AsiaSpa - July-August 2017

AsiaSpa July/August 2017

Tr avelDestination

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SOFITEL LUANG PRABANG

Another unconventional hotel, Sofitel Luang Prabang welcomes

guests with billowing white curtains leading through the traditional

117-year-old houses that are now the lobby, spa and cooking school

flanking a small courtyard. But the best is yet to come. Pass through

a little dogleg of an alleyway and the space opens out into a secret

garden of wild planted flora, walkways leading through the greenery

to just 25 rooms, and a marquee for a restaurant. The long lap

pool and lounge area adds to the feeling of chilled haven and the

rooms mix modern day tiles with al fresco baths and comfy beds.

The spa’s signatures include the yoghurt and honey body cleanse,

a turmeric or coffee and coconut scrub, a cucumber facial mask

and coconut oil massage. Dedicated to natural and mostly locally

found ingredients, it’s a delightful way for the skin to soak up local

and nourishing goodness. http://www.sofitel.com

BEST OF THE REST

Angsana Maison Souvannephoum Hotel is a royal residence

turned hotel where the pool, decking, pool bar and restaurant are

at the heart of the property, beautifully renovated, elegant and

welcoming. Sister property the Grand Luang Prabang is being

turned into a Banyan Tree, while still retaining the majesty and

grounds of the previously royal country home. Villa Santi Hotel is a

charming 19th-century boutique property that was once the home

of King Sisavangvong’s wife. There is history in the 20 spacious and

colonial rooms and restaurant, plus the contemporary, yet delightful

elephant-designed plunge pool. The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel

overlooks the Mekong with 13 rooms across three homes and a

sun terrace of tamarind trees.

WHAT TO DO

While there are plenty of independent businesses offering day

trips, ask your hotel to recommend the most culturally and

environmentally sustainable. The Elephant Park gets good reviews,

and an early morning trip, and dip in the lakes before other tourists

arrive is the best way to see them.

Closer to home, the fascinating Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens

teaches you about the flowers, trees, herbs and medicinal plants of