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.

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 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