There is only one location which can beat being in the historic centre of Luang Prabang itself and that is to be on Phou Vao Hill, a vantage point overlooking both the peninsula and the surrounding lush surrounding mountains. It is all about these panoramic views – Le Residence is an exceptional property on a truly vantage point.

The 34 spacious guest rooms and suites, which are surrounded by frangipani trees set in ever-so-deliberately-slightly-overgrown lush gardens, are furnished elegantly, with emphasis on local styles and materials. The rooms are contemporary, but with Laotian accents provided by wooden furniture and elegant panelling made of hand-woven silk.

The restaurant provides (arguably) the best dining in town in (unquestionably) the most sumptuous surroundings, offering guests the opportunity to dine outside in the gardens, experiencing a magnificent ‘500 candles dinner’. The cuisine is primarily Laotian – many small dishes combined to create a banquet, based around staples of sticky rice, fresh fish, marinated meats, noodles, dipping sauces and soups. The terraced Champa Bar is both comfortable and relaxed, the perfect spot to meet before dinner.

The detached and self-contained spa area, which includes a second swimming pool and steam room, offers custom-designed treatments based on traditional Lao herbal remedies and uses only pure botanical ingredients from organic Lao gardens and local farms. Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao is owned and operated by Orient-Express, guaranteeing standards of international excellence which make it, perhaps with only the nearby Amantaka as competition, one of the best hotels in Laos. However, what La Résidence has over its neighbours are the views from every private balcony or terrace.