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Design Hotels announces its new member in Laos: the Alila Luang Prabang, which opened on October 1, 2010. The all-suite resort is located in the UNESCO World Heritage town Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos. Architect Bunnag Duangrit created a contemporary hotel, while conserving the site’s architectural heritage. The hotel’s design is also of historical interest, as the building was originally built as a governor’s mansion and then was used for a time as a political detention center.
The resort’s existing colonial buildings, built between 1910 and 1920, blend with new structures that have been designed to reflect and complement the Lao architecture. The interior design is a fusion of French colonial charm with contemporary and modern elements. Each suite is designed to create harmony between the indoor and the exterior area. The signature fabric pattern in the room reflects the colors of the city and thus gives it an urban feel.
The 23 suites, including two Governor Suites, four Pool Suites, two Heritage Suites and 15 Garden Suites, open onto a private garden with either a pool or an outdoor pavilion. With an area up to 1,500 square feet (140 square meters) and extensive gardens, the larger Heritage and Governor Suites offer generous living spaces. Two corner Pool Suites provide exclusive access to a tower. With its panoramic views across the township towards the mountains, it is the perfect place for a candlelight dinner.
In Luang Prabang, guests can partake in alms giving to young monks, experience the art of preparing traditional Laotian cuisine at the hotel’s cooking school, or simply pamper themselves with holistic spa treatments using natural, local ingredients. The hotel’s courtyards are a tropical haven of pools, landscaped gardens and a sandpit fireplace. Traditional Laotian dishes made with organic ingredients are served in the restaurant and the hotel’s library and spa offer nourishment for mind and body. Alila Luang Prabang is a secluded haven where guests can experience this culturally rich destination.
Alila CEO Mark Edleson says: “Alila Luang Prabang is very special to me. I taught English in Luang Prabang for six months in 1971 when I was backpacking through Asia. I fell in love with the people, the food and the old world charm of the town. The addition of Alila Luang Prabang will further add to the beauty and desirability of the destination.”
As part of Alila Hotels and Resorts commitment to local social responsibility, the resort has introduced a “Gift-to-Share” program. Guests can also participate by donating to support the school program the resort has initiated. Needy pre-schools in Luang Prabang will be provided with teacher training and new school materials.
Alila Luang Prabang is nestled in a quiet residential area of Luang Prabang, just five minutes from the town center and ten minutes from the airport. Rates range from USD 170 to USD 550.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
