It was only a matter of time before Luang Prabang cemented its place as one of Southeast Asia's finest luxury destinations for travelers seeking both culture and relaxation.
In the years since the former royal capital of Laos was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995, this enchanting town, nestled at the foot of forested mountains rising above the Mekong River, has drawn a slow trickle of luxury stays, from the Amantaka to Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao.
But that doesn't mean there isn't room for one more, especially when it's the stunning Rosewood Luang Prabang, which opened its gates just a few months ago.
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Set roughly a 10 minute drive from the city center in a hilltop forest along a small river, the 23 key resort was designed by the celebrated Bill Bensley.
Anyone familiar with Bensley's work knows this means there's a story behind every single object in every single space.
The American architect is known for taking a concept and stretching it to lengths the rest of us mere mortals would consider downright absurd, realizing his vision down to the last beautiful and often whimsical detail.
In the case of Rosewood Luang Prabang, Bensley set out to create a hotel modeled after an early 20th century Laotian hill station.
A Laotian Learning Experience
"It's designed to celebrate the culture of Luang Prabang, the diversity of the hill tribes, and the explorers who passed through here," explains Elias Pertoft, managing director of Rosewood Luang Prabang.
"It's a colorful reimagining of the romantic travel of the past."
The Great House, for example, the resort's main dining hall and lobby, was inspired by the mansion of Auguste Pavie, the French explorer who became governor of Luang Prabang in the late 1800s.
"In each villa and room, we tell the story of the other explorers who joined him on his expedition along the Mekong in the 1860s," says Pertoft.
For many travelers, the resort's main draw is the six hilltop tents. Each 75 square meter tent is dedicated to one of the region's hill tribes, with decor featuring distinctive ethnic textiles and antiques.
While it was these spacious tents that landed on last year's list of "most anticipated hotel openings," it would be a shame to overlook the remaining 17 colorful rooms, suites, and villas, each one of a kind and filled with vintage illustrations and artifacts that tell the story of this region.
"For guests who stay here, it's a truly educational experience," says Pertoft. "You learn about a forgotten era of exploration that's fascinating and makes you see this place in a whole new light."
Our favorite is one of the riverside pool villas, which is filled with an entomology theme. Frames of pinned butterflies pop against dazzlingly clean walls. Butterfly nets hang above the open air bar, and the walls of the villa's open air bathing area are covered in a colorful mural of a dragonfly.
The sounds of nature are everywhere, whether it's the hum of cicadas or the murmur of the river that runs right through the villa's grounds.
Royal Laotian Cuisine and a Bridge That's a Bar
When it comes to dining, there's only one option: the aforementioned Great House, which serves local dishes cooked with influences from historic royal courts.
The kitchen is overseen by culinary director Sebastien Rubis, a longtime Laos resident who speaks the language and is incredibly passionate about the country's cuisine.
The dishes, from a pink pork curry with eggplant, beans, and fish roe to kaeng nor sai yanang (a bamboo soup with pumpkin, mushrooms, and fresh herbs), are executed flawlessly and will likely leave visitors wondering why Laotian cuisine hasn't caught on more widely around the world.
"We studied in great detail the ancient recipes that make Laotian cuisine special, stripped away all the modern shortcuts, and cook from scratch by season, working with farmers in the region and celebrating what for many is a very unknown cuisine," says Pertoft.
Those in need of a sundowner can head to the Elephant Bridge bar, which lives up to its name exactly. The bar is actually a covered bridge set right on the bank of the Nam Khan River, decked out in elephant themed decor in honor of the area's past as the "land of a million elephants."
Because the resort straddles both sides of the river, most guests have to cross it to reach their rooms. But if they're smart, they'll stop for a drink. The expertly crafted cocktails are enhanced with local herbs and spices.
Tailor Made Itineraries
While there's no fitness center, there's a beautiful riverside pool, and guests can use the bicycles.
Given the resort's small size, itineraries are put together individually based on what each guest wants to explore.
"We try to immerse guests in the local culture, take them away from the tourist trail, and show the true face of what it means to live in Laos, and experience their unique holidays and festivals," says Pertoft.
"Most of our guests spend their days exploring hill tribes or visiting waterfalls, trekking into the jungle, cruising the Mekong, or heading to an elephant sanctuary to walk with these giants in the forest."
And, of course, it wouldn't be a Rosewood hotel without a stunning spa.
The Sense Spa occupies three tents, all overlooking the river and set above a stream. You can even gaze down at the stream during your treatment thanks to thoughtfully placed glass set into the floor.
The range of treatments on offer draws on ancient Laotian remedies that use herbs and plants taken from traditional Laotian healing methods across the country, and old wisdom about how to use the jungle for rejuvenation.
Rosewood Luang Prabang, Nauea Village, Luang Prabang, Laos; +856 7121 1155
