Adrian Zecha’s Azerai Hotels debuts with Azerai Luang Prabang
February 2018 update: Starting 1 March, 2018, the hotel will be rebranded an Avani Luang Prabang
Azerai Luang Prabang is the first chapter of a new story and brand of hotels that offers guests simple elegance, refined design, discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. Azerai is uniquely envisioned for today’s experienced urbane individuals, couples and families looking for distinction, quality and comfort at affordable prices.
The name Azerai is influenced by the Persian word caravanserai, a resting place with a central courtyard for travellers. Azerai’s first hotel has opened in the heart of the Buddhist township of Luang Prabang, one of the lesser known but beautifully preserved living UNESCO heritage sites in the world. Luang Prabang is a land locked peninsula town located in the north of Laos.
Its setting is a green hearted valley surrounded by steep mountainous countryside and horseshoed by the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. The iconic heart of the town is Mount Phousi, known as sacred mountain, crowned by a 24-metre gilded golden stupa of Vat Chomsi.
Azerai Luang Prabang is a 53-room dwelling designed with a thoughtful fusion of Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage and contemporary aesthetics. The two-level building is the result of a two-year reconstruction of the original footprint of a unique site unveiled over 100 years ago.
The rooms are designed with thoughtful simplicity that is practical and comfortable. There are three room categories varying in size from 30-50 square metres. The Azerai rooms are larger in size and the superior rooms are located on the second level overlooking the pool courtyard.
All rooms are open plan, each with an en-suite shower room, as well as twin vanities, a king-sized bed, which can be converted into twins upon request, and French-styled louvered doors that open onto a balcony, or a terrace with loungers. In contemporary studio style, the rooms also house coffee and tea making facilities, mini-bars, wireless internet and wall mounted flat television screens.
Facilities are intimate and comprehensive which enable the guests to relax and unwind while enjoying the local fare. A 25-metre pool set within the central garden is surrounded by daybeds and loungers and shaded by an old banyan tree. A massage retreat offers a menu of traditional therapies by intuitive and well-trained practitioners. Fitness options include a fully equipped gym as well as yoga. A reading lounge provides a travel place to reflex or relax over a book or a cup of tea.
Dining venues include Azerai Bistro, a relaxed and atmospheric space with al-fresco and indoor seating, serving classic Bistro, Lao and French-influenced dishes. The Bistro Bar is a convivial spot located on the second level where guests can enjoy evening drinks from the veranda which looks out onto the main street and night market.
Opening rates start at USD 250/night++. For bookings, email clad@zebrano.com