The new Amanresorts luxury hotel, Amantaka, sits in the heart of Luang Prabang, a town declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 to protect its 32 precious temples, classic French colonial architecture and former royal palace. Luxury Travel

The property is within walking distance of Luang Prabang's many historic sites, boutiques, restaurants, fabled night market, and the banks of the Mekong and Khan Rivers.

Amantaka, derived from the word aman meaning 'peace' in Sanskrit and taka from "Tipitaka" or 'the teaching of the Buddha' in Theravada literature, is an idyllic, peaceful escape that mirrors the serenity of the town in which it lies. The graceful French colonial buildings which now house the property were once Luang Prabang's provincial hospital. Nine of the 15 structures are UNESCO-protected, and the entire property was restored carefully under their stipulations when Amanresorts assumed management in 2005.

Amantaka consists of 24 spacious Suites flanking an expansive courtyard and central swimming pool. Each Suite is distinguished by its generous size of 70 to 120 square metres with 5m-height ceilings and oversized exterior living spaces. All Suites feature a king-sized bed, writing desk, table and chairs, chaise lounge, and a bathroom offering twin vanities and a deep-soaking tub. Outdoor spaces are shaded by mango trees and dotted with lounge chairs and large umbrellas. Four Pool Suites feature eight-metre pools. The eight Khan Suites showcase an expansive outdoor sitting area, and the two Mekong Suites include expansive indoor living spaces. Each of the two stand-alone Amantaka Suites are surrounded by large verandas with private spa treatment rooms, large outdoor entertaining spaces, an eight-metre pool and separate areas for living and dining.

Amantaka offers several dining options from authentic Lao cuisine with its bounty of fresh herbs and vegetables to French-influenced and international fare. The airy dining room is a relaxing environment for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the Lounge Bar is ideal for an aperitif or post-meal cigar. Casual meals may be enjoyed on the Pool Terrace or in a number of private venues around the property or en-suite.

The Spa at Amantaka includes four self-contained treatment rooms, steam and sauna facilities, and hot and cold plunge pools. Therapies feature Southeast Asian wellness techniques fused with Aman's signature range of organic spa products.

Amantaka's fitness facilities include a heated 25-metre swimming pool open year-round, a tennis court, gym and yoga studio. Private yoga classes are available upon request at certain times of year.

Amantaka will also feature a Library, Boutique and Art Gallery offering unique handcrafted works from local artists and hilltribe communities, including textiles from master silk weavers and antiques.

Luang Prabang embraces a devout Buddhist spirituality. Daily life is imbued with the presence of novice and learned monks, from early morning when alms are offered to post-sunset when sonorous chanting emanates from the town's many temples. Amantaka offers a unique base from which to explore the fascinating history and future of this charming town.

Guests at Amantaka can customize excursions to the numerous spiritual, natural and cultural attractions in Luang Prabang and its surroundings. Nature lovers may organize day trips to the Kuang Xi waterfalls, elephant rides, jungle treks, Mekong River boat tours, among other activities. For insight into Lao culture, Amantaka can arrange visits to local hilltribe communities, cooking classes, and bespoke tours of Luang Prabang's galleries, museums, antique shops and private collections.

View Hotel Profile: Amantaka, Luang Prabang