At the foot of sacred Mount Phousi, sits the UNESCO protected Luang Prabang, Laos, home to Amantaka. Resting on a large garden estate, the resort is a sanctuary of calm with an array of private pools, yoga studio, spectacular central pool and state-of-the-art Aman Spa. Embodying the living spirituality of Luang Prabang, Amantaka has launched a Buddhist Learning Centre, designed to educate and immerse guests on the practice and principals of Buddhism, bringing the resort closer to the local community and customs.
With strong ties to the spiritual community since its conception ten years ago, Amantaka, true to its name which means ‘teaching of the Buddha’, is supporting local monasteries by creating this Buddhist Learning Centre within the resort. As part of the experience abbot Sengdao Santikaro offers daily private teaching for guests for up to an hour and a half, asking pertinent questions, to guage the guest’s knowledge of Buddhism, before talking through the five principals of good living. Each session will also explore how meditation enables individuals to recharge, switch off and be present.
The activity takes place at the resort’s yoga studio, which is converted into a space of openness, learning and connectivity, where guests come away enlightened and bonded. In addition to this practice, Senior Monk Sombath Watsiphoutthabat offers personalised tours of Wat Siphoutthabath temple, giving a glimpse into his world for a truly authentic encounter.
On arrival at Amantaka, guests are presented with a welcome gift; an offering to take to the temple. Handcrafted by the resort team, from locally sourced banana leaves stacked and weaved around forty-two dried flowers, guests are invited to visit the temple to make their offering. Escorted by a member of Amantaka’s staff, many of whom were previously monks, the experience allows the opportunity to hear stories and learn about the life of a monk, and for guests to begin their spiritual journey.
Buddhist practice is experienced through a variety of moments at the resort. Every evening, for 45 minutes, an Abbot makes his way through the property chanting, demonstrating Luang Prabang’s deep spirituality and commitment to faith. As dawn breaks, 70 monks walk their daily route past the entrance of Amantaka, offering an opportunity for guests to donate Alms. It is these moments that unite guests with local culture, immersing them in everyday life of the city and creating meaningful experiences to treasure.
