Press Articles
Discovering luxury in Laos
Publication: Financial Times TravelDate: June 19, 2010
Author: Sophy Roberts
A guest of c+l, Sophy Roberts set off into the hills at Luang Prabang in northern Laos with her guide Sengphone, a former Buddhist monk with a fascinating family history. Arriving at Amantaka, Amanresorts’ new hotel, she was amazed at this chic French enclave in the middle of a somnolent rural town. An influx of affluent visitors has transformed the Unesco-protected town without spoiling the character of the place.
“The Amantaka is all about the dreamscape, about silent pre-emptive service, where nothing is too much trouble.” With a glass of Chardonnay and a steak tartare by the pool “there are moments when it seems that among travellers pressed white linen is more prevalent than the matted dreadlocks I had expected [...]Not that Luang Prabang has lost its identity[...]The resident population may be inflated by French restauranteurs[...]but at the morning market locals are still spatchcocking frogs and frying up bamboo worms”
But aside from views, food and festivals , there is a darker side to the country. Roberts delves into the history of this once heavily bombed country. Her visit to the UXO Lao Visitor Centre was a truly memorable experience, which she recommends for “a glimpse of the country’s back-story you are unlikely to find sitting around the Aman pool.”
With c+l you can experience a week in Luang Prabang – “one of the most seductive Asian enclaves you can imagine” from £1360 per person per week on a bed & breakfast basis with a range of tours included.
