Pool Party: Luang Prabang

I may be alone on this, but have you ever stood on a balcony overlooking a pool and wondered if you could jump far enough that you’d land in the water? You know, the sort of thing James Bond might do.

Where: La Residence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang, Laos

Why: Truthfully, you’d never make it. I took this photo from the balcony of one of the coveted (yes, these are the ones we always try and book) Mountain & Pool View Junior Suites. True to title, these suites have splendid views of both the infinity pool and the dreamy mountains. But the balcony is set way too far back to make a jump feasible. I suppose you could tie some sheets together, rappel down the wall, hurdle the chaise lounger and cartwheel into the limpid waters. Or just take the stairs. In any case, this bathing beauty is worth the trip to Asia.

Once upon a time, Charlie Scott tried to ski from Switzerland into Italy Bond-style, with all of his belongings on his back. Sadly, weather shut down his 007 ambitions.