Eco travel doesn’t always necessarily involve a backpack, and there are certainly ways you can put your feet up without having to go completely off the grid. In many local island communities, eco luxury resorts have actually stepped in where local governments couldn’t; conserving endemic species, supporting ethical local trades, and educating the local communities. I want to do a round-up of the best eco-resorts in South East Asia, not just for their picturesque poolside aesthetic, but also for everything these resorts have done to conserve the tropical islands they call home.
EL NIDO RESORTS, PHILIPPINES
Located amidst the natural limestone cliffs and lagoons of the Philippines’ beautiful Palawan region, El Nido Resorts is a group of four island properties with sustainability at its core. Each island has its own unique personality that explores a different aspect of island Eco-tourism. Apulit is an Eco-adventure island with a variety of thrill-seeking nature activities on offer, while Miniloc is an Eco-discovery island where you can learn about Palawan’s ecology, and even swim with giant Jackfish. Lagen is an Eco-sanctuary island nestled in a four hectare lush forest, while Pangalusian is an Eco-luxury Island, with its own seven hundred fifty metre white beach.
TONGSAI BAY, THAILAND
At Tongsai bay, all wildlife is protected. The resort is home to monitor lizards, monarch butterflies, dolphins, and a total of sixty-seven different bird species. In fact, their green policy dictates that no plant or tree may be cut down without permission. This policy encourages wildlife to the hotel, making Tongsai Bay the perfect sanctuary for both travellers and local indigenous species.In addition to this commitment to wildlife conservation, the hotel also has a number of note-worthy sustainable practices. They have replaced all plastic straws with lemongrass, produce their own natural cleaning agent with local fruits and vegetables, as well as offer a completely plant-based menu. It is no wonder why Tongsai Bay’s environmental credentials are so substantial, and why it has led the way for Koh Samui’s ecological preservation.
PHUM BAITANG, CAMBODIA
The Phum Baitang is sustainability at its finest; a green oasis deserving of its name. The resort is equipped with an autonomous water treatment facility, which provides guests with fresh and drinkable water throughout the year. They have also replaced all plastics with reusable Glosch-top purified bottles, and have banned fuel powered vehicles in and around the resort. The Phum Baitang also takes the farm to table concept to another level by serving locally farmed “Sen Kro Ob” rice among other herbs and vegetables. All of which are grown on site in the resort’s paddy fields. Guests are encouraged to immerse in the local community, with the unique opportunity to interact with the local farmers. Helping them understand the farming culture of Cambodia; and learn more about rice cultivation and processing. All this and more make the Phum Baitang a truly unique retreat, right in the heart of mystical Cambodia.
Anima and Amare offer luxury interior design and the brainchild behind the brand is Hannah Soulsby, the director, a visionary and interior Architectural Designer. Hannah has been on a real journey since launching the brand, having experience imposter syndrome and had to overcome her own limiting beliefs to be where she is today.
A true inspiration, Hannah is a force to be reckoned with and a name that should be on everybody’s lips in the world of interiors. We couldn’t wait to spend some time with her to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead to you launching Anima and Amare…
It started back in summer 2016 and moved quite fast. After working in high end residential for many years I was offered the opportunity to freelance on a restaurant design in Great Wishford, Salisbury it had a lot of media attention due to being the only pub in the village to shut down & a family run business of a mum and two sisters took it over and needed a designer to implement a design and project manage the renovation and Walla they found me.
Once completed I was offered a job within a leading hospitality design firm but pretty quickly realised I was ready to risk it all and go it alone. So one Tuesday afternoon I came home from work a told my husband I was quitting my job to start my own business, little did I know he was having a mini heart attack whilst smiling and supporting on the outside, as only he knew that in 3 weeks’ time we’d be starting to plan and save for a wedding.
The first year I worked my but off and actually would clean a local private hospital from 4:30am – 8am to ensure I always had regular money to pay the bills and then get home have breakfast and start working on my business till late at night.
And if I wasn’t busy enough, I was offered the opportunity to guest speak for a local university offering professional knowledge and guidance to students. This role developed hugely and after a lot of hard work and determination I am now an Associate Lecturer & unit leader to over 5 modules 3 years on.
You have worked on some amazing projects over the years, which one is your proudest work?
Hmmm this is a hard one they all have a lot of pride attached to them.
I’m going to have to give more than one I’m afraid …
The first was when I was working for another firm it was a famous chef’s restaurant in Mayfair this stands out for a number of reasons but the main being it was the project that made me realise I was ready to go it alone. If I hadn’t worked on this maybe I wouldn’t have started my business!
The second was Nousha Lounge a coffee & cocktail bar, to this day I walk in and the design blows me away the clients really did let me have free reign to come up with a scheme. I took risks and it paid off implementing large amounts of black can seem daunting but with accents of gold it really does look stunning.
And finally, a grade 2 listed building in Southampton ‘The Royal Pier’ this one was a real pinch me moment it had a two day media launch and although took a long time to get to completion the final outcome was worth the wait. This was a building I used to drive past when first at university In my 20’s (please don’t calculate how old I’m getting) & say to myself I’d love afford to eat in there one day as well as thinking to be able to design a building like this would be the interior design dream and only then I will know I’ve made it within the industry, I remember it as clear as day. Never did I realise it would happen so soon.
It’s not until you look back you realise how far you’ve come.
Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?
Unfortunately, yes! Two things stand out the most.
One: I wasted so much money on advertisement in my first year I felt if I needed to be seen in order to get work, I needed to advertise in the prestigious magazines and advert sources. I did not receive one job from one single advert I had posted, all my work came from word of mouth, and recommendation’s & people searching me through the internet.
The second thing I would change was my confidence, I had just come from 7 years working in high profile companies working on multiple large scale projects managing from concept to completion, yet when I started by myself, I didn’t give enough credit for my worth. It was as if I felt because I was starting a new business, I was starting a new career and I really wasn’t.
Have you ever heard of the Imposter syndrome? Always feeling you’ve got somewhere by pure fluke rather than earning it and deserving it? Well that was me I did not value my knowledge enough and I was losing out on money by not pricing my services high enough. My passion for design would take over and I suppose this leads on to a third thing, I would shout about my accomplishments & projects far more as well as remember to take photos. I would always worry about coming across arrogant or appear to be boasting so I would quietly move on to my next project.
In five years’ time, where do you hope to see the brand?
I am currently re-branding so by then we will have shiny new website logo and style hopefully that will be in 6 months and not 5 years.
This is a really hard question for me to answer because every day is a new opportunity. You never know what project will land on your desk and in what direction it will take you, which is the best thing about my industry you can never get bored. What I do know is that we will have expanded with lots more High-end projects on the books, and we are currently working on introducing yacht Interiors into the fold after receiving a number of requests.
