Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Mekong River, The Grand Luang Prabang Affiliated by Meliá is a refined retreat that blends cultural depth with understated luxury. Housed in a former royal residence, the hotel offers a rare opportunity to experience the soul of a heritage riverside retreat offering timeless luxury, cultural authenticity, and exceptional Laotian hospitality.

With accolades from World Luxury Awards, Haute Grandeur, Golden Circle, and TripAdvisor, this destination is now recognized as well by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2025 as the Best Luxury Heritage Hotel in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Under the leadership of General Manager Woranate Vasudhara, whose expertise bridges regional knowledge and global hospitality standards, this iconic destination continues to thrive. In this exclusive interview, Ms. Vasudhara shares her perspective on the future of luxury travel and how The Grand Luang Prabang Affiliated by Meliá is shaping more purposeful, culturally rooted guest experiences.

Alexander Chetchikov: Ms. Vasudhara, congratulations on the award. Heritage luxury is an increasingly prominent segment in the hospitality industry. How do you see global travel trends shifting in favor of heritage properties?

Woranate Vasudhara: Thank you, Alexander. I see a definitive movement in global travel toward experiences that carry depth and authenticity. Today’s luxury travelers are not only looking for exceptional comfort—they want a sense of connection to the place they visit. Heritage properties have a unique advantage because they are rooted in stories, traditions, and architecture that can’t be replicated.

At The Grand Luang Prabang, our location within a former royal residence is more than a beautiful setting—it’s a living testament to Luang Prabang’s cultural and historical legacy. Guests are drawn to this blend of history and refinement because it allows them to immerse themselves in the destination in a way that feels genuine and memorable.

We’re also seeing travelers increasingly value sustainability and preservation. Heritage hotels that protect cultural identity while delivering modern luxury align perfectly with this mindset. In our case, we integrate local craftsmanship, culinary traditions, and community partnerships into the guest journey—ensuring that every stay is not just an escape, but a meaningful contribution to preserving the soul of Laos.

This is why I believe heritage luxury is not just a trend—it’s the future of meaningful, high-end travel.

AC: With digital fatigue and the pace of rapid urbanization, do you believe today’s travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer cultural depth and emotional resonance?

WV: Absolutely. In a world where people are constantly connected and life moves at an overwhelming pace, there’s a growing desire to slow down, disconnect, and seek experiences that feel grounding and restorative. Travelers today want more than a change of scenery—they want a change of state of mind.

Destinations that offer cultural depth and emotional resonance provide that. They give guests the opportunity to step into a different rhythm, to connect with traditions that have stood the test of time, and to find meaning in the stories, rituals, and craftsmanship of a place.

Here in Luang Prabang, the gentle flow of the Mekong, the morning alms-giving, and the artistry of local crafts naturally invite guests to be present. At The Grand Luang Prabang, we frame these authentic experiences within the comfort of refined luxury, so our guests can slow down without sacrificing elegance.

In many ways, this is the new definition of luxury – not excess, but depth; not speed, but stillness; and not just a stay, but a feeling that lingers long after the journey ends.

AC: What role do you believe authenticity plays in shaping the modern definition of luxury?

WV: Authenticity is no longer a “nice to have” in luxury – it’s the cornerstone. Today’s discerning travelers can sense when something is staged or superficial, and they are actively seeking experiences that feel genuine and uncontrived.

Modern luxury is about creating moments that are both deeply personal and true to the destination’s identity. For us at The Grand Luang Prabang, that means more than offering a beautiful room – it’s about inviting guests into the living history of a former royal residence, serving dishes prepared with local ingredients and ancestral recipes, and connecting them with the stories of the people who call Luang Prabang home.

Authenticity also builds trust. When guests feel that what they are experiencing is real – whether it’s a conversation with a local artisan, a ceremony passed down for generations, or simply the unspoiled view of the Mekong at sunrise – it resonates on an emotional level. That emotional connection is what transforms a stay into a lifelong memory, and in my view, that is the highest form of luxury.

AC: How important is environmental sensitivity and sustainability in luxury hospitality today, particularly in heritage destinations like Luang Prabang?

WV: Environmental sensitivity and sustainability are now inseparable from the concept of modern luxury – particularly in heritage destinations like Luang Prabang. Guests who choose to stay with us expect more than beautiful surroundings; they expect us to safeguard the cultural and natural legacy they have come to experience.

