Rosewood Luang Prabang announces an enriching enhancement to its guest experiences through a new initiative that celebrates the rich heritage of Lao textiles. In a move that aligns perfectly with its “Sense of Place” philosophy, the luxury resort has introduced new blankets, cushion covers, and other soft furnishings aboard its Sunset River Cruise as a tribute to the cultural and artistic traditions of Laos.

The soft furnishings, made from textiles sourced by textile expert Dr. Linda S. McIntosh, offer guests a unique insight into the culture, history, and beauty of the region. A research associate for the Tracing Patterns Foundation and an independent researcher renowned for her work on Southeast Asian handwoven textiles, Dr. McIntosh has meticulously selected textiles that embody the theme of “Khao” or Rice, exclusively for Rosewood Luang Prabang.

The “Khao” theme is expressed through various shades of yellow and green, symbolizing the rice plant at different stages of its growth cycle, from the ripening greens to the harvest-ready yellows, complemented by hues of blue that recall the color of a clear sky. This color palette not only represents the agrarian lifestyle of Laos but also brings the beauty of the country’s natural landscape onto the Rosewood Luang Prabang’s Sunset River Cruise.

“It is exciting that Rosewood Luang Prabang is embracing Laos’s valuable textile heritage. Lao textiles embody the culture of Laos with motifs symbolizing its flora and fauna. Lao textiles are also truly beautiful, worth all the admiring gazes they receive, and the Lao textiles donning the Rosewood boat exemplify their splendor and significance,” said Dr. Linda S. McIntosh.

The selected textiles include a special carpet design known as River Current or “Nam Lai,” handwoven by the skilled artisans of Laos. This design not only adds a touch of elegance and comfort to the cruise experience but also showcases the incredible craftsmanship of local weavers. Highlighting Rosewood’s commitment to supporting female artistry and local communities, the textiles have been sourced from the weavers of Nikone in Vientiane and the Tai Lue weavers of Ban Nayang Neua in Luang Prabang.

The inclusion of floral designs, emblematic of the Buddhist Lao and carrying auspicious meanings, significantly enriches the cultural narrative. These designs reflect the deep connection between the people of Laos and their environment, where cotton, an essential material for the textiles, grows abundantly alongside rice.

“By integrating these beautiful textiles into our Sunset River Cruise, we not only showcase the unique artistry of Laos but also foster a deeper connection between our guests and the local culture as we continue to celebrate the rich heritage and natural beauty of the country,” said Adrien Pons, Resort Manager of Rosewood Luang Prabang.

Guests interested in diving deeper into the history and significance of these beautiful textiles have the opportunity to learn more from Dr. McIntosh herself at Gallery ASIAMA with an immersive experience that invites guests to appreciate not just the beauty of the textiles, but their cultural importance and the stories they tell.

Presentation of a Textile Topic at Gallery ASIAMA. Dr. McIntosh, internationally renowned Southeast Asian textile expert, will introduce you to museum-quality, traditional textiles of Laos. She can also personalize the topic on request depending on the guests’ interests.

Exclusive Visit to Villa Azurin. Visit Dr. Linda S. McIntosh at her home Villa Azurin 20 kilometers downriver on the Mekong River. She will introduce you to museum-quality, traditional textiles of Laos using textiles from ASIAMA Gallery to illustrate the talk.

Rosewood Luang Prabang’s initiative to furnish its Sunset River Cruise with handwoven textiles sourced by Dr. McIntosh exemplifies the resort’s dedication to creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with the local culture and heritage with a wealth of activities that also include an architectural walking tour with a conservationist and former advisor to UNESCO, a visit with an artist devoted to preserving local artistic traditions.

Visit a weaving center specializing in weaving and embroidering Luang Prabang-style textiles. Located in Chomphet District, Dr. McIntosh will lead you across the Mekong River to this secluded textile center and silk farm. Linda will explain the processes and the textiles being created in-situ. Time permitting, guests may want to visit North Chan Village Pottery Center, the sole-surviving pottery village in North Laos.