Sofitel: History, heritage and French hospitality in Laos

Luang Prabang Sofitel
1000 649 Daniel Fountain
  • 0

Expansion in Asia continues with the launch of the latest flagship from Sofitel in the World heritage city of Luang Prabang in April. This century-year-old former governor’s mansion, protected by UNESCO, has now been restored to its full grandeur and majesty.

Heritage and modern comfort
Set in a lush tropical garden, the highly exclusive Sofitel Luang Prabang offers 25 clay-roofed suites, ranging from 46 to 120 square metres, each with a private garden, oversized bathtub or plunge pool.

Luang Prabang Sofitel
Shuttered windows, hand-carved poster bed frames and exquisite Lao artefacts create a sense of old-world nostalgia. Each room is furnished with the latest amenities such as flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi and the signature plush Sofitel ‘MyBed’. The hotel also houses a gallery of Indochinese art and a magnificent library with one of Luang Prabang’s largest book collections.

“What guests will find most captivating at Sofitel Luang Prabang is the fusion that occurs on so many levels,” says General Manager Pablo Barruti. “Heritage is married with modern comfort. And the enduring tranquillity, both within the verdant gardens and just outside in the serene residential quarter, will appeal to guests in search of refuge in this age of sensory overload.”

Luang Prabang Sofitel
Serenity and relaxation

The beautiful SoSPA offers treatments blending ancient Lao healing techniques with local organic products and advanced skin care.

As part of the hotel’s sustainable development initiatives, the spa offers ‘Blind Massages’ by disabled therapists, slightly more vigorous and intense than usual due to their heightened senses. Guests can also opt for yoga and pilates classes, take a dip in the 25-metre mosaic-tiled pool, or work out on the TechnoGym at the Fitness Centre.

Luang Prabang Sofitel
The Governor’s Grill proposes a delicious blend of fine western gastronomy and authentic Lao specialities. Guests can dine indoors or al fresco in a colonial-style tent overlooking the garden. The hotel Concierge can also arrange lunch at the award-winning 3 Nagas Restaurant at its recently renovated sister property in the city, 3 Nagas, MGallery by Sofitel.

Daniel Fountain / 05.07.2016

Editor, Hotel Designs

Share

  • 0

You might also like

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Work highlights: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher atSPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.
Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.