Frank M. Pfaller President HoteliersGuild Publisher
Embracing Nature as the Ultimate Luxury in HoteliersGuild’s DEEPERLUXURY EcoLuxNature Chapter
Celebrating Bill Bensley: King of Upcycling, Heritage-Conscious Design, and Conscious Eco Landscaping
Bill Bensley, a name that truly needs no introduction, stands as a beacon of innovation in sustainable luxury design.
We invite you to join us in celebrating his amazing Khao Yai Resort project in Thailand. Bill’s genius in repurposing heritage railcars into a unique, immersive experience showcases his dedication to heritage-conscious design.
An esteemed expert member of HoteliersGuild and CHC-Alliance partner, his gracious support for our DEEPERLUXURY cause exemplifies the perfect fusion of luxury and sustainability.
Let’s celebrate this incredible project and Bill’s unwavering commitment to our shared vision for the HoteliersGuild EcoLuxNature Chapter.
inspired by
visionaries
RAIDERS OF THE LOST TRAIN
Bill Bensley’s Masterpiece in Sustainable Luxury
Words by Frank M. Pfaller
HERITAGE CONSCIOUS DESIGN
His favourite aspect: "The fact that we breathed new life into garbage to create magic."
Vision & Mission
breathtaking Khao Yai National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—this resort isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a nostalgic journey that offers travellers an unforgettable escape.
Spanning 100 acres of verdant paradise, the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is a testament to Bensley’s genius. Amidst abundant trees and serene lakes, guests are treated to a host of enriching experiences, each touchpoint meticulously crafted to perfection. Bensley proves once again that when it comes to DEEPERLUXURY and innovative upcycling, he’s the conductor of an unparalleled hospitality experience.
The Power of DEEPERLUXURY
Sustainability is not just a buzzword for Bill Bensley; it’s the bedrock of his creative practice, influencing every decision he makes. At the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Bensley’s commitment to ecoconscious design shines brightly. “Khao Yai is just beginning to bloom, attracting visitors from far and wide,” Bensley notes. “Our focus on sustainability and conservation guided us to build according to the
principles in my white paper, ensuring we didn’t disrupt this naturally wooded haven.”
“This project is groundbreaking as it’s the first time a major hotel operator has embraced upcycling to this extent. I hope it sets a precedent, encouraging others to adopt significant upcycling and recycling practices, adding immense appeal and character to any development,” he adds.
DEEPERLUXURY
Bill Bensley’s Intercontinental Khao Yai Train Carriage Retreat
Hidden amid the verdant countryside, the series of retired carriages at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort exemplify Bill Bensley’s passion for upcycling and his commitment as an environmentalist. Reflecting the DEEPER LUXURY Eco Lux Nature ethos, the resort blends sustainability with opulence by transforming vintage railcars into a luxurious haven.
The resort features 64 guest rooms, including railcar suites and villas—offering options from bunk beds to
one-bedroom and twobedroom accommodations, all with stunning views of the landscaped garden. These classic railcars, adorned with a historic aesthetic and modern sensibilities, infused with Asian accents, set a new standard for eco-luxury.
With guest rooms starting at 34 square meters, the accommodations highlight breathtaking views, contemporary amenities, and spacious interiors, showcasing a seamless integration of sustainable practices and sophisticated design.
HERITAGE RAILCAR POOL VILLA
A TRAIN LOST in THE JUNGLE
What were some of the biggest challenges you were faced with to convert these carriages into fullyfunctional luxury suites?
“
Well... "fully-functional luxury suites" are about space for the most part, and these carriages are only 2.5 metres wide. So, our best suites are 2.5m x 30m... that was a challenge!
“
My love affair with trains college… I used to take groups summer from British Colombia, Vancouver train… It was a great job, I did that for three was just listen to people. If you just listen
FOUND by BILL BENSLEY& TEAM
“
trains started when I was in groups of old ladies coast to coast every Vancouver Island all the way to Quebec! On a three summers! They key to the whole thing to them, then everybody is happy.”
Why the train carriages, and how did you find them?