I eat, live and breathe my industry and have a lot to talk about when it comes to Interiors and Architecture so to have a platform where I can talk about this on a regular basis is on the goal list within the next year.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
An average day fortunately doesn’t exist for me, I could not cope with the same routine day in day out which is why I love my Industry and running my own business.
I tend to wake up around 7:00am do the normal routine with my son. Sorry guys no “I get up at 6am go to the gym, do a session of Pilates followed by a celery juice all before work”. My David Lloyd membership card has been collecting dust at the bottom of my handbag for months now. On the days I am not Lecturing at the Uni I get in to my Office around 8:30 and pretty much work consistently the whole day however now with the new addition of a mini Intern hanging off my leg demanding to sit on my lap and smash the laptop. (I’m talking about my Son of course; no staff member has ever been quite that enthusiastic yet) I tend to work remotely where possible to help increase inspiration and new ideas. I’m a creative person so therefore need to be surrounded by creativity to be motivated. I will always when possible attend London showrooms and shows always ensuring I am update to date with all current suppliers.
What quote do you like to read when you are lacking motivation…
It’s not so much one quote it’s a serious, I am huge follower of ‘The Law of Attraction’ and what you put out you get out. When I am really lacking drive, I put on ‘Motiversity’ and William King Hollis videos on You Tube, all the great motivational speakers preaching really gets me going again and I always find after a morning listening I will somehow get a new project land my way. I’m all about the power of positivity.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your Bucket list?
Oh wow how long have you got?…. I’ve been extremely fortunate to see some wonderful places which were already on my bucket list such as Dubai, Yo Semite, California, Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia and so may more but my highlights and ones I extremely recommend would be Havana in Cuba, the absolute kindest people I’ve ever met and still in its original raw architectural state and not yet ruined by tourism, however I’d be quick they are starting to slowly put up new hotels on the waterfront.
Second, Vietnam but North Vietnam as far as you can go in a place called Sapa you cannot get more authentic and rural, high in the mountains where they still live from the land and work hard for everything, no next day Amazon deliveries here I’m afraid.
And finally the Philippines, I’m going back with my family for Christmas I spent a month travelling all-round the Philippines and I can’t get it out of my head how stunning it was so to be able to go back with my husband and son will be really special .
One thing on my bucket list I haven’t completed yet is whale watching in Vancouver Island, Canada in spring to hopefully see Orca, grey, Humpback and Minke whale. And finally, Lake Como in Italy, every year I say I’m going to go and yet I still haven’t.
How much has social media played a part in your business?
I would class my use with Social Media like a bad relationship, it’s all or nothing, I know it’s not really the best thing for me, yet I keep going back.
The @Anima_and_Amare Instagram account goes through waves of being updated and neglected. I am extremely bad at being consistent and uploading projects. Then when I have a day when I can finally relax, I will spend hours on it. I tend to use it for project research and inspiration more than anything. I wouldn’t say it had a huge impact on getting work but personally I do check out someone’s Instagram account before using them so I’m sure people do the same to me so actually maybe I should be a bit more consistent with the account. In terms of other platforms of social media, I don’t seem to use anything else other than Instagram. It’s very easy to get wrapped up in the social media world and I much prefer doing things my own way rather than comparing against others in my industry.
For anyone thinking about launching an interiors brand, what advice would you give?
I would strongly advise getting a proper degree related qualification and not falling into the trap of short courses offering you the chance to be an Interior Designer in 3 weeks or months. This industry is extremely large and has a lot to learn it’s not just pretty cushions as most presume, its building regulations, planning applications, structural alterations and project management, I am still learning to this day.
Get yourself industry experience in large practices first before going it alone.
Find yourself a business mentor this is something I wish I had done in the early days.
And finally just get yourself out there, there is no time like the present to follow your dreams you’ll never have enough money and there will never be the right time so why not start from nothing and watch yourself grow in to something.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
One piece of advice I found to be so true “Never judge a book by its cover”
I learnt this very early on in my business the most unlikely candidate can become your client so never dismiss someone because you ‘don’t think’ they will benefit you.
I can’t remember if anyone in particular has given me advice that has been a driving force. I’m quite a strong-minded person and try to figure things out on my own, I tend to give myself pep talks and advice (whether it’s good or not is debatable but I’ve got this far by myself).
However, one thing I do always say is “Never judge anyone for what job they do now, you never know what job they are working towards in the future. “I know this from personal experience with myself and many other great entrepreneurs who started from nothing. Hopefully if we all followed this advice the world would be a nice more accepting place.
The tourism industry is growing fast that might be putting an extra burden on your pocket. I personally believe that travel doesn’t have to be expensive but as the airfare is getting higher year after year, hotel prices are increasing very fast making the stay costlier. Is there any scope whether you get the joy of traveling to some awesome places and not getting broke?
While doing research to find out tourist places with the least expenses and I have come up with a long list. That has made me feel that I should have known to these places. I was amazed to get to know that the expense of one week tour is less than one month home expenses. To find out a few best options among these, I tapped into a handful of travel insiders to know their experiences to find out the cheapest and most amusing travel places around the world. From that list here are a few of them.
Thailand
Thailand is a beautiful country with wonderful beaches in the world. Air travel is also not much expensive and which is even cheaper from May to October. There are many hotels and resorts which will be your pocket-friendly. An expert at help with finance homework says you can book a stay in less than $10 in the city like Bangkok. If you want to go for a beach stay and you choose a camping option you need to spend only $3 for one person for a night, only. If you go to Koh Adang, you can limit your budget to 10$ for the entire day with meals and stay, while exploring beaches, waterfalls, and natural beauty. Tourism is one of the major segments in Thailand’s economy that is why Thailand government also promotes it by making the tourism available in affordable price even for a middle-class family.
Vietnam
Vietnam is known for its amazing beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities. This county is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. This is the only tourist place in Southeast Asia where you can happily live your day in less than 25$ a day. Night stat can be easily found in less than $10. A good meal would cost between $0.5 to $2. Street foods, bus travel, are cheap. Mike ruse an expert at do my statistics assignmentsuggests that one of the most popular ways to travel in Vietnam is through motorbike. This will bring out the cost of living even lower. Fuel is cheaper and traveling through own bike would save the transportation cost through taxies and buses.
