The narrow entrance of
Satri House betrays the gem of a place hidden inside: A stunning collection of charming colonial
buildings inspired by Lao architecture and culture. Adding a layer of lure are
the quaint corners and the lush gardens surrounded by towering trees. As the female
staff briefs me about the property, my eyes wandered everywhere. "Satri House was first built in 1904 as a
royal house by the parents of Prince Souphanouvong, the first President of Lao
People's Democratic Republic. This property was refurbished in 2002 by Mrs.
Lamphoune Voravongsa - now the current owner" she tells me.
I always prefer staying at colonial buildings turned guesthouses than any post-modern hotels. There is that vibe that make you feel transported into any Pico Iyer or Graham Greene novel. Being within the walls that witnessed history and stood the test of time, adds another stratum of appeal.
Satri House Pays Homage to a Bygone Era
The main house where a Lao
prince lived his childhood, now serves as the centerpiece of the property lodging
14 deluxe rooms, 14 junior suites and 3 Satri House suites.
Fine-arts painted walls,
ornate pond laced with lilies and modest pools combines to create an enchanting
environment evoking tranquility and luxury. Each room are designed with
traditional Lao architecture with a fusion of French and Indochina style. Dark
teak woods, subdued grays and blues, Tuscan orange walls, wood-beamed ceilings,
bouncing Verdigris horse statues, framed black and white photographs and olden
Buddha statues completes the cast of ornate interiors.
Just walking from the
entrance to my room leads me to a parade of visual feast. Each time I manages
to get lost by turning to a wrong hallway and into more fascinating discoveries
– thanks to lovely corners where one could just sit and read a book all day in
the presence of playful butterflies.
Home for Four Nights
With a very relaxed Luang Prabang media trip itinerary, I
get to spend a lot of time relaxing at Satri House. I would start my day with a
breakfast at the restaurant’s veranda overlooking the lily-covered pond. After
that, I would take a few laps at the small rectangular pool. Then I would retire to my room to prepare for our tour. I stayed at a deluxe
room tastily decorated with a
cool antiquity look.
Wooden furniture, cool
tile floors, muted colored walls, bronze Buddha statues, and vintage
photographs matches beautifully with the curtain-draped king bed. Near the reception, there
is a library stacked with history, cultural and non-fiction books. The
restaurant meanwhile, is another one of Satri House’ “Instagrammable spots” – as young Xenials would refer to. The Gustavian-inspired walls, tiled
floorings and a sophisticated jade tableware blends perfectly with the
pale-yellowed interior.
Satri House has two
swimming pools. The larger one sits in front of the main house while the
smaller one is near the pond. Other features of Satri House includes a Spa and free
Wi-Fi anywhere in the property.
Living up to the
heritage-teeming appeal of the UNESCO town of Luang Prabang, Satri House
conserves that old-world charisma of yesteryears by providing a reclusive retreat
even if it’s a mere walking distance from the historic town.