“
I
have always been a fan of upcycling and recycling - so repurposing train carriages was a dream come true. We found them all over Thailand. A couple of them had been sitting in a field for perhaps 50 years and, like Angkor Wat, Ficus trees had taken root on the roof and almost completely enveloped the carriage. While we had to remove much of the trees to pry the trains out of the field, I kept some of the huge root system as there is a certain beauty that comes with the idea of returning to Mother Earth.
At the InterContinental Resort, accommodations unique blend and modern luxury, tranquil embrace of landscape. From repurposed railcar suites and STYLE! - to elegantly the main building, thoughtfully crafted immersive experience essence of the golden while embracing comforts.
At the HoteliersGuild, luxury runs deeper than integration of history, environmental stewardship by this remarkable project.
SUITE CARRAGE LIVING
InterContinental Khao Yai accommodations offer a blend of historical charm luxury, set within the of Khao Yai’s natural repurposed heritage villas - BENSLEY elegantly designed rooms in building, each space is crafted to provide an experience that captures the golden age of train travel embracing contemporary
HoteliersGuild, we believe that no than the thoughtful history, imagination, and stewardship exemplified project.
Step Aboard Bill Bensley’s Train
The World’s Most Fascinatingly Unusual Train Carriage Retreat “
This project is groundbreaking as it’s the first time a major hotel operator has embraced upcycling to this extent. I hope it sets a precedent, encouraging others to adopt significant upcycling and recycling practices, adding immense appeal and character to any development.
What came first; the location in Khao Yai, or the train carriages?
“
The location - a stunning piece of land on the edge of Thailand’s most important forested national park. As a lover of nature and a conservationist it is always a thrill to work on sites like thisand a responsibility to do as little damage as possible. We had actually designed a complete hotel scheme when I was inspired by the architecture of a local King Rama V era railway station… I scrapped what we had and redesigned the whole thing, bringing in the idea of upcycling train carriages to really tell the story of an old station in Khao Yai.
SIT BACK & RELAX
BEDROOM SUITE DREAMS!
DINING
Discover the Dining Experience
InterContinental
Journey from Farm
A Culinary Journey
History and Sustainability
At the InterContinental Resort, dining sustenance; it’s through history, sustainability, refined flavors. From Somying’s Kitchen to elegance of Poirot and allure of Papillon and venue offers a distinctive Yai’s rich culinary heritage commitment to responsible
Somying’s Kitchen culinary heart the journey from celebrated in every indulge in a menu freshest produce, from the resort’s surrounding farms. vibrant, seasonal dining captures the essence rustic charm of Somying’s matched by its sustainable practices, perfect start to your
DINING DINING
Farm-To-Table
Experience at
InterContinental Khao Yai: A Farm to Table
Journey through Sustainability
InterContinental Khao Yai dining is not just about sustenance; it’s a journey sustainability, and From the freshness of Kitchen to the classic and the charming and Tea Carriage, each distinctive taste of Khao culinary heritage and responsible luxury.
Kitchen serves as the of the resort, where from farm to fork is every meal. Guests can menu crafted from the handpicked daily resort’s gardens and farms. This ensures a dining experience that essence of the region. The Somying’s Kitchen is commitment to practices, making it a your culinary adventure
DINING
Culinary Excellence
Love and Attention
The cuisine restaurants local dishes exquisite vegetarian, and vegan meals. customize their accommodate requirements diabetes, celiac food intolerances. tailored dining guests are requested the staff of their at the time Additionally, the weekly theme nights special dishes, dinners, and dinners, adding variety and excitement dining experience.
DINING
Excellence
Attention to Quality
at the hotel’s showcases fine dishes along with vegetarian, Ayurvedic, meals. Guests can meal plans to accommodate dietary requirements linked to celiac disease, and intolerances. To ensure a dining experience, requested to inform their dietary needs of booking. the hotel offers nights featuring tastings, ethnic candlelight adding a touch of excitement to the experience.
PAPILLON
A SYMPHONY OF CLASSIC FLAVOURS
After savoring the freshness at Somying’s Kitchen, step into Papillon, a beautifully restored train carriage bar where classic French cocktails take center stage. Designed by Bill Bensley, Papillon exudes elegance and offers a beverage menu featuring both signature and classic French cocktails, crafted with the finest ingredients. Here, simplicity of flavor is the guiding principle, ensuring each sip is a delightful tribute to French sophistication.
