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I stayed at a Belmond property just once before about six years ago. They do not have hundreds of properties but the ones they manage are unique in every way. When I saw the Belmond Luang Prabang Residence Phou Vao in Laos I simply had to stay during my visit to Luang Prabang recently. It was just one night but it was an unforgettable one. Let me show you why and I’m sure you agree and want to stay too.
The hotel
The Belmond Luang Prabang Residence Phou Vao is located on the top of a hill about 5 minutes by car or TukTuk from the main street of Luang Prabang. I arrived with my 4×4 car in the morning to drop my luggage after which I did a countryside off-road tour. Let’s say arriving to the hotel was an adventure: Google Maps shows the hotel in two different places. Make sure you go to the right place as otherwise you end up in a very small back alley. People were staring at me why I took a 4×4 into this alley and if I would get stuck with my car. The 800 meter backwards was no problem at all; no scratches. The hotel is located in a garden which is over 4 hectares. There are several buildings with rooms on two levels. In the main building you find the reception, bar and restaurant. Everything is designed like the old colonial French buildings with accents of teak wood and traditional Laotian decorations. Further down the hill is the SPA, archery and a huge garden. It’s also possible to have private dinner or breakfast in the garden. They do make your dreams come true; read on!
The rooms at Belmond Luang Prabang
The rooms at Belmond Luang Prabang Residence Phou Vao are large; more like suites. My room had a great garden view. If you can choose ask for the rooms with a view on the pool. What I liked most in the bathroom was the big granite bathtub and rainforest shower. The amenities are of exceptional quality. Both the bathroom and bedroom gave access to a large balcony. The bed is comfortable and large with a mosquito net around it in case you sleep with the balcony doors open. I prefer air conditioning. There is a small sitting area and a working desk. The minibar has a wide choice and it’s possible to make a Nespresso in the room. I would have loved to stay longer in this room but the next day I would go on a two day trek to remote villages. I had to say goodbye to the luxury as in the villages there would not be any. The large modern rooms with accents of teak wood make you really feel at home.
Facilities at Belmond Luang Prabang
The Belmond Luang Prabang Residence Phou Vao has a SPA, archery, gym and a beautiful infinity pool. The archery range is located in the back of the garden. If you want the staff can even arrange breakfast there while you shoot some arrows; but this can be done also in the garden. The gym is located in the main building and of moderate size. For the small-scale hotel however it’s big enough. The SPA is located just passed the hotel buildings. It has several treatment rooms housed in separated buildings. Their oils are specially developed for Belmond and come in several different scents. There is a small private SPA pool as well. I steamed in Laos all day due to the heat but a steam room is present in case you would like to go extreme. The pool is simply magnificent. It doesn’t have the bright blue tiles most pools have but it’s decorated with dark green tiles. This blends in a unique way with the gardens. From the infinity pool you have a beautiful view over Luang Prabang with Mount Phousi in the back. I spend just an hour or two at the pool cooling down after a long day. It’s so relaxing that it was difficult to leave.
Dining & Drinking at Belmond Luang Prabang
The restaurant of the Belmond Luang Prabang Residence Phou Vao overlooks the infinity pool and Luang Prabang. It’s decorated with traditional colonial furniture made out of teak wood. As I was there just one evening I asked the chef to prepare a Laos tasting menu. This was so good but way too much! Four different starters, four main courses in of course smaller portions and a delicious dessert. I was so full that I was worried about my garden breakfast the next morning. After dinner I wanted to try the bar as I saw a book about gins on the counter. I was too tired so I went to bed as I was up that morning at 05:30 to see the alms giving of the monks in Luang Prabang. The next morning a private breakfast in the garden was awaiting me as a surprise. They do know how to pamper and make it a memorable stay. Next to a small pond full of lillies there was a small hut with a table for just me. A private butler and chef prepared a delicious breakfast. One thing I remember specific where the real big chunks of chicken fillet in the noodle soup instead of small pieces one gets in many places. This truly was a memorable luxury experience. In the evening it’s possible to have a 500 candle dinner in the garden. That’s more memorable if you are with two; for me the breakfast experience was over the top.
Conclusion
If you are looking for ultimate memorable luxury in Laos then I recommend you to stay at the Belmond Hotel in Luang Prabang. With a 4 hectare romantic garden around the hotel, an award winning SPA plus a beautiful infinity pool you will unwind for sure. Luxurious modern rooms with Laotian details give you privacy and make you feel at home. The restaurant offers delicious Laotian food but the private breakfast in the garden was my highlight during my stay. Everything is arranged into detail. I had a very pleasant stay and the memories will always stay in my mind. Watch the video below and I’m sure you will want to stay too!
If you would like to know what you can do in and around Luang Prabang then see one of these options: What to do in Luang Prabang. I will add more destination information over time.
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For more hotel information and booking options please visit the website of Belmond Luang Prabang Residence Phou Vao.
Website: http://www.belmond.com/la-residence-phou-vao-luang-prabang/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laresidencephouvao
Gallery of Belmond Luang Prabang
** All opinions are based on a genuine stay, flight or experience. I’m not affiliated with the hotel, airline or tour operator but I might be (partially) sponsored – or paid. **