What makes The Grand Luang Prabang truly unique is that we are not only located within the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, but our very grounds – home to the former royal palace of Prince Phetsarath – are themselves part of that UNESCO designation. This places an even greater responsibility on us to preserve both the built heritage and the surrounding environment.

Here, the Mekong River, our expansive gardens, and the historic architecture form a living tapestry of culture and nature. Protecting these elements is not just about conservation – it’s about ensuring that the authentic spirit of the place endures.

We take this responsibility seriously, embedding sustainability into every part of our operations: from sourcing seasonal ingredients from local farmers, to reducing single-use plastics, to restoring our historic structures using traditional methods. For our guests, knowing their stay directly contributes to preserving a UNESCO heritage site makes their experience more meaningful. For us, it is both an honor and a duty to protect this rare legacy for generations to come.

AC: With Laos still considered a relatively undiscovered gem by many global travelers, what challenges and opportunities do you see in positioning it as a premier destination on the luxury travel map?

WV: Laos is indeed still one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets, and that duality—being both undiscovered and extraordinary – presents us with both challenges and opportunities.

The challenge lies in accessibility and awareness. Flight connections remain limited compared to neighboring countries, and the global luxury market is still more familiar with destinations like Thailand or Vietnam. This means we must work harder to tell Laos’ story to the world and to position it as not just an add-on to a regional itinerary, but a destination worthy of a dedicated journey.

The opportunity, however, is immense. Discerning travelers are increasingly seeking places that have not been over-commercialized – destinations where authenticity is intact, nature is unspoiled, and the pace of life allows for true immersion. Laos delivers on all of these in abundance.

At The Grand Luang Prabang, we are uniquely positioned to champion this narrative. We offer guests the rare chance to stay within a UNESCO World Heritage site, on the historic grounds of the former palace of Prince Phetsarath, overlooking the Mekong River. Our role is to be both a luxury retreat and a cultural gateway – curating experiences that reveal the richness of Lao traditions, from intimate cooking classes with local recipes to private river cruises and guided explorations of Luang Prabang’s spiritual heritage.

If we can combine this authenticity with targeted marketing, stronger connectivity, and strategic partnerships – particularly through Meliá’s global network – Laos can claim its rightful place as one of the most captivating luxury destinations in the world.

AC: Focusing on The Grand Luang Prabang Affiliated by Meliá, what do you believe sets the guest experience at your property apart from others?

WV: What truly sets The Grand Luang Prabang apart is the way we frame luxury through the lens of history, culture, and a deep sense of place. We are not simply a five-star hotel—we are the only luxury property in Luang Prabang located on UNESCO World Heritage grounds, within the former royal palace of Prince Phetsarath, overlooking the tranquil Mekong River. Every stay here is part of a living story.

Our guests are not just accommodated—they are immersed. Breakfast is taken with uninterrupted views of the Mekong at sunrise, dinner might feature recipes passed down through generations, and every corner of the property carries echoes of Lao history. We offer curated cultural experiences, from traditional weaving workshops with local artisans to private temple blessings, ensuring our guests connect to the true spirit of Luang Prabang.

The service ethos is equally distinctive. Our team embodies genuine Laotian hospitality—warm, sincere, and attentive without being intrusive. Because many of our staff are from local villages, they bring an authenticity to interactions that no amount of training alone can replicate.

And of course, being part of the Meliá family allows us to blend this rich heritage with the assurance of international luxury standards—delivering the best of both worlds: the soul of Laos, framed in world-class comfort.

AC: Given that your hotel was formerly a royal residence, how do you integrate its historical significance into the guest experience without it feeling overly formal or museum-like?

WV: The key is to let history live and breathe rather than be locked behind glass. While The Grand Luang Prabang carries the prestige of having been the former royal residence of Prince Phetsarath, our goal is to make that heritage feel warm, inviting, and very much part of the present.

We do this by weaving historical elements naturally into the guest journey. For example, our public spaces feature original architectural details and antiques, but they are placed in a way that encourages interaction and appreciation rather than creating a “look but don’t touch” atmosphere. Our staff are trained to share the stories behind these details—whether it’s the significance of a traditional carving or the role this estate played in Lao history—so guests feel like they are being personally welcomed into someone’s home, not a museum.