FINE DINING
POIROT
A TASTE OF THE GOLDEN AGE
For a more formal dining experience, Poirot transports guests back to the golden age of first-class train travel. Set within an upcycled railcar, this French restaurant offers an à la carte menu that features refined horsd’oeuvres, soups, mains, and desserts. Poirot’s ambiance and culinary offerings capture the timeless elegance and charm of vintage rail travel, providing a truly unique dining experience.
TEA CARRAGE
AFTERNOON ELEGANCE
Complete your culinary journey at the Tea Carriage, where traditional afternoon tea is served with breathtaking views of Swan Lake. This picturesque setting, housed in a heritage railcar, offers a selection of sweet and savory treats infused with local flavors. Enhance your afternoon tea with optional champagne or rosé wine pairings, adding a touch of luxury to your lakeside retreat.
An Artful Delight
An
Artful Delight
ICARRAGE
nspired by the surrounding beauty and the heritage the spa’s design invites reflection, providing from the everyday range of treatments nurture the body, mind, soothing massages facials to bespoke tailored to your individual
ON TRACK
THE SPA CARRAGE
surrounding natural heritage of train travel, invites tranquility and providing a serene escape hustle. Our diverse treatments is crafted to mind, and spirit, from massages and invigorating wellness journeys individual needs.
The Verdict
The InterContinental Khao Yai Resort by Bill Bensley offers vintage trains meets immersive, eco-conscious experiences. comforts of sustainable luxury, crafting a well-rounded haven
an unforgettable journey where the nostalgic glamour of It seamlessly blends the charm of historical travel with the
for the modern, responsible traveler.
Sharing your XXXX ECO L UX NATURE
The Roar
of
Progress: Supporting the Reintroduction of Tigers in Cambodia
In our commitment to meaningful conservation, DEEPERLUXURY proudly supports the Save the Tiger campaign led by Suwanna Gauntlett, CEO of Wildlife Alliance.
your passion ! XXXX
The reintroduction of tigers into the Cardamoms Rainforest is not just a win for wildlife but a beacon of hope for climate change, forest preservation, and indigenous communities. This initiative, backed by the Governments of India and Cambodia, and Wildlife Alliance, will see four tigers from India acclimatized in a 90-hectare enclosure before their release into the wild. Preparations include over 400 cameras, 16 ranger stations, and monitoring devices to ensure safety.
At HoteliersGuild DEEPERLUXURY, we believe such projects epitomize the ultimate luxury: a thriving planet where wildlife and humanity coexist. We stand with Suwanna and her team in their quest for a sustainable future!
Where Hospitalitarian Legends Shine
Uncover the opulence of the HoteliersGuild Hall of Fame nestled within the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel in Marbella, Spain.
COLL ABO RATE your passion !
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Step into a world where luxury transcends mere opulence - it's about sustainability and making a real difference.
he HoteliersGuild SIRIUSACADEMYAWRDS isn't just another showcase of laureates; it's a testament to our deeper commitment. With every page turned, you'll uncover the remarkable stories of our sustainability champions - those who embody our mission to secure funding for the next generation of industry leaders who deserve a chance to shine, while prioritising environmental responsibility.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to making a , and we couldn't have done it without the support of our curator, Lindsey Ueberroth, and our gracious member hoteliers and Their generous donations have paved the way for a brighter future in the hospitality industry.
Join us as we celebrate more than just excellence; we celebrate opportunity, equality, and empowerment. Together, let's make a lasting impact on the lives of aspiring leaders worldwide.
Compiled by:
CHC-CoutureHospitalityConcept
Publisher:
Frank M. Pfaller | HoteliersGuild
CHC-CoutureHospitalityConcept
Who we Are:
HoteliersGuild
HoteliersGuild is an esteemed consortium of elite hospitality leaders committed to elevating the luxury hotel industry. Through exceptional service standards, innovative practices, and a focus on education for underprivileged next-gen professionals, the Guild fosters excellence and inspires the future of luxury hospitality.
CHC-CoutureHospitalityConcept
CHC is a pioneer in luxury hospitality, seamlessly blending avant-garde architecture, culinary artistry, and innovative real estate development. With a global team of experts and a dedication to sustainable luxury, CHC crafts unique experiences that honor local cultures and environmental stewardship.
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