Amantaka
Amantaka was designed and renovated by renowned architect Pascal Trahan from 15 French colonial buildings dating from the early 1900's.
The reception area leads into an open-air French colonial mansion surrounded by shady verandas. Encircling the edge of the courtyard are 24 elegant suites, each entered through louvred doors. The spacious rooms are bright and airy with high ceilings, tasteful furnishings and a private outdoor sitting area.
The Pool Suites have private pools and the two special Amantaka Suites have their own exclusive spa treatment rooms as well as individual indoor and outdoor dining areas. The Aman Spa boasts superb treatments and in addition there is a tennis court and a yoga studio.
Why We Love It
The Dining Room at Amantaka has a simple mission statement - to be the best restaurant in Luang Prabang.
Belmond La Residence Phou Vao
Laos' first full luxury spa hotel, La Residence Phou Vao has a peaceful location just outside the city of Luang Prabang.
The spacious rooms and suites with private terraces or balconies and views of the forest canopy and distant mountains dotted with pagodas and stupas.
The large bathrooms are well stocked and have marble baths, and elsewhere the hotel is simply furnished and very elegant, with the emphasis on local styles and materials.
There is a large infinity pool, spa offering Laotian herbal steam therapies and massages, and a delicious restaurant.
Activities include cooking classes and local guided cycling tours.
Why We Love It
The hotel was renovated in 2002 from a previous hotel group's ownership, and most bedrooms were knocked through to create two where one once was.
Kamu Lodge
An eco-resort on the banks of the Mekong, with accommodation in luxurious safari-style tents with comfortable beds, solar-powered hot water, electricity, and private bathrooms.
Typical Lao meals are served in a restaurant set in the middle of rice paddies, with meals eaten sitting on floor mats and cushions gathered at low tables laid with banana leaves.
Under the watchful (and often amused) eye of the villagers, guests can try their hand at traditional fishing, rice farming, weaving and even panning for gold in the rich silt of the Mekong.
For the less active, massages can be organised on request.
Why We Love It
The lodge takes its name from the area's indigenous clan, the Kamu, and many of the activities from the lodge involve observing and partaking in the Kamu villagers' fascinating lifestyle.
3 Nagas
Housed in three UNESCO World Heritage site buildings, it's surprising the 3 Nagas hotel was ever allowed, but great for guests that it was.
The buildings were restored in 2003 in traditional Lao style but with contemporary touches.
The superior rooms and suites are in two of the houses, the Khamboua and the Lamache. Each room has wooded floors and furniture, traditional torchis walls and a large private terrace or veranda overlooking the bustling street or quiet gardens.
In the third building, the Les 3 Nagas restaurant serves Lao-French haute cuisine, or there is the open-air Mango Tree restaurant, serving Asian-Western fusion cuisine.
Why We Love It
One of the houses, the Lamache, was once home to the royal family and later (and bizarrely) an ice cream factory.
Anouvong
For peaceful cruises along the majestic Mekong River in Laos, step aboard Anouvong, the first of the Heritage Line vessels to cruise along this stunning waterway. Named after the Vientiane Kingdom's last monarch, King Anouvong, the boat features a traditional Laotian design, which has been expertly blended with an elegant French-colonial theme.
With only 10 cabins aboard the boat - eight spacious staterooms and two luxurious suites - this is a wonderfully intimate sailing experience. All feature floor-to-ceiling windows and open onto elegant French balconies or a private terrace, where you can relax and enjoy the pretty river views as you drift past.
During your stay on board, tuck into delicious food throughout the day from al fresco breakfasts in the morning, through to in-suite afternoon teas and open-air barbecues. For a la carte dining, take a seat in De-Lagrée Dining Hall, where you can taste traditional Laotian recipes, as well as other treats from around the world.
Elsewhere onboard, there is a cafe-bar and lounge, a small library, a tranquil terrace and a pampering spa where you can enjoy a wealth of wonderful beauty and wellness treatments. During the cruise, you can take part in a range of activities including cooking and Tai Chi classes, kayaking excursions and cocktail evenings.
Why We Love It
With only 10 cabins and a classic Laotian design, this is a wonderfully intimate cruise aboard a boat bursting with charm and character.
