AsiaLIFE

Situated in the heart of Luang Prabang, the 3 Nagas is quite rightly deemed a design classic. Words by Mark Bibby Jackson.

Like the Unesco World Heritage town in which it is situated, 3 Nagas is an immaculately preserved hotel. The two quite different, but equally brilliant, traditional Lao wooden buildings set on either side of Luang Prabang’s main market street, date back more than a century. Converted into a hotel in 2003, they were taken over by Alila a year ago. “The hallmark of Alila hotels and resorts is stylish, relaxing environments and superb hospitality,” claims the boutique hotel management group. Certainly the 3 Nagas does not disappoint.

Each building has beautiful hard wood finishes, an elegant restaurant and darkened rooms, ensuring a restful stay. All rooms have their own private space, whether balcony or terrace, and Kambor House has idyllic gardens overlooking the Mekong River. To make matters complete the hotel is a haven from television sets so your tranquility will not be disturbed by the bleating sound of CNN. Free WiFi throughout the hotel means guests can keep abreast of events taking place in the outside world, should they wish.

Although one restaurant nominally serves western and the other Lao cuisine, the menus are interchangeable. Dining al fresco at Rama’s House is the ideal way to sample Lao dishes, while the bar in the adjacent Kambor House is a chilled spot for an aperitif, or complimentary afternoon tea. The grilled buffalo comes highly recommended.

The tiny spa has only two massages – with or without oil – delivered to you on a mattress in the privacy of your own room. The only drawback with the whole place is that due to Unesco preservation orders, there is no swimming pool. The hotel can arrange trips along the river to the nearby cave and waterfall, but really Luang Prabang is a place to relax, and 3 Nagas is the ideal place to do this. Meaning “surprise” in Sanskrit, Alila claims its hotels “reflect the very best of a contemporary lifestyle.” However, it will come as no surprise if you decide to extend your stay at this most delightful hotel.

3 Nagas, 97/5 Ban Vatnong, Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, Tel: +856 71 253 888, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.alilahotels.com