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Villa maly
1. Letting
loose at
Luang
Prabang’s
Villa
Maly
If you would like to simply stare at a lotus, or walk become a major tourist destination. In its travel
from one place to another, perhaps for coffee or pages at the end of 2007, the New York Times
tea, or simply meditate and contemplate, a royal called out Laos as the most appealing travel des-
residence at the heart of Luang Prabang in Laos tination in the world for 2008. And Luang Prabang
may be the perfect place for you. is the premier destination in all of Laos. Its appeal
Villa Maly, a royal villa that once remained is deep and universal. So development is a fait ac-
in the hands of a single family through seven dec- compli, whether we do it or someone else does.”
ades, embodies both the classic French colonial Merlin was reassuring too, sharing how Apple Tree
charms of Luang Prabang, as well as the natural Group’s care for Villa Maly has kept it rooted to
serenity of the city which is a UNESCO World Her- the Luang Prabang spirit, or as he puts it, “borne
itage Site. of the place.”
“I have a sincere attraction to Luang Pra- “I’m talking about a theme, a story, a
bang. It strikes me as one of the few authentic tone. With Villa Maly, we’re striving to create an
places left in the world. In other words, in a world ambiance that radiates from a private home, an
where popular destinations are inevitably changed atmosphere that is at the same time intimate, fa-
by the influx of travelers, Luang Prabang still re- miliar and wonderful. In the case of the Villa Maly,
tains a sense of itself as it was. That’s why we’ve we’re inviting guests to the home of a royal cou-
opened Villa Maly,” explains Eric Merlin, chief ex- ple, to the home of a man who was a nephew to
ecutive officer of the Apple Tree Group which owns King Sisavong. We know the story of the people
Villa Maly. who dwelled here, and we’ll be sharing that story
Nicknamed “A Residence of Charm”, Villa with guests as a way to enrich their experience of
Maly’s unique residential ambiance is marked by spending time at our property,” explained Merlin,
its Art Deco style, and French and British colonial referring to Villa Maly as, “an echo of something
furnishings. It was built in 1938 on the site of a that sounded long ago.”
pagoda, originally as a residence of two stories, Given the enormous investment that has
with a pitched roof of terra cotta tiles and fronted been poured in the design of Villa Maly, it’s guar-
by a portico. Its royal residents were the fam- anteed that guests will surrender to its peace. As
ily of Princess Khampieng and Prince Khamtan, Merlin points out, “In Luang Prabang, there is a
a grandson of the 19th century’s King Zakarine. vibration and a style. Submitting to that is exactly
Renovated and reopened in 2008, Villa Maly is the experience you want when you go to Luang
now a 33-room boutique property which has re- Prabang, and what we’re trying to enable at Villa
tained the original royal structure, standing out in Maly.”
the midst of a neighborhood of garden homes.
When asked how the Apple Tree Group’s Top: Villa Maly’s original residents are Laotian royalty;
development of Villa Maly would affect the natu- Opposite: retreat to Villa Maly’s healthy cuisine, luxurious
ral vibe around Luang Prabang, Merlin was can- pampering and scenic views
did, “There’s no question that Luang Prabang will
28 Wildest Adventures asianTraveler 29