La Résidence Phou Vao

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.

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.

We had two nights here and it’s a beautiful resort. Staff are friendly, professional and accommodating. The restaurant is lovely although there are some great choices in town which is about 2 kms away. Two swimming pools are lovely and warm with the main one, a horizon aspect the pick. Rooms are a little dated and air con wasn’t working when we arrived but all sorted, we were able to enjoy a good nights sleep. Gym is small but serviceable. Certainly one of the top three hotels in Luang Prabang.

The hotel is located on top of a hill overlooking Luang Prabang and used to be owned by the Lao Royal Family. It is beautifully laid out and furnished. The infinity pool in the centre overlooking the hills and then the large dining room, bar and reception area is amazing. Our room was very spacious with a large outdoor space for reading and enjoying the beautiful view. The bed was incredibly comfortable and d the lounge and bathroom area very large and comfortable. However incredible the property itself is , and it really is, it is over-shadowed by the team that run the hotel and work there. Everyone we met was warm, kind and genuinely thoughtful. This was a big expense for us for our 20th wedding anniversary so all of the optional tours and experiences were tricky for us to afford but we never felt at all pressured to spend money. Only given great advice and really taken care of. The team were very open and all talked to us about their lives in Laos so gave us a broader understanding of the country we were visiting. Finally - I need to mention the food. We love good food and are lucky to live in Japan so eat a lot of very good food. The restaurant at Residence Phou Vau is exceptional. Everything we eat was made with the highest quality fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. I tried to exercise every day so that I could eat more ;-) I cannot think of any areas for improvement. We had an idyllic stay.

We enjoyed four nights in this beautiful property. It is well located for the surrounding historical sights and restaurants. Breakfast features some charming local products. Dinner was lavish and delicious, created by skilful chefs whom we met. The infinity pool offers inspiring views. The rooms are gorgeous, with heritage features and polished wooden floors. The garden is very large and charming - beautiful to wander around for peaceful reflection. The spa was fantastic too and has its own pool. I think the bar should be open for longer. A trip to the waterfalls was well planned, but very overpriced. We dined at the hotel twice and at some of the other magical restaurants on the other nights, where we wee also extremely well looked after. At one, we were even given the very best table surrounded by ponds and plants.

We spent 3 days at the Residence Phou Val and were very well looked after. Sadly we had chosen to be there during the rainy season which rather inhibited use of the facilities. The staff were all attentive and helpful. We would readily return