Amantaka

Amantaka is a sublime hotel. I had high expectations coming to Amantaka and was trying to temper them. Nevertheless, the property exceeded them in nearly every way. My last two Aman experiences had been exceptional (Aman Tokyo and Amangalla) and it seemed unwise to believe this would be the same level: different country, staff etc. I was picked up at my first Luang Prabang hotel by Aman. On arrival, the remarkable Elodie and her team welcomed me in the usual way, with a tour of the property. The building is an old 1920s French colonial era hospital that became derelict and at one stage was home to many squatters. It would have been nice to know which bits were which back then, but as a municipal building it would probably have fewer records. My room was in one of the old hospital wings on the courtyard, at the end of which by the hotel’s main building is the pool (which was very cold for a swim, it must be said). The glorious high ceilings of colonial buildings in the tropics were in evidence, as was Aman’s deft and sensitive hand in design. The original windows and doors are wonderful, well maintained and given a subtle grey-green colour. The furniture is of the colonial design period, but locally influenced as well. Naturally rattan is everywhere, this being former French Indochina, and the four poster bed is a lovely touch of grandeur. The palette is really soothing, feels modern and yet vintage, inspiring me to continue my 20s and 30s big band playlist from the previous hotel on the Bluetooth speaker. The one thing I would note is that the mass expanse of tile - without any rugs breaking it up (particularly under the bed) - is a little samey. It certainly contributes to a feeling of size, but it makes it feel less like home. The room is huge, with a separate terrace of two sunloungers and a table and two chairs, surrounded by charming green plants and looked over by palms. The bathroom is a central tub overlooking the terrace and a separate shower room with Aman toiletries. I didn’t use the tub, but it looked a pleasant place to spend a few hours soaking. At the room entrance is a terrace with two chairs and a table, and a stack of umbrellas in a stand in case it rains. At no point did I feel this was a hotel. It felt like very elegant quarters for a colonial administrator. It is highly authentic and, at the same time, extremely well maintained and using high quality materials. The hotel has bikes to cycle around the town, which I used, but had to return early on one occasion as the chain broke halfway round the town. This was a slight style over substance moment as though the grey-green bikes are beautiful with their lovely wicker baskets, the very minimum is that they should work and be reliable. The furniture outside is high quality, black metal furniture with lush, thick white cushions. The staff are constantly brushing off falling tree debris from them, and there are traditionally attired groundsmen constantly sweeping paths. The hotel is very nearly always absolutely spotless. I never ate at the Aman for dinner as I was keen to explore the town. I went to Gaspard and Little Lao - the latter better than the former and it has a great mixologist too. I had wanted to take the Aman’s boat out for a sunset trip but it was fully booked by the time I arrived. Instead, I was recommended two options by the multi-lingual and highly professional Elodie who then arranged to book an option for me, without having to myself. Aman charge a small 5% fee for this but then this is about convenience and comfort. The sunset from the boat was glorious, even if I was alone. It’s difficult to improve on Amantaka. I think more work could be done with local businesses like Caruso to produce unique pieces for the shop: everything local in there is currently all available in the brands’ stores in town. Making it Aman branded - e.g. swim shorts in a local print, only available at Amantaka - could be more interesting than fitness tops just branded “Amantaka.” I would also heat the pool. It’s not really very pleasant to be in it very long, even when you’re very hot. It would be nice to have a French evening too (food wise) as this still feels authentic to the history of Luang Prabang alongside Laotian cuisine. I’d get better quality electric bikes too, and maybe put some rugs in the rooms. And up the ante on the artwork in the room as well. Satri House did a great job with theirs.

Close to the city center, this is a former French colonial hospital, modernized into a first class hotel. We were actually in a newer room and it was wonderful with a private small pool and sunning area. One is greeted with a smile, a bow and a much appreciated scented cold towel on a hot humid day. Though the entrance you go through a well stocked library and step down into the main pool area large courtyard. We had several very nice meals sitting by the pool. We took several opportunities to enjoy their great spa (i am relaxing just thinking of it again). Really lovely service (and afterwards we were served a tea that i swear tasted like blackberry juice!). The city center area is a very short walk and this is a great place to explore. Visit and enjoy this jewel.

From the check in to our departure, the service, grounds, room and food were among the best we’ve ever had in our travels all around the world. The room had a private pool, very comfortable 4 poster bed, lots of space and storage, a separate sitting room and every amenity you’d want. The staff could not have been more friendly and accommodating without being fussy or subservient. Fantastic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner- all of which we had on different days in Luang Prabang. The grounds just ooze beauty and calm. And… best of all, it’s in a quiet area but just a short walk from the main streets and markets. We love the Laotian people and the magic of Luang Prabang.

Amantaka is one of those rare hotels that actually looks far better in person than it does in photos - a beautiful little French colonial style retreat in the perfect location in Luang Prabang. It is really immaculate, and looks especially impressive in the evenings, when the hotel fills the peaceful garden with lanterns. Everything about the hotel is top notch: beautiful rooms, excellent food, and extremely friendly and attentive staff. I was upgraded to a Khan suite (number 8), and I really couldn't ask for anything more: extremely spacious, and beautifully appointed. My complaints are fairly minor: above all, it would be nice if the pool was heated a few degrees warmer (and the private pools as well), and I felt the pricing for some of the activities was too high (although the room rate I think was justified given how great the hotel is). It was a bit unnecessary to charge a service fee for doing something as straightforward as booking me a train ticket - I would really expect that for free as part of normal concierge service provided by a top tier hotel. But these are small points relative to an overall fantastic experience. I'll absolutely be back. I particularly recommend doing the trip to the Kuang Si Falls and visiting the nearby elephant sanctuary, which was the highlight of my stay.

This might be my favorite hotel experience to date. Amantaka created a genuinely special space, making us feel like truly valued guests. The property is located in the heart of the city so it’s easy to see the sights and catch dinner reservations. The hotel has a complimentary tuk tuk, which makes things even easier. Our suite came with all kinds of perks, including 2 free meals and a complimentary airport transfer (I hate when super expensive hotels charge you for pickup— it seems petty, lol). Amantaka also had the coolest amenity that we’ve ever seen: FREE LAUNDRY! It’s so pragmatic and thoughtful, especially since we’d been traveling for weeks before we arrived to Laos. We took a sunset cruise on the Amantaka boat, which we highly recommend. It comes with snacks and we ordered some wine from the hotel. Amantaka staffed the whole thing with professionalism. Very fun and very beautiful. On my husband’s birthday, we ended up going out for dinner instead of staying at the hotel. The Amantaka kitchen actually stayed open late to sing him happy birthday and bring him a dessert upon our return. It was so sweet and considerate. We would never ask anyone to do such a thing, but the fact they went above and beyond was extremely touching. This is a true 5 star experience. We can’t thank them enough for showing us the beauty of Luang Prabang.