Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao

It was hard to find a suitable location for this particular family holiday. We had been on separate Asian explorations and various work secondments. The idea was to pick one place in South East Asia to regroup. We wanted somewhere to explore, slowly, and in depth. We wanted a hotel that offered some essence of the place, rather than bland luxury. La Residence Phou Vao proved to be an ideal choice. I'm not sure if the architecture is old and restored or new and recently aged, however the atmosphere on arrival is of peace and serenity, at some remove from the old town. There are sweeping views over the nearby hills and temples. It's a scene of polished hard wood floors, swishing fans and open sided pavilions. There are extensive tropical gardens, with a scattering of ponds and buddhas. The bedrooms were extremely comfortable, with high ceilings and spacious bathrooms. The first floor rooms had the same sweeping views of the surroundings as the lobby and main pool. The restaurant served a delicious fusion version of Laotian cuisine. The service was attentive and kind, with every effort made to adapt the menu to various likes and dislikes. There is enough variety on the menu to last for a prolonged stay. The Mekong Spa had a number of locally influenced treatments. The spa is another good reason to spend a relaxing day around the grounds of the hotel and to slow down to Laos speed. If I had to think of a few random highlights: one would be the bonfire that is lit every night in mid winter. We loved having a herbal tea before bed and planning our next day around the fire. We also met some interesting other guests at this spot. Another highlight would be the hotel mini van which was on call throughout the day and evening. Having the hotel van appear in some obscure spot after a day of exploration was always a welcome sight. Andrei the manager was a great help. He persuaded us to add the elephants and the water buffalo farm to our Mekong river trip and that proved to be an unexpected highlight. Andrei also helped with some recommendations for eating in town. Manda de Laos was particularly popular with family members. Andrei can often be found welcoming guests with a brief outbreak of Laotian drumming, which is another unique feature! I really think that La Residence offers Laos in a nutshell and it is definitely in the upper tier of our favourite family holiday hotels

If one is fortunate to travel with any frequency I think it is inevitable that you can become a bit jaded. Hotels, whilst usually of a high standard, can become a bit samey. That for me was the main reason why staying at La Residence was such a joy. Service standards in all settings are superb with staff exuding a genuine warmth that surpassed anything I’ve encountered before even by the high standards of the Far East. Nothing is too much trouble for them. The restaurant serves Lao and western food with a charming bar for pre and post prandial drinks. Rooms are well appointed. Excellent curated tours are available to explore local sites in comfort with knowledgeable guides. If the above resonates with you make La Residence your go to hotel to explore charming Luang Prabang.

It’s always good to be able to say that with hindsight, we chose the right accommodation. For our five-night stay, this was definitely a very special experience. It is conveniently located for daily explorations, but set apart from town atop a hill. When we returned after an activity, we appreciated the gracious peaceful feel of the hotel and grounds as well as the warm welcome from the staff. From the open-air restaurant and pool we enjoyed gazing across the mountains while seeing reflections in the tranquil pool. We booked the mountain pool view junior suite (room 502) and we also had this expansive view from our spacious room and balcony. We enjoyed the serenity of the meditation garden with an outdoor pavilion. The restaurant meals - breakfast buffet, lunch and dinners were flavorful and yummy. The bar offered alcoholic and non-alcoholic alternatives as well as local concoctions that were fun to try. What really made this a beautiful and relaxing stay was the warmth of the staff who greeted us and made us feel so welcome and cared for.

As you approach the hotel you are not sure what to expect. You climb a hillside enter a gate and inhale with surprise (and delight). The hotel is small but with spaces gorgeous common areas with fountains ,extensive plants and an infinity pool. Rooms all have their own entrance and ours had 2 balconies one with large daybeds and a cocktail table with a view of the gardens. Mosquito netting over the bed completes the luxury meets Indiana Jones vibe. It is very close to everything you want to see in the area but far enough away you could be on your own private island. Imagine not having to stake out your lounge by the pool and drifting in to an epic poolside dinner when it suits you. Staff were uniformly helpful and at the top of their game. Just wish it was closer but I guess that’s the point.

My hotel stay exceeded expectations in every way. From check-in to checkout, impeccable service, top-notch amenities, and warm hospitality made for an unforgettable experience. The staff's constant availability and eagerness to assist were truly remarkable. The hotel's facilities were exceptional: elegant rooms, spacious bathrooms, and an amazing pool with a great view . The attached restaurant served exquisite cuisine. This hotel ranks among my absolute favorites. I wholeheartedly recommend it for travelers visiting Laos