Surrounded by lush natural beauty and the calm provided by Buddhist monks chanting daily, you can't help but let your troubles melt away. A former French colonial outpost transformed into a lush garden retreat, each room has its own vibe of calm and comfort with a zen pool anchoring the estate. You would never know you're nestled in the midst of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO protected old town.

The best part of all the rooms is the myriad of bathing options. You can shower inside, there's a huge soaking tub, or listen to nature while standing under a rain shower in your outdoor private terrace.

Both.

The spa is beyond tranquil. I tried both a massage and facial. A Lao massage is something to behold - an oil-free treatment performed over loose, comfortable clothing, stretches the body while deep pressure point stimulation eases tension.

What a special experience - I visited the morning market with the chef to learn about local ingredients and pick out dinner. Later in the day we journeyed to the organic farm, where we used the market ingredients to partake in a cooking class. Amantaka has a beautiful bar with Hemingway-esque drinks.

The vibe is much too calm and quiet to bring small children here. I would recommend only adults.

Arrival and departure transfer from and to Luang Prabang Airport.