La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang

"The place has charm." Surrounded by gardens and spread across four two-story buildings, the hotel is "slightly removed from the action—just perfect." Phou Savanh restaurant serves Laotian cuisine, but "it’s more authentic at local restaurants." "Large rooms with sitting areas are a wonderful place to have a nightcap." "Mostly Laotian and clearly well trained, staff interact with guests in a friendly manner."

"La Résidence Phou Vao You’d be hard-pressed to find a more romantic property than Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao. Tucked away in a quiet hillside neighborhood that’s just a 20-minute walk from the heart of Luang Prabang and spread across three acres of lush grounds, the tranquil boutique resort is a maze of foliage-fringed paths illuminated at night with flickering lanterns. The 34 guest rooms speak the same love language with locally sourced materials, including low wooden tables and Laotian pottery and basketry, as well as stylish comforts like canopy beds, terrazzo bath tubs, and huge balconies with views of the gardens or city center below. When you’re not spending your days trekking from temple to wat, hole up in the spa, where traditional herbal steam baths are guaranteed to soothe sore limbs. Then dine on Franco-Laotian delicacies under the stars in the garden at the elegant on-site restaurant."

"Belmond La Residence Phou Vao: This sleepy, orchid-planted hillside hotel is about a ten-minute tuk tuk ride from town, with misty views of the valley below and mountains in the distance."