Holiday like royalty and explore the world heritage wonders of Luang Prabang, Laos from new riverside hotel The Grand Luang Prabang — once the palace of a revered Lao prince.
Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International has reimagined Xiengkeo Palace (built in 1920) to become the first member of the Meliá Collection in Southeast Asia. As the former palace of Prince Petcharath, a well-known aristocrat who even held tenure as prime minister during World War II, The Grand Luang Prabang certainly feels at home in Meliá most unique stable of properties.
The position-perfect estate soars above the Mekong River on a lush, six-hectare bluff, delivering sweeping views of the river, mountains, and majestic sunsets. French colonial-style architecture is accented with Laotian touches across 75 rooms and suites that frame river or mountain vistas. The Deluxe rooms with balconies are perfect for two while the Suites offer additional space, private terraces, and decadent clawfoot bathtubs.
After a memorable day of temple-hopping, sailing, or chasing waterfalls, the hotel’s lush grounds and lotus ponds offer a serene respite. Couples can cool off in the expansive swimming pool before romantic dining at Xiengkeo Restaurant, where breathtaking Mekong and mountain views take centre stage.
Meliá plans to add Spanish hospitality to the mix, while ensuring the hotel retains its distinct character. “For the Meliá family, we are extremely happy to begin our journey in Laos with this extraordinary hotel,” said Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International.
“We expect destinations like Luang Prabang to become more popular with modern travelers who are seeking new and unique experiences, and I’m sure that this hotel, with its unmistakable sense of place, will enable guests to fully enjoy the destination.”
Getting here: The UNESCO World Heritage-listed township of Luang Prabang has its own international airport and is positioned in the mountainous north of Laos (a small Southeast Asian country north of Vietnam and east of Thailand). The Grand Laung Prabang is located on the banks of the Mekong River and close to the city centre.
Find out more at The Grand Luang Prabang