear from one of travel’s true originals. Join us in Bangkok and be part of the conversation shaping Asia’s next era of travel.