India
India could be one of the best choices I personally prefer. The country has a lot more to offer at less expense. It is a very vast county with many states, famous for different cultures and tourist places. Spending an entire month in India feels like you have scratched the surface only. Mr. Mike a friend of mine, working at searchmetrics discount code has sent to India for a holiday trip stated that; the cost of living is not much. You can easily live a day spending $20 to $30, covering your 3 times meals, staying at a budget hotel, local transportation, and some amusements as well. Places like Kerala, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal, etc. are amazing places to visit within your restricted budget.
Cambodia
The list will be incomplete if I don’t include Cambodia. This is one of the budget friendly places I have ever known. Ruse a tourist says; visiting massive stone temple Angkor Wat would cost you much lower than your expectations. The average daily expense for a backpacker in Cambodia is around $35. But this can be reduced to $10 a day depending upon one’s expectations and style of travel. Meals in any exclusive restaurants can’t be more than $10 and overnight stay at hotel accommodation would cost no more than $3. For breakfast $2 to $3 is sufficient.
Philippines
Philippines are known for its beaches, sailing, and island hopping, the people and culture, scuba diving and snorkeling, the Banaue Rice Terraces, swimming with whale sharks, natural landscapes, etc. Places are less expensive in terms of tourism. Tourism is an important sector in its economy that is why the government does many things to promote tourism. This may seem unrealistic but an average daily expense in this country is $30 only. An overnight cost at a budgeted hotel would not cost more than $10. If you are comfortable with the roadside meal, use local transportation, using lodge or dorm then you can bring your daily expense to $20 to $25. Adventure activities like scuba diving are quite affordable rather beaches and sunsets are free to enjoy.
There’s no doubt that good skin, health and wellness comes from within. Periods of being busy or having fun can mean we don’t always eat a balanced diet, get enough rest or hit our weekly exercise goal which is why it’s good to get a little helping hand. Cutting edge, premium nutrition brand, Swiss Vitae offers a range of science backed supplements that support and improve health and wellbeing. House of Coco Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles caught up with founder, Peji Kanani to find out more about the brand that is taking the wellness market by storm.
What led you to set up Swiss Vitae?
I began my career in one of the world’s largest technology companies, specialising in bringing FMCG brands to market through tech solutions. Years of working in a high-intensity corporate environment began to take its toll on my health and in 2021, I left the corporate world to focus on my own health and wellness.
In pursuit of optimal health, my research led me to Switzerland, whose population is one of the healthiest in the world and to set up Swiss Vitae. As a brand we are committed to produce the highest quality, scientifically backed supplements. Our mission is to empower every customer with the ability to gain and maintain optimal health, from the inside out.
What sets you apart from other supplements on the market?
We need our nutritional support to be flexible, and what better way than to choose liquid vitamin and minerals. Our shots are developed in Switzerland and produced in a state-of-the-art GMP certified facility. Liquid vitamins take less time to break down and be absorbed. If your body struggles to absorb nutrients, a liquid vitamin is easier to take than pills or tablets.
Bioavailability refers to how an ingredient is transported and absorbed into the bloodstream. Some ingredients on the market are less bioavailable than others. Swiss Vitae uses hydrolysed marine collagen peptides which are so small they are absorbed faster and more efficiently into the bloodstream ensuring they get to work immediately with very little wastage. Liquid shots have almost 95% absorption into the body versus pills or powder which is around 30%.
Tell us a bit about Swiss Vitae and the range
The current product range consists of three products. Immunity is a multivitamin for everyone. It’s a blend of 20 unique vitamins and minerals to strengthen your natural defence and immune system to help you feel more energetic.
Weight Control stimulates fat burning and boosts your energy. The unique blend of l-carnitine, garcinia cambogia, corn stigma and chromium picolinate improves the body’s metabolism, counteracts the absorption of fats and can help the body from producing free radicals.
Marine Collagen improves your skin. Our liquid shot is 12 times more powerful than any gel or powder. Each shot contains 3000mg of hydrolysed type 1 marine collagen, 120ml hyaluronic acid, which means you will see results much quicker and faster with our formula than any gel or powder.
Collagen is trending right now, who should take it and why?
Collagen is a type of protein that gives structure to tissues such as the skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, organs, teeth, muscles, and blood vessels. Collagen accounts for 33% of the body’s total protein mass. As we age, our collagen supply naturally depletes. This can result in tired and dull-looking skin, which is prone to wrinkles, and limp, lifeless hair. Using only natural ingredients, our unique formula is proven to support healthier, better-looking skin. Our collagen shot contains marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and seven different vitamins and minerals for improved skin health.
How important is it to include a supplement in your wellness routine?
We are all putting our best efforts into living our best life. We know to eat a balanced diet, get a good night’s sleep and live as active a lifestyle as our body allows however it can be difficult to tick every single box, every day. Adding supplements into your routine is a great way to give your health that extra boost.
How do you know the right supplement for your needs?
Healthy eating is important, there is no discussion about that. Many people are healthy eating on a daily basis, but still lack vitamins in their diet. Only a small percentage of people consume 250 grams of vegetables and two portions of fruit daily. Therefore there is a good chance that you are also deficient in some vitamins and minerals every day. Taking a high quality, all-round supplement like our Immunity Shot will ensure you are giving your body a good boost of vitamins.
What are the ‘essentials’ when it comes to supplements (i.e. what should everyone be taking for optimum health)?
Everyone has a different lifestyle and at different stages of their health journey so there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Our essential product would be Swiss Vitae Immunity which is a blend of 20 vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system. Thereafter, it really depends on what your specific goals are. If you are active and looking to strengthen your joints and recover faster from workouts along with improving your skin elasticity, the collagen shot is a good option. If you are looking to reduce your body weight, our weight control drink which contains essential amino acids together with natural herbs will help you.
With stress levels rising and people looking for ways to boost their immunity levels and enhance their nutrition, wellness experts say this is the ideal time to introduce supplements into your wellness routine. Adding our easy-to-take supplements to your daily food intake and exercise regimen could go a long way towards keeping you healthy during pressured, challenging periods.
Do you have any top tips for people looking to boost their overall wellbeing?
A healthy lifestyle is important. If you take good care of yourself, you will feel better both physically and mentally. Time for yourself is key so aim to get a good night’s sleep, social contact and frequent exercise, as well as a balanced diet. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Swiss Vitae products are an easy way to incorporate positive healthy changes into your lifestyle. With one shot, you are all set for a new day.
What’s your vision for the brand?
Our vision is to inspire people to live healthy and happy lives. To realise that self-care is not a chore and that building good habits can be very simple. We expect further growth to come from the expansion of the product range and innovative product introductions such as sleep, anxiety, sexual well-being and recovery.
There is nothing more energising and restorative than a spa break; and with a year like we’ve had – we certainly deserve one.
