Laos was our latest adventure with Aman. Once again what stands out from the competition is their vision. Laos is essentially still a backpacker location, but the commitment Aman has to truly special places is second to none. Converting the old hospital into this amazing hotel which is so peaceful, tasteful and inviting. The food was really good as well and I always think this is a challenge in a relatively remote location. The staff are friendly and well trained and it reminds me of the commitment of this company to develop people, it is truly inspirational. I have no complaints other than the local Laos airline could introduce a direct flight from Singapore on a daily basis which would make it easier and more appealing to visit the country, however I don't think the airport has the infrastructure to deal with this yet. The Chinese are funding a second runway and possibly we will see flight schedules change as a result. Assuming it was easier to travel there, I would definitely visit again. Gary the GM really made an effort with the guests. The boutique on the property was better than I have seen at some of the other Aman properties. if I had to suggest an improvement is being a little more active on the "itinerary" for the guest like they do in Cambodia. Also thought it was strange that breakfast is not included in the price. The spa was exceptional and we made two trips to the spa over a three day stay - well worth it. Overall a memorable stay - beautiful rooms, exceptional service and an interesting city. We particularly enjoy the boat trip (with the day bed), however the caves are not very impressive, but the trip back at sunset was amazing. Aman provides the experience, cares about developing people and makes you feel so at home - seems simple, but most hotels don't achieve success in all categories. Having been to Cambodia and Laos, I would suggest that you combine the two, it makes the flight situation more manageable.

What a stay. An old hospital converted to a luxury hotel in the center of town. Amazing service, fabulous suite. Our suite had a private pool, warmed in the evenings due to the cool temperature outside. A welcome animist ceremony by one of the former Prince. Superb food at every meal, fantastic picnic organised in a private villa rented by the hotel in a hill village. A Lao cooking class on a rice plantation. Small details everywhere like a fresh flower on top of the toilet paper dispenser, fresh products from the spa in the bathroom, fresh fruit juices in the minibar, replenished everyday. Perfect French croissants, full of butter, for breakfast. Free bicycles to roam around town and a boutique managed by a Japanese designer. Nowhere else can we find such a luxury in Laos.

Stayed here in July 2011 for 3 nights, 4 days... Got an upgraded room with swimming pool...
Beautiful awesome spacious room with Bose system to play my awesome beats...
Gym was great to see (after coming from Amansara which did not have a gym) and there were plenty of equipments to choose from (both cardio and free weights and machines)... spa was delightful... Ron the Spa Manager was great, Chittima, the Resident Manager was also very nice and helpful at the boutique... Gary the General Manager was also very pleasant... Did a couple of activities including the Baci Ceremony which was cool... went to check out the Pak Ou Caves, Kuang Si Waterfalls and stopped by the Bear Sanctuary and got a one on one personal tour of one of the main caretakers of the Sanctuary. She even let me inside the Bear Playground and helped her hide food around the playground for the bears to eat (of course the bears where inside the cage during this time.. lol)... The private Amantaka boat (modified pimped out little motor boat) was fun to ride and I had my own private butler with food and wine served (you get to pick white or red)... I had a private tour guide walking around Luang Prabang visiting temples, climbed the Poussey Hill where you get to see a 360 degree view of Luang Prabang and the Mekong and Khan Rivers... It was a great experience... The restaurant in Amantaka was provided impeccable service.. The Aman family communicate with each other and each Aman resort I visited knew that I like my mini refrigerator stocked with Diet coke and Johnnie Walker is my choice of poison (alcohol)... I had a wonderful time in this resort and Luang Prabang in general and would love to come back there one day...

My second stay at Amantaka, and once again, a wonderful experience. The property is one of a kind in Luang Prabang, with spacious and well tended lovely grounds, huge, immaculate suites, great activities, an outstanding gym and spa. This place has all the Aman hallmarks - you come home to an oasis of calm. Gary (the GM) is the most professional I have seen and his team are equally accommodating. The food has stepped up a notch since my last visit, with delicious Lao cuisine and some well executed Western dishes. I also feel this has one of the best Spas in South East Asia. I travelled with my 82 year old Mum, who I knew would love Luang Prabang. She certainly did - she had tears in her eyes as we took off in the plane bound for Bangkok. Yes, the city entranced her, but I know that Amantaka truly left it's mark on her. Everyone there treated her so very well. I certainly left a very happy man. Very special memories will stay with us a lifetime.