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Arora comments: “From engaging local craftsmen and artists during the construction and design stages, to partnering with nearby farmers, ranchers and purveyors, to sourcing the cuisine delivered at our dining outlets, we are thoughtful in our approach to creating one-of-a-kind hotels, resorts and experiences that are truly authentic.”

During your stay here you can try your hand at rice farming, visit an elephant sanctuary, or go for a gentle cruise down the river. Coincide your visit with the Festival of Lights in October and witness Luang Prabang transform into something out of a fairy tale as wax candles gently light up pagodas and hundreds of colourful crepe paper lanterns hang from the windows of local homes. It’s these rare moments that can incite a sense of something greater than the ordinary routine of life with which we can become accustomed.

“As our lives become more hectic, travellers are increasingly focused on physical, emotional and spiritual exploration,” explains Arora. “Understanding this growing need, we launched our first urban outpost of Asaya, our new holistic wellness concept that offers a personalised approach rooted in self-acceptance and self-discovery, at Rosewood Hong Kong in January 2020.”

Find a new direction through self-reflection in the Emotional Balance therapy series, which can help you express stifled emotions and pursue meaningful relationships. Through a psychological consultation you can also enhance your ability to achieve goals, build a sense of hope and happiness, and learn to deepen your gratitude. Alternative healing comes in the form of Art Therapy, too, which uses storytelling, movement, music, drama and visual arts to foster growth, development, insight and healing.

This is in line, as Arora iterates, with “Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ pledge to ‘Value the Earth’s Resources and Demonstrate Environmental Sensitivity’ at all our properties”. He continues: “Every hotel in the Rosewood collection follows the ‘Verdes Responsibility’ principles, which ensure the respect of each unique setting and environmental sensibilities.”

No more so than at the Ceiba Garden & Kitchen at Rosewood Mayakoba, which pays homage to authentic Mayan cuisine and heritage. The Ceiba tree is in fact one of the Mayan culture’s most sacred symbols, signifying the universe and offering protection, insight and prosperity. You can sit under its ancient branches for a communal meal and enjoy the innovative menu of both classic and modern Mexican dishes created from fresh ingredients direct from the garden. Partnering with local farms and producers, the restaurant encourages you to savour mouth-watering morsels in a sustainable way. Bold regional flavours are enhanced by Chakay Farm lobster, vegetables from Oxkutzcab, salt from Celestun and pineapples and papayas from Bacalar.

Rosewood Mayakoba also supports Centro Educativo K’iin Beh, a school built in 2017 for the children of its employees and local youth, located 15 minutes away and solely financed by friends and family of the resort. More than 200 students receive bilingual, full-time education here at elementary and middle-school level. You can join the school’s group of generous supporters by purchasing stationary supplies such as pencils, paper and markers, or get stuck in with hands-on, on-site projects like reading or computer lessons.

“We feel that true hospitality is found in the strong relationships that we build with our guests, our communities and our associates,” says Arora. “It is this warmth and charm that keeps our guests coming back year after year.”