They say that just the act of planning a holiday does wonders for your mental health, so even if we can’t hit ‘book now’ just yet – we’ve curated some of the most luxurious spa breaks in the world to inspire all of your future travel plans and hopefully restore a little bit of your wanderlust too.
The five-star Culloden Estate & Spa — flagship property of Hastings Hotels — has just completed a £750,000 renovation of its wellness space. The new spa now boasts a linear vitality pool with floor-to-ceiling views of the hotel’s breathtaking gardens. It also features a ‘Tylarium,’ which combines the benefits of both a sauna and a steam room. The Spa at Culloden has also revealed a new purpose-built facility called ‘The Hollywood Private Clinic’ which features a physio room and offers laser and advanced cosmetic treatments too. Not to mention, the hotel has also launched a Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea – which offers a delectable menu that would surely impress even the great Lady Whistledown herself.
A new Relais & Chateaux property, the Maslina Resort in Hvar Croatia is a mindful luxury oasis, further enhanced by the opening of its new ‘Pharomatiq Spa.’ The 650 sqm wellness space was designed with a ‘garden-to-skin’ concept that maximises locally-sourced herbs, essential oils and natural healing techniques.
The spa offers five treatment rooms including a sound healing room, fitness rooms, and activated LED light therapy showers. It also offers treatments by luxury skincare specialists L’aventure en Primitivance. In addition, all products are 100% natural and cruelty-free in-line with the hotel’s sustainable luxury philosophy too.
For those looking for a wellness overhaul, the Pharomatiq spa also offers the immersive ‘The Cure of the Adriatic Sea’ package, a four or nine-day programme which includes full-body assessment, mindfulness & movement sessions, and daily therapies tailor-made to suit each guests wellness needs.
Maison Pariente’s stylish Hotel Lou Pinet has just unveiled a new wellness partnership that adds more lustre to its already stellar Tata Harper spa. Ahead of its reopening on 13 May, the Saint Tropez hotel is welcoming Parisian beautician Martine De Richeville to offer her iconic ‘Remodelage technique’ to lucky guests. The treatment has been coined as the beauty world’s ‘secret weapon’ to a youthful and energised physique. It is non-invasive and releases the body’s cellulite strongholds and gets rid of toxins too. Perfect for ridding yourself of all your COVID-19 sins.
While Qatar is not yet open to tourism, there’s no reason we can’t pre-pre-plan an epic wellness getaway to a hotel that has been hailed as the ‘World’s Best New Wellness Retreat 2020’ by the World Spa Awards UK. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som is spread across 280,000 sqm within a private enclave north of Doha and promises a fully immersive and transformative wellness experience. We can’t wait to give it a try.
With the Caribbean well on its way to the UK’s green travel list, the Jamaica Inn should certainly be on your radar when booking your next spa getaway.
The property sits just east of Ocho Rios on a striking 700-foot white sand beach. Beyond the beach, it also offers plenty of relaxation at the Ocean Spa, where guests can enjoy treatments while hanging over the sea. One of the highlights is a new CBD Massage, which will certainly wash away all of your COVID-19-related anxieties. The hotel also has a digital detox philosophy and foregoes hi-tech amenities for Jamaica’s natural wonders – and we’re all for it.
The Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang is part of the world-renowned Zannier Hotels portfolio and was designed to pay homage to Angkor Wat’s ancient architecture. The Spa Temple has seven treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, yoga pavilion and 50-metre outdoor infinity pool. The treatments are all designed to help rebalance the mind and body and were inspired by the culture of the Khmer Empire. One of the highlights is the ‘Touch of Cambodia Massage’ which combines lime leaves and lemongrass with deep-tissue massage therapy to improve flexibility.
In 2016 Lizzy B started making products as a form of therapy. After failed IVF had left her feeling completely lost and she felt like such a failure. At the time, her stepfather had terminal cancer and it was devastating to watch him get so ill and pass away. It was a stressful few years to say the least but from these struggles, her brand B Loved was born.
Lizzy is not just inspiring, she is the the ultimate Bossbabe and her determination and drive is enough to kick even the most demotivated up the a**! We spent some time with her to find out more…
Tell us the journey that led you to launching your brand, B Loved…
I started making products as a form of therapy after failed IVF and losing my stepfather to cancer. I was lost in a sea of grief and a huge sense of failure. Making gave me something to focus on and using essential oils helped to lift my mood and bring a sense of calm and balance. I loved using the oils, but I wanted to make sure I was using them safely and effectively, so I did a 2 year diploma in aromatherapy and essential oil science. This inspired me further and took B Loved to a new level.
Your story is so inspiring, you turned a negative experience and channelled it into something creative.
What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome to achieve this?
Self-confidence! My confidence had been shattered on a few levels, so I had to build myself up again. Doing the right qualifications with the best aromatherapists and teachers in the business, ensured that I was ready to believe in myself. Knowledge is power and customers appreciate expertise.
You talk openly about issues with mental health, especially after working in recruitment. What does self-care mean to you?
I’ve learned that self-care is a package for me. Eating correctly, exercising, reducing my alcohol intake and taking time to read or having a bath with essential oils, getting enough sleep, these are things I need to incorporate into daily life to function as best I can.
I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself. Working in recruitment, I was very hard on myself and I never took a break. I have learned that taking time out each day is essential to being healthy and successful. You don’t burn out so easily when you make time for yourself.
Travel is also important to me. I have lived and worked in different countries and I need to travel to feel inspired and restored.
For any aspiring entrepreneurs just starting out, what advice would you offer them?
Have the courage but also have the work ethic. Work hard and don’t try to cut corners. Don’t try and jump on a popular bandwagon without ensuring you are 100% interested, committed and the most skilled you can be in that sector; consumers know when you’re busking it.
Be sure of what your brand represents. Learn as much as possible before launching. Understand the importance of publicity and networking. Opportunities rarely fall into your lap; you have to go out and get them.
Get your prices right. Don’t ask friends and family what your prices should be. They may not be your target audience. Ensure you are making enough of a profit once you have accounted for all of your costs. Nothing comes easily but hard work pays off. Be prepared to work incredibly hard and to create your own opportunities.
How did you had to pivot during 2020?
I haven’t been able to trade at markets and events, but I have done some brilliant online events which have really paid off. It’s been a case of changing how I do things but ensuring that I still do things rather than complaining that things are not the same.
I also do therapies and that has switched to online where possible. I have been teaching facial techniques via zoom which isn’t quite the same, but my clients are able to treat themselves and ensure they are getting some time for self-care. We’ve all had to adapt, and this has brought a new skill set to many which is very positive.
Looking back since launching the brand, what has been your biggest achievement?
