Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

The Belmond La Residence Phou Vao is an elegant and artistic property overlooking the city. The hotel pays incredible attention to small details, noted by all the intricate flower petal arrangements that can be found all over the hotel. The fine wood floor lobby has brass pots on the wall, Lao silks and textiles, and small vases and bowls with flower petals laid out in design in just about every corner. Even the stairways here feature small wooden baskets with flower petals. The lobby leads into the stylish library, filled with more wood furnishing and art objects, plus bookcases and games. The bar and restaurant adjoins the library, and has large rattan chairs with comfortable cushions. The rest of the property is made up of lush gardens, meandering down to the somewhat hidden and charming spa area, where there is a small infinity pool and some cozy traditional Lao houses which contain the private spa rooms. It's both a sophisticated and yet relaxing property at the same time, and seeks to pamper its well off and discerning guests. Kids are welcome here but the majority of visitors are couples. 

The Belmond La Residence Phou Vao sits on top of a hill overlooking Luang Prabang and is home to the best views in town. The hotel is accessed up a steep road leading from a busy thoroughfare below, and then down a private drive. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the airport, but is not within walking distance of the town center or historic area of Luang Prabang. However the hotel does provide a free shuttle and bicycles for guests to use. The other problem with the hilltop location is that there are no other bars or restaurants or shops nearby other than what is in the hotel. 

All the rooms at the Belmond La Residence Phou Vao are suites with the same features and amenities, the only difference is the views. The entry level Garden View Junior Suites look out at the lush grounds below, and like all rooms, have rosewood and natural textile furnishings, cotton sofas, coffee tables, and writing desks. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, espresso machines, and Terazzo bathtubs with a built-in showerhead. There is a private terrace with comfy daybeds, and the rooms come with free Wi-Fi. The next category up are the Mountain View Junior Suites which have the same layout but overlook the mountains from the terrace. The Mountain Pool Junior Suites look out at the infinity-edge pool and the mountains in the distance. The highest category Phou Vao Suite has a double bedroom and separate living room.

The Belmond La Residence Phou Vao really shines with its features, offering far more than most other properties in town. The hotel has two swimming pools, a big infinity-edge pool overlooking the town and mountains, surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas, and the hidden small spa pool, down in a quiet niche by the spa. The tranquil spa consists of several charming old Lao houses, has private rooms, and features a wooden bathtub on a bamboo screened deck. The hotel also has a good fitness center with LifeFitness cardio equipment and ample light. There's a large library, which has books, chess boards, Monopoly and Scrabble, and a computer and printer for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The Phou Savanh restaurant is one of Luang Prabang's best. It has inventive French cuisine along with a Lao menu. They serve exotic dishes like goat cheese ravioli or Mekong river fish in a coconut based soup. Breakfast buffet is included in the room rate. The adjoining Dok Champa bar has large rattan chairs to recline in and looks out over the pool. The resort also provides guests with free bicycles to use throughout their stay, along with a free shuttle service to town on call throughout the day.