TTG Asia Luxury May 2018 | Page 60

destination alt-luxe game – is widely seen as a reason for the overall slowdown in foreign arrivals to Laos. But what of the steady increase to Luang Prabang in the past five years and, particularly, the rise in the number of luxury travellers? “In contrast to the general trend (of a Laos slowdown), we have seen a significant increase in business coming through our designated LUXE sector with 1Q2018 performing 37 per cent better than the same period last year and agents booking through the Virtuoso Luxury Travel network 30 per cent ahead,” said Exo Travel group general manager, Hamish Keith. “This growth is driven in part because Exo has been promoting Laos more specifically as a luxury and experiential destination, and also due to an increasingly demanding luxury market for a less mainstream and more authentic destination, a niche that Laos delivers on more levels than the better promoted but also more heavily visited neighbours.” Diethelm Travel Laos general manager, Georgie Walsh, links Luang Prabang’s popularity to the current trend of wealthy travellers desiring “something different: cultural, spiritual, adventurous or trendy”. Luang Prabang has all of the above. Visitors to the ancient capital of 14 th century Laos are transported back in time to a slower pace, well preserved place and unaffected people. The UNESCO listing is a blessing, for there are rules in place to ensure Luang Prabang’s heritage remains intact. The town is unique – rows of houses in French colonial architectural style, energetic in their new purpose as thriving cafes and French or Laotian restaurants. Splendid gilded temples co-exist with Indo-Chinese villas. Amantaka Luang Prabang, for so long the destination’s ‘go-to’ for a luxury hotel, not only has a lot more company now; the new players are 54 TTG Asia luxury | May 2018 entering with new tricks. Said Walsh: “Rosewood is attracting the more experiential travellers looking for unique accommodation. Camping being the latest luxury trend, the property’s luxury hilltop tents decorated by the panache of Bill Bensley and surrounded by a lush jungle makes it one of the hottest new openings in South-east Asia. The fact that it is only a 15-minute drive from the town centre of Luang Prabang means that it is easily accessible and perfect in combination with Siem Reap, Hanoi or Northern Thailand.” Minor Hotels also has more in mind for Luang Prabang than just an Avani+, its new sub-brand which, incidentally, to many people was launched because the Luang Prabang hotel did not fit as an Anantara or Avani. Though Avani+ in itself is a coup for Minor – it’s the former Azerai and is the only hotel within a stone’s throw to town, with a large pool and smart rooms that will appeal to young-at-heart and tech-savvy travellers – Minor’s game plan is to connect Laos to Thailand through cruises along the mighty Mekong between Thailand’s Golden Triangle and Laos. It has launched Mekong Kingdoms, fielding a fleet of five refitted luxurious rice barges. Travellers can join the flagship Bohème, a 42m, 13-cabin luxury barge, at Luang Prabang or Chiang Khong located near Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp Above Minor Group’s Mekong Kingdoms creates new luxury possibilities for Luang Prabang In contrast to the general trend (of a Laos slowdown), we have seen a significant increase in business coming through our designated LUXE sector... Hamish Keith, group general manager, Exo Travel and Resort. Decorated with intricate Indo-Chinese-inspired artwork and fitted with sumptuously comfortable furnishings from bow to stern, Bohème spoils with facilities including an expansive sun deck, wine cellar and spa. The journey from Chiang Rai/ Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang is two nights as it heads downstream. The upstream cruise takes three nights. Voyagers will be captivated by the languid river lifestyle and nature along the Mekong River valley. The other vessels include Gypsy, an exclusive two-cabin cruiser perfect for one or more nights along the Mekong for up to four passengers; Nomad, ideal for sunset cruises for couples; Play, a floating lounge for private events or adventure for up to 15 passengers; and Monsoon, a scheduled touring vessel to the Pak Ou caves, known for having thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries. Luxury players such as Exo and Diethelm are also motivated to ensure word gets around that Luang Prabang is the new luxe secret. Diethelm, for instance, finds the best times to visit main sites such as the Pak Ou caves or Kuang Si falls to beat the crowds, and offers unique offerings such a sandbank lunch in a private area on the Mekong River with Mekong Kingdoms, visits to hidden temples and specialist workshops.