Winning two awards early on was incredibly positive and reassuring! I sell products all over the UK, mostly online, that is pretty amazing to me as I do all the publicity myself. People are taking a chance by purchasing online as they can’t smell or test the products. But I always get great feedback and have loyal customers. I have learned a great deal about PR and marketing. I feel like I am constantly adding to my skillset which is perfect for me as I like to be active and learning all the time.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Ah so many. I love to travel too. I was supposed to be going trekking in Cambodia for the first time in October. Obviously, it was cancelled due to Covid, but I hope to visit in the future.
Kingdom of Wow! is all about embracing the art of slow. That moment of transition when you get home after a hectic day at work, kick off your shoes and then slip into Kingdom of Wow! wool slippers ready to unwind. Their products invoke a feeling of homely “hygge” that allows you to enjoy a little bit of everyday luxury.
“Hygge” (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of cosiness and comfortable pleasantness with feelings of wellness and contentment and it screams Self-Care! Here at House of Coco, we are all about that self-care life so when we stumbled across this brand, we couldn’t wait to find out more. We spent some time with their founder Godie van de Paal to discover more about their plans for the future and so much more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Kingdom of Wow…
As a diplomat in Shanghai, I dealt a lot with corporate social responsibility and the resistance that companies were facing in the supply chain when implementing this. I saw first-hand how it is nearly impossible for a small brand to influence the supply chain to implement more ethical production.
When the time came to move to Cambodia, I decided that I could use my experience and take the opportunity to create more responsible employment, while proving that responsible manufacturing is not more costly and should be the norm.
All I needed was a great product that was handmade and that I believed in. Enter our wool slippers!
Building a sustainable brand is top of your agenda, why is this important to you?
Sustainability for me is a concept of different elements: it’s about making a durable product in an environmentally friendly way, while also treating the people who make the products in a decent way.
I’m always puzzled when people applaud me for paying fair wages and offering a pleasant working environment. I’m not running Kingdom of Wow’s workshop any different than I would if located in a Western country: you treat your staff with respect, you pay them a decent wage, offer them benefits and run a compliant business.
We take pride in making high-quality products that last: I grew up in a throw-away society where everything is disposable. Nothing lasts anymore which puts a tremendous strain on the environment, on our finances, and in some cases our mental health. When I see my father drilling a hole with a 35-year-old drill, or make fresh juice at my parent’s place using the same juice press I used when I was living there over 20 years ago, I think: Yes! This is the way it should be! Products can be a bit more expensive if it means they last much longer.
As for our products, we only use top quality materials and continuously strive to improve. We recently moved away from manmade fabrics to using only natural materials such as bamboo. Our products are also biodegradable so when the time comes, they do not add to polluting this planet.
Who is your ideal customer?
Our ideal customer appreciates. They appreciate the time and dedication that goes into handmade products. They appreciate the value of paying slightly more for a well-made, durable product. They embrace the whole slow fashion ethos. For them, it’s simply not an option to buy garments at bottom prices, because vulnerable workers aren’t being paid properly.
Your company ethos is one to be admired, tell us more about the initiatives you support and how you give back…
We thought about how to approach this extensively. How can we give back in the best possible way? Being based in Cambodia there is no shortage of NGOs doing excellent work, the easy solution would’ve been to dedicate a part of our revenue to one of these. But we didn’t want to approach this from a “poverty-porn” styled marketing perspective: buy our product and an underprivileged child gets to go to school. Also, generally the revenue we make is reinvested into the business especially in the earlier years so there is little money to give. And with all the great work that is being done already, we felt we could do more by providing sustainable employment for local people.
Most businesses here in Cambodia are tourist-focused. A very unstable and seasonal market, which has sadly been proven more so in recent months. With many companies now out of business, we are one of the few still operational because we focus on export and established a stable brand. Most of our staff are the only ones left in their extended families generating an income.
As well as offering sustainable employment, we offer scholarships for staff who would like to continue to study. Our Office Manager started crocheting slippers and turned out to be great at administration. She now studies accounting part-time while gaining practical experience here. We also offer daycare for those with small children and provide small loans to purchase motorcycles and allow easier commutes.
In addition to looking after our team, we are also mindful of the environment so fund a tree nursery programme with conservation partners to help restore Cambodia’s tropical forests that have suffered from illegal logging. This is a great way for us to offset our business carbon footprint while having a very tangible impact on the country where we are based.
Do you plan on expanding the range in the future to offer other products, if so, what?
Absolutely! We’re serious about what we do and growing as a business is the best way to create more responsible employment and prove that ethical manufacturing is a good business model.
We started out making ethically handmade wool slippers and added a summer line of women’s and men’s espadrilles last year. We want to make quality products, so a lot of time goes into product development. At the moment, we are focusing more on incorporating zero waste projects into production (making brand labels from leather cut-offs for example). But in time we will add more models of footwear to our collections. And potentially venture further into the home décor with throws and other accessories. Any product that promotes well-being and adds a little bit more everyday luxury to the lives of our customers!
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do different?
Of course! Never trust anyone who says otherwise! But the key is to acknowledge what could have been done better and apply that to current operations.
As a start-up entrepreneur you basically do everything yourself. Some things you are good at, others you manage and the stuff you’re not so good at is often neglected. With hindsight, I would’ve invested in attracting expertise much sooner than I did.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I don’t think there’s been ‘an average day’ for anyone recently. However, these days I start my day with a nice stroll through our tropical garden, followed by leisurely breakfast with my husband and two young sons. Although I’m not exactly enthused with the current home-schooling requirements, I’m loving that we can enjoy breakfast together as a family without the stress of getting everyone out the door ready for school!
Our workshop is located next door to my home, so around 7:45am staff will start to arrive, often sitting outside eating their noodle breakfast. I spend most of my days working here. This helps me to stay connected to production and the lives of our team. It’s a cosy and tranquil setting with ladies crocheting and sewing while chit-chatting; dogs sleeping lazily under office desks and local customers coming in to buy products directly. At lunchtime, the whole team enjoys a free nutritious lunch together in our outdoor dining area and then we continue work until 5pm. There will be meetings, calls and brainstorms, often extending into the evenings – one of the downsides of living in Asia and a different time zone to our sales markets.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media is essential to most businesses these days. It has helped Kingdom of Wow! enormously to communicate our journey as well as our values and products to an international audience. It’s the perfect way for people to stay connected and interact with our brand.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
Elk nadeel heb z’n voordeel “There is an upside to every downside” This is a (rather bad) translation of a quote from famous Dutch football player, Johan Cruyff. Things rarely go as planned, especially as a start-up entrepreneur, but it’s key to not let it get you down, to roll with the punches and try to take advantage of whatever cards you have been dealt.
