Marriott Reaches 800 Properties in Asia Pacific with La Résidence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang

Marriott International has celebrated its 800th property in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), and its debut in Laos, with the opening of La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang. The 36-suite hilltop retreat sits within three acres of tropical gardens above the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang.

Long regarded as one of Luang Prabang's most distinctive hilltop retreats, the resort joins The Luxury Collection with its original architecture, tropical landscape and hilltop pool preserved, while its interiors, culinary identity and guest rituals have been reimagined to reflect the brand's global standards.

"Opening our 800th property in the APEC region is a proud moment that reflects the trust our owners and guests continue to place in Marriott International," said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. "Laos represents an exciting new chapter for us, and the opening of La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang underscores Marriott's commitment to thoughtfully expanding our presence in places that are rich in culture and character. Through its storied heritage and deep connection to Luang Prabang, La Résidence Phou Vao embodies The Luxury Collection's promise to invite guests into the authentic spirit of the destination."

"La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, embodies the very essence of The Luxury Collection," said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. "This is a storied hotel with an unmistakable sense of place that serves as a gateway to the soul of its destination. From its preserved hilltop setting heritage and craftmanship, to experiences rooted in Lao culture and craft, the resort invites global explorers to discover Luang Prabang in a way that is both deeply authentic and entirely its own."

A hilltop setting

Set on Phou Vao, the resort is the only hillside retreat within the UNESCO World Heritage zone. It looks out over the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the gilded stupa of Wat Chom Si on Mount Phou Si and the golden spire of Wat That Luang. The old town is two kilometres away, with the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong and the Mount Phou Si sunset viewpoint close by.

Suites

The 36 suites combine comfort with local craftsmanship, with rosewood accents and handwoven textiles; select suites have separate living spaces and private terraces. Bathrooms feature terrazzo bathtubs, twin vanities and rain showers. Categories are Garden Heritage, Mountain View and Phou Si Temple Suites.

Dining

La Brasserie de la Résidence serves a contemporary French menu of classic bistro fare built on seasonal produce, garden herbs and regional ingredients, with a Lao sensibility that favours ingredients for their restorative virtues as well as their flavour. Guests can dine in the dining room or on the terrace overlooking the stupa and mountains. The adjoining bar serves signature cocktails made with premium local spirits.

The Be Epicurean programme adds daily pre-sunset terrace nibbles and a private Epicurean Journey dinner in the garden of Villa des Arts, a preserved colonial residence five minutes from the resort. A Lao tasting menu traces the flavours of Luang Prabang, and every Saturday and Sunday morning a local artisan prepares Nem Kao, the steamed rice crêpe known across the Mekong valley as Banh Cuon, on the Brasserie terrace.

Wellness

The award-winning Mekong Spa, set in an open-air Garden Pavilion, draws on Lao healing traditions. Its five signature treatments include a living pharmacopoeia ritual with Hmong indigo compresses and the Sip Sen Lao massage, alongside a sauna, relaxation lounge and pool. The resort also has a 13-metre cliff-edge freshwater infinity pool, a fitness centre and a dawn gong meditation ritual.

Experiences

Curated experiences include sunset cruises at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan, boat trips to the Pak Ou Caves and their thousands of Buddha images, visits to the Kuang Si Waterfalls and elephant encounters at Manifa Sanctuary. At the resort, guests can take part in the traditional Baci blessing ceremony.

La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang is now welcoming guests.

Images: courtesy of Marriott International