Rosewood Luang Prabang in Laos to open 2017

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® has been appointed by Waterfall Management Sole Co., Ltd. to manage Rosewood Luang Prabang in Laos, scheduled to open 2017 as a luxury escape that will epitomize the collection's A Sense of Place® philosophy.

Within 10 minutes' drive from the historic city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, guests will be enveloped in an ethereal, idyllic setting as the resort is completely immersed within a virtually untouched natural environment. Rosewood Luang Prabang will be the only luxury vacation destination in the vicinity with no sightlines to civilization.

Set within a thickly forested setting blessed with natural water features including a meandering river and waterfall, each of the resort's 22 spacious accommodations will be bordered by a stream or riverbank. The resort will be designed to encourage guests to unwind and become as one with the serene natural surroundings, with features such as open-air showers, tubs and living rooms.

Guests will have a choice between eight deluxe villas, three garden villas, six private pool villas and five luxury tents. The 100-square-meter luxury tents, with their own private dining areas and wrap-around decks, will be a first for Rosewood. While each accommodation will be unique, elements inspired by Lao tradition and French colonial style will be woven throughout, from design and architecture to use of indigenous materials and accents of locally inspired artwork.

An arrival manor, the first indication of the forest retreat to visitors entering the area, will offer a bar and a bistro serving French and Laotian cuisine. The manor will also house the brand's signature Sense, A Rosewood Spa® with three individual treatment rooms. The resort will be designed and built by Bangkok-based American architect Bill Bensley according to UNESCO guidelines, and will also be the site for the first philanthropic hospitality school in Laos, which will give back to the local community by providing its students with professional hospitality training.

"At Rosewood Luang Prabang we wish to create an authentic and exquisite journey for every guest that connects them to nature and creates unforgettable memories of the rich local landscape and culture," says Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer, Rosewood Hotel Group. "It will also mark two milestones for our company – the launch of a community philanthropic school, as well as the introduction of Rosewood luxury tent accommodations."

Luang Prabang, one of the best-preserved French Colonial territories in Asia, is known for its strong monastic culture and dozens of unique temples. Strategically located along the fertile bank of the Mekong River, the city is surrounded by dense vegetation and enriched with the natural fragrances of the native frangipani and coffee trees.

"This strategic location is a treasure trove of nature's blessings – the perfect setting for a secluded and indulgent escape," says Ms. Vareeporn Udomkunnatum, director of Waterfall Management Sole Co., Ltd. "We are very confident that, in the good hands of Bill Bensley and the management of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the completed resort will be truly one-of-a-kind."