Colonial style residences trickle down the small hillside of Phou Vao, Laos, like dominos, blending seamlessly into the hectares of lush gardens and valley that surround them. Nestled near the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, La Residence Phou Vao looks as untouched and spectacular as the enriched lands that encompass it. Frangipani and palms decorate the outside space and an insanely stunning infinity pool is a wonderful platform from which to enjoy breathtaking views out across to the distant mountains that rise up out of nowhere.

The facilities

R and R is the order of the day here. The spa pavilions offer an open invitation to relax and be pampered head to toe by the Laotian therapists using locally sourced ingredients. Sign up for a cookery course with the resident chef, hire a bike or enjoy a picnic in the exotic hotel gardens. This is a chance to blend in with your surroundings.

The rooms

The 32 rooms and two suites at La Residence Phou Vao are all simple clean lines, natural rosewood, bright white walls and crisp fabrics. Fresh flowers greet you upon arrival and bottled water is topped up daily. Suites come with four-poster style beds and delicate nets to keep any pesky flies at bay. Marble bathrooms add a dash of extra splendor to classic minimalism.