How has Covid19 impacted your business? Have you had to make any pivots to survive the pandemic?
Apart from some disruptions with logistics so far so good! We had to temporarily stop sales to some destinations as we can’t ship directly from Cambodia at present. And the costs of surviving logistical routes have increased dramatically. But we are very fortunate to not be dependent on local sales, with tourism at a standstill here in Cambodia. Also, with most of the world self-isolating in lockdown we have seen a spike in slipper sales! People perhaps embracing this slower pace and taking time to relax during these times.
The global recession will surely impact our sales negatively, which is very unfortunate especially as we plan to launch in the U.S. this autumn. But we remain positive and hope to make it through without too much damage.
What does self-care mean to you?
Well, it is essential for our well-being, but it often ends up at the bottom of our to-do list and I’m no different. Kingdom of Wow! slippers were designed with self-care in mind: to take off the restraint of footwear, allow toes to wiggle and freedom for feet to unwind. As a former diplomat running around in high heels and power suits, I know the daily strain we put on our feet and how important it is to allow these little centres of nerve endings some space! These days I mostly walk around barefoot, so that problem has been effectively solved! But many in colder climes don’t have this luxury.
Truth be told, I’m very much a product of my time and with children, work and social life, I often struggle to make time to practice yoga, go to the gym or read a book even. It’s hard to let go of the feeling that you need to be effective all the time and simply enjoy life in the moment. I can thoroughly enjoy an empty house and just sit down and appreciate the garden, allowing my thoughts to wander off. With the busy lives, we are all leading, I feel we need to be extra aware and appreciate the little things in life.
Dressarte Paris is the fashion brand created by Nathalie Neuilly. Not only is she well traveled (she puts us to shame, having lived across five countries), she also created her brand with an amazing unique selling point from the get go – to be the first sustainable, virtual atelier. She realised she must not be the only woman that struggled to get tailor made clothes, custom cut to their body size, without having to visit and this is when the company was born.
We spent some time with her to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Dressarte Paris…
I’ve grown up having my clothes tailored in an atelier run by my mum. I’ve always loved the idea of being able to design clothes, select fabrics and have the garment tailored perfectly to your body measurements.
However, I didn’t dream about a career in fashion, so I studied international business and politics in the Netherlands and France and then worked as a corporate auditor and consultant for a French company. When living in Paris I caught myself thinking quite a lot about designing clothes as I couldn’t afford high-end items that I really liked. When wearing clothes I was often asked where I bought them as they were truly unique.
I often heard from my women colleagues that they couldn’t find the clothes of their size or style. Although Paris is brimming with boutiques, it doesn’t make it easy to find a Perfect Garment. Thus, I saw there were other women like me who had no time to visit a tailor but wanted to have clothes customised and tailored to their body measurements.
Being fashion conscious and sustainable is at the forefront of what you do, why is this important to you?
The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries on earth and waste is at the very heart of fashion. The US has generated 15 million tonnes of textile waste each year for the past 20 years. The UK sent 235 million items of clothing to landfill.
In Dressarte we’re committed to reduce the waste caused by the fashion industry by creating custom-made & made-to-measure garments from up-cycled fabrics.
A few years ago not so many people talked about sustainable and conscious fashion. While bespoke clothing has always been one of the best examples of conscious and slow fashion, where the labour is very much appreciated.
We design clothes together with clients and produce unique pieces to clients’ body measurements in a family run atelier. As you might know, one of the main reasons for returning clothes online is the wrong size. By producing clothes according to clients’ body measurements, we eliminate this issue, which is great for clients and for the environment as well.
Before launching Dressarte I visited partners in Italy and noticed that the warehouses were full of fabrics. So, when producing clothes we mainly work with high-end sustainable up cycled and recycled clothes sourced from France and Italy.
Who is your ideal customer?
Dressarte woman is an achiever, she is confident and loves expressing her own style. To us every woman is ideal and we believe that clothes should be made to highlight her individuality.
How do you want people to feel when they wear your clothes?
Empowered. As you can see, the ethos of our brand is to encourage women to feel more confident by creating clothes they really feel like wearing no matter what the trends or other people are saying.
We all have different body shapes and sizes and it might be quite challenging sometimes to find clothes that fit well and meet our style expectations. So, we give clients a chance to get involved into the design process and order garments they would love and wear for years.
Are you planning on extending the range in future, if so, how? What are your plans for the brand in 2020?
We’ve recently showcased our sustainable wedding collection in the National Wedding Show in London.
Since Dressarte was launched online bespoke service has been extremely popular among future brides (and bridesmaids as well) who are struggling to find THE DRESSES that fit well and reflect their style and personality.
Everything starts with a simple questionnaire that clients fill in on the website indicating their preferences for style, fabrics, budget but also their body shapes as it will allow to offer the most suitable designs.
Once the form is submitted, Dressarte stylists and designers create sketches of unique beautiful dresses that can be tailored especially for a client in a family-owned ethical atelier.
What might seem like old school and super expensive, can be actually entertaining, fast and quite affordable.
How much does social media play a role in your business?
Since launching Dressarte, we’ve been very active on social media, mainly on Instagram. We were lucky to get support from different communities like @Instagramforbusiness who featured our brand. We’ve been quickly surrounded by sustainability-driven people as well. That helped us a lot to boost brand awareness.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I love travelling too! So far I’ve lived in 8 different cities across the world and travelled to more than 30 countries.
I’ve recently spent some quality time in Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand. It’s a great place to recharge and now I’d like to discover more this part of the world and visit Myanmar and Cambodia.
Japan is definitely at the top of my bucket list. I love discovering new cultures and I know that Japan has so much to see.
For any one aspiring to launch a company, what advice would you offer?
Don’t be afraid to start. It might seem that you don’t have enough experience or knowledge, but it doesn’t really matter as long as you keep doing what you love.
A lack of experience or knowledge doesn’t mean a failure, it means doing things differently.
Where can people find out more?
Our concept is online based and our website is the right place to learn more about us and start creating one-of-a-kind garments with us:
We’re also very active on social media, feel free to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Hands up if you’re already thinking about what to have made by Dressarte Paris? We know we are!
Harry and Meghan have really kicked off the conversation around unsustainable travel.
The pair are used to flitting around the globe on private jet – as many royals and celebs are. But after being called out on their luxe commutes, the pair has set about cleaning up their acts.
They now travel on commercial airlines and Harry’s even launched his own sustainable travel initiative called Travalyst.
Royals aside, travel lovers tend to be a pretty woke set of people.
