River Resort, Champasak

Locations don’t get much better than this. Bang on the banks of the lower Mekong and gateway to explore the Bolaven Plateau, Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) and Wat Phou; River Resort has uninterrupted views over the tranquil waters and across to the verdant paddy fields. Just two kilometres from the charming town of Champasak, guests can borrow bicycles and explore the laid-back town or dine in one of the riverside restaurants. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the sanctuary of the resort’s spa or infinity pools, a haven to relax away your time and enjoy the river views. The Riverside Sala Restaurant is open-air, serving up delicious local and international dishes.

Sustainability and cultural immersion is key here, with much of the local environment preserved when building the resort. They cultivate their own rice paddy and vegetable gardens, use solar-heated water and most of their furnishings are from ecologically friendly natural bamboo. More than 90% of the staff are local villagers, rice farmers and their children, all of which are offered English language classes and education by the resort. They encourage guests to respect location traditions and invite guests to participate in local cultural activities offered at the resort, such as the baci ceremony and traditional Lao music and dance.