Marriott just planted its flag in Laos, and the debut is a good one. La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, is Marriott’s 800th property in Asia Pacific. It is Marriott’s first in Laos, a 36-suite hilltop retreat set in three acres of tropical gardens above the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang. The hotel sits on Phou Vao, the Hill of Kites, in a former royal residence done in French-Laotian style. It is the only hillside retreat inside the UNESCO zone, about 2 km from the old town and just over 5 km from the airport. The draw is the cliff-edge infinity pool looking out toward Mount Phousi, plus the Mekong Spa. The whole place is built for slowing down rather than packing in sights. I have not stayed there, so no firsthand verdict. But for the traveler building a Southeast Asia trip around Luang Prabang, this is the quiet luxury base to put on the list. It is welcoming guests now, with rates varying by date, bookable direct through Marriott Bonvoy.
La Résidence Phou Vao is Marriott's first hotel in Laos, a 36-suite Luxury Collection retreat above UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang. Now welcoming guests.
