58
STAY
A
HERITAGE STAY– AVANI+ LUANG PRABANG A handsome contemporary retreat in the heart of heritage Luang Prabang. TEXT BY CLAIRE BOOBBYER PHOTOGRAPHS BY AVANI+ LUANG PRABANG GETTING THERE Lao Airlines flies daily to Luang Prabang from Bangkok, Vientiane, Hanoi, Siem Reap, and Chiang Mai. For reservations: avanihotels.com/en/ luang-prabang
O
nce the site of a French garrison, Avani+’s grand footprint straddles a major town corner facing the night market, and tourism office, and is a three-minute stroll to the banks of the Mekong River. Guests staying at the Avani+ really couldn’t hope for a better location with all of Luang Prabang’s beautiful highlights within walking distance, and some of its best bars and restaurants a parasol’s throw away. In keeping with its zen-like atmosphere – enhanced by a palette of dove grey, taupe, and milk white – the heart of the hotel is an
inner sanctum with rooms focused around a central court featuring the pool, palms, and gardens which cocoon rooms, protecting them from the noise and traffic of the city. Choice rooms are on the first floor with louvred shutters and balconies overlooking the pool, although ground floor garden rooms – with patio sun loungers – offer complete privacy. The Avani+’s 53 open-plan rooms evoke calm with their broad brush of neutral tones: white linens, light wood furniture, teak floors, plus his and her sinks and separate rain showers and toilet cubicles. Constantly refilled jars of mini cookies and banana chips are a thoughtful touch for a snack after night market browsing for handicrafts and lanterns. Turn-down gifts are thoughtful, too: tiny bags of rice for your return home, an animal figure woven from fiber – a bookmark, perhaps, or ornament.
