Luang Prabang Luxury Hotels

BELMOND LA RÉSIDENCE PHUO VAO

One of our past traveler's favorite hotels in all of Asia. La Résidence Phou Vao is situated within the lush gardens on the small hill called Phou Vao (Hill of Kites) with stunning views over Luang Prabang, including Mount Phou Si, the town's central and sacred mountain, and the golden dome of the Vat Chamsi Stupa.

The beautiful gardens, plentiful with bloom of bougainvillea, palms, and frangipani frame the fabulous infinity-edge pool which affords more breathtaking views over the palm-filled valley below and out towards the distant mountains. The hotel offers 32 spacious rooms and two suites. All are furnished in a traditional style, using local materials such as rosewood and sumptuously finished in rich cottons.

There are plenty of public areas to lounge, all taking advantage of the view. Partly due to the hilltop location, Phou Vao is arguably the city's finest property over the Amantaka (below) and a relaxing enough setting to challenge your sightseeing plans. A past traveler favorite, and one of our top recommendations in the region.

AMANTAKA

Set within the town itself, minutes away from Mount Phuosi and other attractions, the Amantaka is one of the newest Amans. Although close to town, a short stroll away, it does not feature the fabulous views fo the Belmond up on Phuo Vao hill.

Accommodation

Amantaka offers 24 suites ranging in size from 70 to 120 square metres each. These include eight Suites, four Pool Suites, eight Khan Pool Suites, two Mekong Pool Suites and two Amantaka Pool Suites. Entered from louvered doors from the courtyard, each suite contains a spacious interior and exterior living area.

Suites

The eight suites each feature a king size bed positioned under a high ceiling. Facilities include a writing desk, table and chairs, chaise lounge and cabinet containing a private bar. The bathroom features twin vanities, a dressing area, shower, toilet, and separate island bathtub. The living and bedroom open onto an outdoor areas shaded by mango trees with lounges and large umbrellas. These amenities are available in all twenty four suites.

Pool suites

In addition to the high ceilings, king sized bed and other amenities offered in all Amantaka suites, the four pool suites also have access to a private pool located just beyond the room’s lounge.

Khan pool suites

Like the Pool Suites, the Khan Pool Suite features a private pool and outdoor lounge area. The eight Khan Pool Suites also offer a spacious lounge that overlooks the gardens of the central courtyard or a private outdoor area.

Mekong pool suites

Named for the river that influences all aspects of life in Luang Prabang, the two Mekong Suites feature spacious interiors for lounging, dining, and sleeping. Each Mekong Suite also includes a private pool.

Amantaka pool suite

The two stand-alone Amantaka Suites are surrounded by large verandas and offer generous living rooms and spacious outdoor areas including a garden, a private relaxation sala and a large pool.

Dining

Amantaka offers authentic Lao and French-influenced cuisine in a number of dining venues. The Dining Room provides an airy colonial ambiance while the Lounge Bar is the perfect spot for relaxing with a pre-dinner aperitif or enjoying a snifter and cigar. The breezy Pool Terrace is a casual dining spot and serves light meals all day. Private dining can be arranged in a choice of secluded locations around the property, as well as in the privacy of guests’ suites.

Aman spa

Amantaka’s Aman Spa features four self-contained treatment rooms, as well as steam and sauna facilities with hot and cold plunge pools. Treatments range from massages and facials to scrubs and wraps, all using organic products as well as local ingredients used for centuries in Lao therapeutic preparations. Massage oils range from the Champaca blend, mixing the fragrant Southeast Asian champaca flower with pomelo and tangerine essential oils, to the Floral blend featuring frangipani, jasmine, vetiver and patchouli essential oils. Other signature products include the lime and ginger or frangipani and hibiscus bath crystals and salt glow rubs.

Fitness facilities

Amantaka’s Fitness Facility overlooks the resort’s main swimming pool and houses a gymnasium and a yoga studio (offering private classes on request). A private tennis court is situated a short distance from the resort. Tennis partners can be arranged.

Library

A tranquil space in which to relax, the Library offers a wide range of reading materials in several languages and includes reference works on many subjects. Wireless Internet access is available.

The boutique and art gallery

A variety of Lao handicrafts and artworks are available for purchase including textiles from master silk weavers and works from local artists and hill-tribe communities. A unique collection of photographs on display gives insight into Luang Prabang’s rich culture.

ROSEWOOD LUXURY ENCAMPMENT

Luang Prabang's very small collection of luxury hotels has just added one more and it's a stunner. Located in an Untouched Natural Enviroment Minutes from Luang Prabang, the Rosewood is the town's newest luxury resort similar in style and amenities to the famed Four Season's Tented Camp outside Chiang Rai, in Thailand's Golden Triangle.

The remote hillside resort features two dozen one-of-a-kind suites and tents. Surrounded by a forest and situated on a hilltop, the resort also straddes a small river. The resort was designed by the famed Bill Bensley, an American architect renowned for his work on resorts int he region, includng the Tented Camp. For the Rosewood Luang Prabang, Bensley styled the resort on a Laotian hill station from the colonial period as a stylish expression of the romantic travels of the past. The resort's main dining and enrty space, Great House, for example, is modeled on the mansion of Auguste Pavie, a French explorer former governor of Luang Prabang. Elias Pertoft, Rosewood's GM states "Throughout each villa and room, we celebrate the other explorers that were with him on the Mekong Expedition back in the 1860s."

Indochina Travel comments: The resort's half-dozen hilltop tents are the recommended. Each of the 75-square-meter tents reflect the culture and design of one of the area's hill tribes, including colorful ethnic textiles and antiques.