The Best Wellness Retreats in Laos

Tmark Resort Vang Vieng, the largest luxury resort in an otherwise tiny town, is a comfortable jumping-off point for the peace-inducing river, caves and countryside of this beautiful corner of Laos. The hotel rooms and suites are spacious and modern, and when it’s time to relax, provide easy access to the lagoon-like hotel pool or the in-house spa.

Souphattra Hotel is perched at the edge of the historic buildings, temples and palaces of the Unesco-recognised town of Luang Prabang. Taking the form of a French-colonial shophouse, this hotel is made up of 37 stylish rooms, decked in whites and greys, fronting a long, inviting pool. An in-house spa specialises in local-style treatments, and the hotel can organise golf excursions.

The Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel, located in the eponymous town in Laos, recreates a peaceful village atmosphere. Linking 53 rooms and suites in a French colonial-style building, the hotel offers a convenient, luxurious base for exploring one of the more charming Southeast Asian towns. Once you’re back from your adventures, book a signature massage at the in-house spa or stretch out your stresses in the yoga-pilates pavilion.

Located just across the tiny Khan River in Luang Prabang is The Apsara Rive Droite; a boat shuttle connecting you to the hotel, which resembles a rambling French colonial-era mansion. Rooms are outfitted with handsome wood furniture, light curtains filter the abundant natural light, and local design touches bring colour to your stay. An in-house mindfulness therapist and inviting pool are where you’re likely to spend your downtime.

Poised a brief walk from the Unesco-protected historical centre of Luang Prabang is Maison Dalabua. The village-like compound has a lotus pond as its centrepiece, and the airy, timeless rooms provide access to a swimming pool. An in-house spa, located across two antique structures, is your base for a variety of wellness treatments from manicures to signature massages with reflexology and acupuncture.

It’s almost too easy to mistake the Sanctuary Hotel in Luang Prabang for one of the ancient Buddhist temples in the city. Protected by a whitewashed wall, and bearing a footprint that also spans a garden and pool, the vibe is serene and peaceful. Rooms are subtle and handsome, with access to an in-house spa where you can book traditional Lao massages and natural herbal foot soaks.

The Kingfisher Ecolodge sits in the Laos section of the Emerald Triangle in the southernmost province of Champasak. It’s immersed in wildlife, situated between the Xe Pian Natural Protected Area and the Beung Kiat Ngong Wetlands. Wellness here is all about reconnecting with nature. Go jungle trekking or mountain biking before an evening of stargazing from the porch of your bungalow. In the morning, head to the thatch-roofed, open-air studio overlooking the wetlands for meditation and private yoga classes.

Kiridara is a purple-themed luxury boutique hotel outside Luang Prabang. Situated on a hill, it affords calm-inducing views of Mount Phousi. Each of the 24 rooms is spacious and elegant with feather beds and terraces. A mountain-view pool, fitness centre with a yoga studio, and spa offer all the wellness and pampering you’ll need. In the latter, choose from a variety of services ranging from facials and baths to steam rooms, massages and body treatments. The in-house Phu Doi restaurant is open all day, serving Lao and Western food.

Amantaka is an exclusive resort with lush gardens perfect for strolling. Formerly a hospital, it was renovated into a luxury hotel with a library, art gallery, tennis courts and 24 suites (16 have private swimming pools in an enclosed courtyard). But it’s the wellness facilities that stand out, with a spa offering traditional treatments, a stacked gym, yoga studio, plus hot and cold plunge pools. You can also book in for a baci blessing, a chant-based ceremony to bring balance to your life.

The Champasak Spa Wellness Center is located on the banks of the Mekong in the charming town of Champasak, near the Unesco-badged site of Wat Phou. The Center is a French-backed sustainability project to train and employ local workers and source natural beauty products from southern Laos. Book in for a traditional or herbal body massage, oil massage, hair treatment or indulge in a five-hour treatment package that includes lunch and time to relax in the garden.

If you find yourself in Xieng Khouang province (presumably visiting the Plain of Jars), it would be remiss to ignore the local hot mineral springs. Stay at the Hot Springs Resort – owned and operated by the Lao government – where you can bathe in the water piped in from the springs. The rustic resort has bungalows and electricity at night. Another spring can be found in Ban Xang, where you can bathe in the river where hot and cool waters meet.

Riverside Boutique Resort has a plum spot on the banks of the Nam Song in Vang Vieng. It has 34 guest rooms and an outdoor pool with breathtaking mountain views. The in-house The Riverside Sala Spa is one of the best in Vang Vieng and uses natural products made in Thailand and Laos. Book the Riverside Signature Journey, which includes a massage, hot herbal treatments, body scrub and steam therapy. After, head to the on-site fine-dining establishment Restaurant du Crabe d’Or, for local and French cuisine.