We want to experience different cultures, fresh ways of thinking, and alternative sights, smells and tastes.
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Despite our desperation to trek hundreds of miles in order to see the sunrise from a different bed however, many of us wildly expand our carbon footprints during our travels.
After spending hours on a carbon-guzzling plane, we then continue to wreak destruction with our plastic bottled water buying and DEET mosquito sprays.
But it’s not hard to be greener on the road. We can still enjoy our beautiful planet without destroying it.
A really easy place to start is in reducing how much plastic you use on the move.
It’s not just the fact that plastic doesn’t biodegrade; plastic pieces attract cancer, hormone-disrupting, diabetes-causing chemicals the longer they stay in the sea. And that plastic then enters the fish we eat, the water we drink and the salt we use.
And that bioaccumulation of plastic – the fact that it’s getting into our food chain – should freak us out. You can cut a huge amount of your own exposure to it going vegan… but you’ve still got to drink water and use salt for seasoning.
Meanwhile, according to a report by Luggage Hero, Brits rank #1 in Europe and #3 in the world for highest carbon emissions from air travel. We produce 27.39 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year – just behind the USA and China (two much bigger countries).
Don’t fret; you can still travel without burning the world to the ground.
So, here are a few tips sustainable globetrotting:
1. BYO keep cups and refillable bottles
We’re getting used to handing our bamboo cups over at Pret for our midweek lattes or using a S’well bottle down the gym, but how many of us remember our keep wear when we go on holiday?
Loads of airports now offer water fountains to fill up after going through security, while all-nighter street coffee chains will give you free tap water.
On holiday, drinking coffee in a street-side cafe is a total luxury. Stop, enjoy and drink from the crockery provided. If, however, you have planes or trains to catch, whip out your trust keep cup and save on the plastic.
Try a S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug (£30, Amazon) which can keep drinks cool for 24 hours or hot drinks hot for 12.
2. Pack water purifying tablets
When you’re travelling somewhere super exotic, it can be tempting to rely on bottled water. After all, no one wants to risk spending their holiday staring down the inside of a toilet for the sake of a drink.
But you can buy water purifying tablets which take all the nasties away.
One tablet purifies one litre of clear water; simply drop one in and give it a shake. Wait for 30 minutes and you’re good to drink, cook, clean your teeth, wash food etc. Just remember to avoid any water that looks cloudy or muddy – or doesn’t come from an actual tap.
Purify your evening water before you leave for the day and stick it in your fridge, and purify your morning water before you go to bed – then you’ve got a constant ready-made supply.
Try Boots Micropur Water Purification Tablets Extra Strength (£7.99 for 50 tablets, Boots)
3. Travel slower
We’re always in a desperate hurry to get to places but half of the joy of travelling is in the journey rather than the destination. Going by land is also a lot more carbon-friendly than traveling by air.
Wanting to explore Europe? Try interrailing. Want to see America? A Greyhound bus will take you all over. Asia has incredible, old railways that are worth seeing.
There’s life outside of air terminals – travelling slower will make the ultimate destination even sweeter.
4. But if you have to fly, say yes to non-stop flights
Journeys with stop-overs may be slightly cheaper but flying non-stop reduces the amount of CO2 and energy emitted because planes aren’t having to take off more than once.
25% of fuel is consumed during take off – once you’re airborne, the plane actually becomes way more energy efficient.
It also means you can get stuck into the inflight booze trolley without worrying about having to get off any time soon…
5. Choose green airports
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What makes an airport green? Well, some have pretty extensive recycling schemes, sustainable building designs, reduced noise pollution, and emission controls for airport vehicles.
Boston Logan International, Zurich, and East Midlands Airports have all been recognised for their environmental efforts.
6. Pack lighter
It’s a tall ask for most of us but it is worth taking a capsule wardrobe rather than a million different dinner dress options – and not just because it’ll help you avoid any excess charges.
The more your baggage weighs, the more the plane has to carry – making it less carbon-efficient.
7. Choose fish-friendly sunscreen
An estimated 14,000 tonnes of suncream ends up in the ocean every year as a result of us slapping on the factor 50 and heading out for a refreshing dip.
While being sun-safe is obviously a good thing, not all SPFs are equal in the impact they have on the environment.
Many are packed with chemicals that poison coral reefs and fish populations.
Avoid products that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, and look instead for mineral-based SPF formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Try creams like REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 Mattifying Broad Spectrum Face Suncream (£30, lookfantastic.com) which is vegan, cruelty-free and totally free of chemical nasties – all while boasting pollution-resistant properties.
8. Try a plant-based adventure
Going vegan is one of the best things you can do for the planet. If you can’t face a life without Brie however, why not just commit to plant-based life in the run-up to your travels?
Alternatively, try setting yourself a challenge of being vegan for your next trip. Loads of us end up eating pretty boring stuff when we’re travelling (meat and veg…seafood and salad) but apps like HappyCow and TripAdvisor are bursting with veggie-friendly recommendations all over the world. Chances are, you may start exploring areas more if you’re not tempted to nip into the first bistro you come to.
Remember too that not every country has the same animal welfare standards when it comes to meat and dairy so if you are concerned with how your dinner died, you may want to opt for a safer, plant-based option.
9. Borrow what you don’t already own
We consume way too much these days – with much of what we buy ending up in landfill.
Rather than buying new stuff before you jet off, see if you can borrow items from your mates. Going trekking but don’t have a suitable backpack? Why not put a shout out on social media to borrow someone else’s? You’ll be saving cash and energy for something you may only use a few times at most.
10. Go the path less travelled
Over-tourism has become a massive problem in certain parts of the world.
While many countries rely on tourism for their economy, the holiday industry has destroyed some areas by pricing local renters and business out, log jamming narrow roads with tourist vehicles and scaring wildlife away.
Thailand’s Maya Bay (made famous by The Beach), for example, has been liked to New York’s Time Square due to the numbers of people turning up – desperate for the perfect Instagram. It’s now been closed in a bid to preserve what’s left of it.
Venice is the front line in the battle against over-tourism in Europe – a sinking city which sees 25 million visitors a year. By 2025, experts believe it’ll be receiving 38 million tourists annually.
The solution? Go to lesser-known places.
Instead of Venice, try somewhere like Slovenia. Skip Bali for Raja Ampat (also in Indonesia). Instead of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, visit Myanmar’s Bagan (a complex of 2,200 temples).
In an ideal world, no one would fly and we’d all be content with going off-grid for months at a time. But time is precious; we don’t want to waste what little time we have on this planet not seeing as much as possible – and sharing our treasures.
Being greener is all about doing what we can.