We also bring the history to life through experiences: heritage garden tours, storytelling evenings by the river, and menus inspired by royal family recipes. The setting itself—UNESCO-listed grounds overlooking the Mekong—does much of the work for us, but it’s these personal touches that make it feel approachable.

Ultimately, our aim is to preserve the dignity and authenticity of this royal legacy while ensuring that every guest feels relaxed, comfortable, and at home in its grandeur. It’s about creating an environment where history isn’t just observed—it’s lived.

AC: Laotian warmth and genuine service are clearly at the heart of your hospitality. Can you share a memorable example of how your team makes guests feel truly special?

WV: One moment that stands out happened earlier this year when we hosted a couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. They had chosen The Grand Luang Prabang because they wanted a quiet, meaningful escape, but they hadn’t told us much in advance.

Our team learned about the anniversary during casual conversation at breakfast, and without any instruction from management, they began planning a surprise on their own. That evening, the couple returned from a river cruise to find their balcony transformed—candles, fresh flowers from our garden, a handmade bamboo lantern crafted by one of our staff’s relatives, and a private Lao-style dinner inspired by dishes traditionally served at royal celebrations.

The highlight was when our staff presented them with a framed photo we had secretly taken earlier that day against the backdrop of the Mekong, along with a handwritten note in both Lao and English wishing them another 25 years of happiness. The couple was deeply moved—they said it was the most heartfelt gesture they had ever experienced at a hotel.

This is what Laotian hospitality is about: genuine care, personal touches, and a sincerity that can’t be scripted. Our team doesn’t just serve guests; they welcome them as part of our extended family, and that warmth is something people remember long after they leave.

AC: With rising interest from European travelers, what are your hopes and goals for the hotel’s future development?

WV: Europe has always been an important market for us, and the recent rise in interest is a very encouraging sign. European travelers tend to value authenticity, heritage, and slower, more meaningful journeys—qualities that align perfectly with what The Grand Luang Prabang offers.

Looking ahead, my goal is to deepen our presence in this market by leveraging both our partnership with Meliá’s global network and direct relationships with high-end travel designers, tour operators, and cultural travel specialists in Europe. We aim to position the hotel not just as a place to stay in Luang Prabang, but as an integral part of the European traveler’s journey through Southeast Asia.

On the development side, I see opportunities to further enhance our cultural programming—curated art exhibitions, culinary residencies with Laotian and regional chefs, and heritage-led wellness experiences that blend traditional healing practices with modern luxury. We also plan to continue upgrading our facilities in ways that respect our UNESCO-listed heritage while elevating comfort and guest experience.

Ultimately, my vision is for The Grand Luang Prabang to be recognized internationally as one of Asia’s most distinctive heritage luxury retreats—a place where European guests, and indeed all our travelers, feel they have discovered something rare, meaningful, and unforgettable.

AC: Lastly, how does it feel for The Grand Luang Prabang Affiliated by Meliá to be recognized by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards? What does this recognition means for the hotel?

WV: It is both an honor and a validation of everything we stand for. The Luxury Lifestyle Awards celebrate not only excellence in service and facilities, but also the deeper values that define true luxury—authenticity, cultural preservation, and meaningful guest experiences. For The Grand Luang Prabang, this recognition affirms that our commitment to protecting our UNESCO-listed heritage, delivering genuine Laotian hospitality, and upholding world-class standards resonates on a global stage.

On a personal level, it is a proud moment for our entire team. Many of our staff are from local communities, and to see their warmth, skill, and dedication recognized internationally is incredibly rewarding. This award belongs to them as much as it does to the property.

From a business perspective, the recognition enhances our credibility in the luxury travel market, opening more doors for strategic partnerships, media exposure, and high-value guests who seek out award-winning experiences. It’s also a powerful platform to tell the story of Laos to the world—showing that our country, our city, and our hotel can stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest heritage destinations globally.

Most importantly, it motivates us to continue raising the bar, so that every guest who stays with us leaves feeling they have experienced something truly exceptional and unforgettable.

Thank you, Ms. Vasudhara, for sharing your interesting perspective and vision on the Grand Luang Prabang, and congratulations again on this outstanding recognition.

To discover more about the wonderful The Grand Luang Prabang Affiliated by Meliá, visit: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/laos/luang-prabang/the-grand-luang-prabang-affiliated-by-melia.