Marriott International Celebrates 800th Property in Asia Pacific excluding China with the Opening of La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang
Marking the company's debut in Laos, the property invites travelers to experience the storied heritage of Luang Prabang from a 36-suite hilltop sanctuary, where Lao traditions live serenely alongside the French art de vivre.
Download images here
BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. today marks a landmark moment in its Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) growth story, celebrating its 800th property in the region and its debut in Laos with the opening of La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang. The 36-suite hilltop retreat is nestled within three acres of tropical gardens above the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, offering discerning travelers an immersive gateway to one of Southeast Asia's most culturally rich and soul-stirring destinations.
Long regarded as one of Luang Prabang's most distinctive hilltop retreats, La Résidence Phou Vao now begins a new chapter as part of The Luxury Collection. As The Destination Authority, The Luxury Collection curates hotels that each reflect the heritage and spirit of their setting. The resort joins the portfolio with its original architecture, tropical landscape and celebrated hilltop pool lovingly preserved, while its interiors, culinary identity and guest rituals have been thoughtfully reimagined to reflect the brand's global standards.
"Opening our 800th property in the APEC region is a proud moment that reflects the trust our owners and guests continue to place in Marriott International," said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. "Laos represents an exciting new chapter for us, and the opening of La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang underscores Marriott's commitment to thoughtfully expanding our presence in places that are rich in culture and character. Through its storied heritage and deep connection to Luang Prabang, La Résidence Phou Vao embodies The Luxury Collection's promise to invite guests into the authentic spirit of the destination."
"La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, embodies the very essence of The Luxury Collection," said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. "This is a storied hotel with an unmistakable sense of place that serves as a gateway to the soul of its destination. From its preserved hilltop setting heritage and craftmanship, to experiences rooted in Lao culture and craft, the resort invites global explorers to discover Luang Prabang in a way that is both deeply authentic and entirely its own."
A Hilltop Haven Above a UNESCO World Heritage Town
Residing on Phou Vao among the mist-encircled mountains above Luang Prabang, La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is the only hillside retreat within the UNESCO World Heritage zone. The resort looks out across the town where two sacred rivers, the Mekong and the Nam Khan, intertwine, with the gilded stupa of Wat Chom Si crowning Mount Phou Si and the golden spire of Wat That Luang rising from the rooftops below. Just two kilometers from the old town, the resort places guests just moments from the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, and the sunset viewpoint atop Mount Phou Si.
Suites Woven with Lao Craftsmanship
Inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of Luang Prabang, the resort's 36 all-suite accommodations blend refined comfort with local craftsmanship. Select suites offer separate living spaces and private terraces, while rosewood accents and handwoven textiles pay homage to the region's enduring traditions. Terrazzo bathtubs, twin vanities, and rain showers create sanctuaries of relaxation. Guests can select from the Garden Heritage, Mountain View, or Phou Si Temple Suites.
A Culinary Journey from Provence to the Mekong
La Brasserie de la Résidence anchors the culinary program with a contemporary French menu offering classic bistro fare interpreted through seasonal produce, garden herbs, and ingredients drawn from the surrounding region. Beneath its simplicity lies a Lao sensibility, connecting what one eats to how one feels. Dishes feature ingredients chosen as much for their restorative virtues as for their flavor, cooked with the indulgence a brasserie demands. Whether within the elegant dining room or on the terrace, guests dine against a captivating backdrop with vistas of the historic stupa and the mountains beyond.
The adjoining bar pours signature cocktails crafted with premium local spirits. The Be Epicurean program adds daily pre-sunset terrace nibbles and a bespoke private dining Epicurean Journey in the garden of Villa des Arts, a preserved colonial residence five minutes from the resort. For guests wishing to go deeper into Lao cuisine, a dedicated Lao tasting menu traces the flavors of Luang Prabang across a sequence of courses. Every Saturday and Sunday morning, a local artisan prepares Nem Kao on the Brasserie terrace, the delicate steamed rice crepe known across the Mekong valley as Banh Cuon – a home-style morning dish passed down through Luang Prabang households for generations.
Wellness Rooted in Lao Healing Traditions
Nestled within an open-air Garden Pavilion, the award-winning Mekong Spa is deeply rooted in the healing traditions of Laos. Its five signature treatments include a living pharmacopoeia ritual incorporating Hmong indigo compresses and the restorative Sip Sen Lao massage, complemented by a sauna, relaxation lounge and tranquil pool. Beyond the spa, a 13-meter cliff-edge freshwater infinity pool commands sweeping mountain vistas, while a state-of-the-art fitness center and a dawn gong meditation ritual invite guests to reconnect with the rhythm of the destination.
Journeys Beyond the Gardens
Curated experiences extend well beyond the resort's gardens, offering immersive encounters with the cultural and natural wonders of Luang Prabang. Guests may embark on sunset cruises at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, journey by boat to the sacred Pak Ou Caves with their thousands of revered Buddha images, discover the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si Waterfalls, or enjoy meaningful encounters with elephants in their natural habitat at Manifa Sanctuary. Closer to home, the traditional Baci blessing ceremony, a cherished Lao ritual of welcome and good fortune, offers a heartfelt introduction to local customs.
La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang is now welcoming guests.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit theluxurycollection.com.
ABOUT THE LUXURY COLLECTION HOTELS & RESORTS
The Luxury Collection® is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location, a portal to the destination's charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe's most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of over 135 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in 41 countries and territories. For more information and new openings, visit theluxurycollection.com or follow Instagram and Facebook. The Luxury Collection is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International.
ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of compelling brands across luxury, premium, select, midscale, extended stay, and all-inclusive, with over 10,000 properties in 148 countries and territories, as of June 30, 2026. Marriott franchises, operates, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, yacht, outdoor, and other lodging products all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.
SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.
Share this article