While there’s no such thing as ‘offsetting’ carbon emissions, you can commit to making small changes like being more conscious about the products you buy and their impact on the environment or reducing your luggage load.
When it comes to luxury hotels and resorts, the devil is in the detail. From antiques shipped to Vietnam via Camden market to legends and stories that give depth to the experience, designer Bill Bensley has taken classic hotel design and tripped it on acid. You may think you’ve seen it all after visiting one of his properties, but escaping to one of his newest creations such as JW Marriott Emerald Bay (Phu Quoc) will make you rethink what it is to experience five-star-luxury all together.
But what kind of designer can build a brand new hotel and make it look like identical to a 1920’s University? With no limitations when it comes to fun and clients with blank chequebooks, Bill Bensley has thrived in the luxury market and made quite the impact. This kooky and fearless interior designer has his name to some of the most exclusive and well-appointed resorts around the world. From Bangkok’s most instagrammable hotel, The Siam to his exclusive six-star Bensley Collection villas at Shinta Mani (Siem Reap) his heart is most definitely in warmer climates. Originally from the USA, his creative hub is a mere stones throw from The Siam in downtown Bangkok. Fortuitously for us, our Travel Writer, Jenna was more than happy to hunt down three of his most exciting designs in South East Asia and even grab ten minutes with his unique mind. That was before he set off to work on one of his countless projects however…
JC: I have absolutely loved exploring your designs in South East Asia. I even described staying at JW Marriott Emerald Bay as ‘Disneyland for adults’ as every square inch of that place is entertaining and intriguing. Just how do you convince corporate hotel chains to take on such elaborate design concepts?
BB: Ah the D word! I love it. It has a such a great connotation for well done hospitality but so many look down their noses at the name Disneyland. I grew up next to the park. Born the same year it opened in 1959. My entire village worked there. There are thousands of theme parks around the world all Disneyland wannabe’s. But in the hotel world, the D word is still the D word. It should not be.
I have been designing out of the box hotels for some time now so I know what buttons to push for to keep the corporate suits happy. If the hotel functions efficiently and is easy to maintain, that is half the battle. All hotel chains know we can tick that box, so it really up to me to convince the investor go the extra mile. As our hotels are financially successful this just gets easier.
JC: As all of your designs are so unique with their own legends and stories, what inspiration do you call on to continuously invent?
BB: I think that it is important to let the story grow naturally from the place that we are building. In almost all corners of the world, there are unique stories sleeping just under the surface that one just needs to dust off. As a romanticist, I find a great deal of possible material in the history of a place. I am an avid reader, and when I visit a new place or a new site for a hotel I load of the truck with as many books as I can possibly manage to become familiar with my newest infatuation. I will ALWAYS visit all of the surrounding places of worship…. Mosques, temples, chapels, churches, monasteries….. as these are the places that, historically, are the vaults of man’s design energies.
JC: Alongside taking inspiration from the natural landscape and history of a venue, what would you say is your ‘calling card’ in all of your designs?
BB: Good question as I don’t really know myself. I strive to make each and every project totally different from the next as my clients NEVER want to have a photocopy of the last project nor would I ever dream of giving them one. Once you start repeating yourself in the design world you are dead. If I had to answer directly I would say it was an element of surprise, and a quirky layering of unique interesting objects … to enhance my telling of stories.
JC: Just how do you find the energy and time to collect all the unique objects of art and quirky furniture for each property?
BB: Well, you know what it does not take too much energy to get out of bed and do the thing that you love to do. I love shopping. Not in malls, or in boutiques, (I could not care less about the latest fashion for myself but in fairs filled with antiques, junk stores, markets, art galleries, and you know why? because you can learn so much first hand about how the world used to operate. I love the Victorian era as they had an invention for every possible use. Most of it absolutely useless today, but beautiful, none the less. I romanticize about the time when people had the time and energy to make beautiful objects with their hands. I actively seek out craftsmen today that make unique products, by hand, to our specifications to adorn our hotels. And I am currently filming a TV series of 13 episodes that explores, each week, a lost craft and craftsmen and their specific contribution to my hotel project.
JC: I am so excited to see this series as the staff at your designs were buzzing about being featured! Shinta Mani Bensley Collection (Siem Reap) in particular. What excites you the most about one of your newest projects – Shinta Mani WILD?
BB: The fact that we are taking a neglected part of Cambodia that sorely needs help in that it is over logged and over poached for the wild animal meat trade and we are bringing this to the forefront. And by doing so we are building alongside of Wildlife Alliance and National Geographic a private army backed by the Cambodian Government to seriously enforce the laws against illegal poaching and logging. My wish is that one day that people not only visit Angkor Wat but come to the Cardamon Forrests to see the raging sisters (waterfalls) and the vast estuaries, the mountain tops, and help us protect what is left of SE Asia’s greatest wild asset long after I leave the gorgeous world.
JC: I honestly fell in love with Cambodia during my trip, as the temples were wonderful, but the people were even better. It surprised me just how humble and happy they were with so little, and it made me quite emotional! How do you upkeep your kooky, positive and carefree attitude in such a demanding role?
BB: It is about defining the role. If it is no fun, don’t do it. Positive? If my clients take on a “demanding” tone then I would shy away, as there is no room in the creative process for negativity. Having said that, all my projects are owned by great like-minded carefree owners that enjoy the incredibly fun process of building a hotel or two. Kooky? Well that comes naturally!
JC: After Cambodia, I flew to Bangkok for a few crazy days and a stay at one of your gorgeous creations – The Siam. After living in Bangkok for so many years, what is your favourite element of South East Asian culture?
BB: My Thai husband of 30 years. He is a cultural icon! 2nd? I love vernacular residential and religious architecture of se asia as it a great source of inspiration. These cultures in asia have had hundreds of years to perfect the use of local materials to make dwellings that adapt so well with local weather patterns and other idiosyncrasies, but we as a modern society rush to throw what we know out to live the dream of the west… The vernacular will make a strong return sometime in the future as something innovative when we all have forgotten what really makes sense.
Bill Bensley’s new series ‘ESCAPISM’ is coming soon so keep your eyes peeled. His full collection of hotel designs and projects can be found at bensley.com.
The Siam Bangkok – Suites start from 18,900.00THB/ Night with daily breakfast included.
Shinta Mani Bensley Collection – Private Pool Villas start from £617 GBP / Night including Butler service and daily breakfast.
JW Marriot Phu Quoc Emerald Bay – Resort View (Rue De Lamarck) Suite’s start from £397.38 / Night including daily breakfast.
Shinta Mani WILD – coming soon.
Read about Jenna’s full South East Asia trip in The Islands Issue coming in December.
