La Folie Lodge

The grounds are beautifully kept, and the rooms are clean and spacious, many with lovely river views. Service is warm, friendly, and attentive, including a free, refreshing shoulder, neck, and head massage on arrival. The pool was great, breakfast exceptional, and dinner very good. It's so well managed and held to such high standards, it could be 5*!! Restorative and transcendental, almost paradise. You must visit. This is how hospitality should be done.

The staff are a real highlight, from the gardeners and housekeepers to the tractor and boat drivers, front desk, and restaurant teams. Every one of them was friendly, helpful, and effective, always ready with a smile. We stayed with friends in the two-bedroom Residence villa, which was stunning, beautifully equipped, and decorated. The other rooms looked good too. La Folie sits on Don Daeng, a sizable Mekong River island opposite Champassak town. Views across the river to the hills above Champassak and Vat Phou are beautiful, especially at sunrise and sunset. For much of the year there's a huge, gorgeous sand beach in front, where you can watch cows and water buffalo come down to drink and bask in the sun. A tractor takes you across the sand to the resort's boats for trips to Champassak or Muang village, further north on the eastern side of the river. The restaurant menu is okay, though a bit short on Lao and Asian dishes. We ate well much of the time, but some dishes varied a little from day to day. Prices are very reasonable for a resort of this quality. Their sustainability program is one of the most comprehensive I've seen, and you can find it on their website. It covers sourcing food locally where possible and sets extensive, demanding policies that I believe they strive to maintain. I was especially impressed that 95% of the employees are from Don Daeng island. The quality of the staff suggests they must have rigorous training programs. Given how delightful it is in so many ways, we're already thinking about returning. It's an idyllic place to stay while exploring this part of southern Laos.

Cycling around the island on my own was one of my favorite parts. It was peaceful, with rice fields and wilderness, and glimpses of locals going about daily life. La Folie was a special blend of high-end comfort and authentic Lao life. As a solo traveler, I felt looked after throughout thanks to the genuinely friendly, helpful staff. They welcomed me with a lovely massage when I arrived. The room was another highlight, luxurious in feel but functional, beautiful, and impressively clean, a rare combination of comfort and efficiency. I ate really well too. Their Tom Yam was one of the best I've tried, and the smashed burger was a fun change. There was a nice cocktail selection to enjoy with the remarkable views: the Mekong in front of me and the mountains beyond, especially sacred Phou Khao (or Lingaparvata). I won't forget seeing that peak from the lodge, with the ancient temple of Wat Phou just across the river, not far from La Folie.

The remote, beautiful setting, charming bungalows, and friendly staff made for a wonderful stay at La Folie lodge. I also did an early-morning yoga session with Ayuri, one of the best I've done in recent history. She adapted it to my level, balancing a physical challenge with meditation and feedback for growth and development. I highly recommend this place!