Amantaka is a tranquil sanctuary within easy walking distance of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each of the 24 suites features an airy living area with doors opening to the courtyard and a tree-shaded lounge or private swimming pool. Dine on Lao- and French-influenced cuisine in the dining room, enjoy drinks in the lounge bar, or take a casual meal on the pool terrace before visiting the town’s fabled night market. Spend days exploring Luang Prabang’s 32 beguiling temples or its many colorful boutiques, bakeries, and markets. Return to the resort’s intimate spa, sparkling pool, tennis center, gym, and yoga studio.

Essential Info:

Property Size: 24 rooms

Room Style: Boutique Resort

Vibe: Sophisticated Explorers

Dress Code: Chilled Adventure

Key Features: World Heritage City, Wellness,

Key Amenities: Pool, Spa

Restaurant Style: Pan-Asian, French

Best time to Go: Oct to Apr

Location: Luang Prabang, Laos

Price point: Remote luxury premium ($$$$)

Perfect For: Adventures looking to immerse themselves in local culture

HV Verdict: Tranquil oasis in one of the greatest small cities in Asia

What Works:

Amantaka’s location in the heart of Luang Prabang, one of the great small cities of Asia, is unparalleled, and there is something truly special about being able to walk out the door and immerse yourself in the richness of local life. The walled estate is a welcome refuge from the city, and a serene centre of wellness and relaxation.

What Doesn’t:

The location in the middle of a vibrant small town also means that the local sounds and smells are everywhere, so bring ear buds and eye shades if you have trouble sleeping. While the restaurant tries hard, the quality of local food and ingredients is average at best. As with all Amans, the price-value relationship is not for everyone.

Insiders tip:

Be prepared for some early mornings, when the sun begins to rise and the procession of Buddhist monks start to move through the sleepy streets. Find a spot on the side off a quiet road, lay out a blanket, and get ready to fill the bowls of the saffron-clad monk with fragrant sticky rice as a gesture of respect and support.

The Terrain

Overview

Housed in graceful French colonial buildings, Amantaka is a peaceful retreat within walking distance of Luang Prabang’s many historical and cultural attractions, including picturesque temples, villages and night markets. The property is surrounded by lush countryside, spectacular waterfalls, sheer amber-coloured cliffs and ancient cave complexes.

Located just south of Phousi Mountain, the resort rests on a peninsula framed by the mighty Mekong and Khan Rivers. The property is an easy walk to the 32 elegant temples of Luang Prabang and the town's many historic sites including the former Royal Palace, a fusion of Beaux Arts and traditional Lao architecture. The many boutiques, bakeries and restaurants lining the town's main street are within walking distance, as is the town's fabled night market.

Amantaka offers 24 suites ranging in size from 70 to 120 square metres each. These include eight Suites, four Pool Suites, eight Khan Suites, two Mekong Suites and two Amantaka Suites, all with spacious interior and exterior living areas.Suites are entered through louvered doors from the courtyard and lead to light and airy living areas. The king-sized bed is positioned in the centre of the suite beneath a traditional high ceiling. The bathroom features twin vanities, a dressing area, shower, toilet, and separate bath. The living and bedroom open onto an outdoor area shaded by mango trees with lounges and large umbrellas. For Pool Suites, the pool is just beyond the Lounge. The two stand-alone Amantaka Suites are surrounded by large verandas with private treatment rooms, spacious outside entertaining areas, a private pool and separate living/dining areas.

Amantaka offers several dining options from authentic Lao and French-influenced cuisine to the finest international fare. The dining room captures an airy colonial ambience, while the Lounge Bar provides a relaxing setting for enjoying a pre-dinner aperitif or post-dinner digestif. The breezy Pool Terrace is a casual dining spot and serves light meals all day. Private dining can be arranged in a choice of secluded locations around the property as well as en-suite.

Amantaka features an inviting swimming pool, tennis centre, gym and yoga studio. The Amantaka spa features four self-contained treatment rooms as well as steam and sauna facilities with hot and cold plunge pools. Treatments including massages, facials, scrubs and wraps incorporating the best of Southeast Asian technique with Aman Spa’s own range of organic products.

Amantaka offers cooking classes and bespoke tours of the city’s antique shops, galleries, museums and private collections. Amantaka will also customize guided excursions; guests may enjoy day trips to the Khuang Xi waterfall, elephant rides, visits to local tribal villages in the nearby mountains, sunset climbs up Mount Phousi, jungle tours, treks and kayaking on the Khan River.