Need to know
Rooms
Thirty-four, including two suites.
Check–Out
Noon, but flexible, subject to availability and at a cost of 50 per cent of the room rate. Check-in, 2pm, unless rooms are ready earlier.
More details
Rates include breakfast.
Also
A traditional Baci ceremony offers an experience of Lao culture and poolside is the perfect place to have your wrists bound… in the best of local traditions of course. What did you think we meant?
At the hotel
Restaurant, bar, pool, spa, library, gardens, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: TV, balconies with day-beds, complimentary minibar, free bottled water, air-conditioning.
Our favourite rooms
Rooms 501 through 504 have spectacular vistas across the infinity pool and the lush valley beyond. For instant immersion in the swimming pool, rooms 101 and 102, just a leap away from the loungers, are the beds of choice. Large bathrooms boast tempting terrazzo tubs if you'd prefer to cool off in your bower.
Poolside
The inviting 13-metre infinity pool overlooks the shimmering spires of the old town and the mist-shrouded mountains. Plus, it’s within a whisker of the bar/restaurant should waterside drinks be desired. There’s also a plunge pool in the soothing Mekong Spa complex.
Spa
In-house Mekong Spa offers pampering facials, body wraps, scrubs and massages, including couples' therapies, with treatments drawing on Lao herbal remedies and botanical ingredients from organic gardens and farms.
Packing tips
Stash the nattiest swimming costume you own in your Samsonite. A winter warmer may sound a tad OTT for the sub-tropics, but it won't look as silly as an acrylic pullover from the local market when the mountain air gets nippy.
Also
All guests are welcomed with a drink in the Doc Champa Bar, but you'll find your gaze wandering to the infinity pool and those expansive, attention-demanding views. Smoking rooms can be requested.
Children
Welcome. Baby cots are free, but extra beds for older kids will set you back US$60 a night. A babysitter is on tap for US$10 an hour.
Overview
Welcome. Baby cots are free, but extra beds for older kids will set you back US$60 a night. A babysitter is on tap for US$10 an hour.
Best for
Kids who don’t need a lot of flashy entertainment. This is a low-key destination.
Recommended rooms
All are quite spacious and can easily accommodate a baby cot or extra single bed.
Activities
This is a small city, so ask the concierge about getting your hands on some bikes to make the local wat-hopping a little more entertaining. Day trips involving elephant treks, rafting and hiking are a good distraction in the surrounding countryside.
Swimming pool
Children are quite welcome at the infinity pool. There is no shallow end but a lifeguard is on duty from 8am–6pm.
Meals
The kitchen staff is more than happy to cater to junior tastes during restaurant hours, and can heat baby milk and food when necessary, or make up packed lunches. There are no high chairs.
Babysitting
Give the staff at least two hours’ notice and someone can look after the littlies for US$10 an hour.
No need to pack
Baby cots, provided free.
Also
Extra beds for older kids cost US$60 a night.