Rosewood is opening its first luxury tent and villa encampment near the city of Luang Prabang in Laos. Scheduled to open in 2017, the resort will be immersed in a virtually untouched natural environment.

Set within a thickly forested setting with natural water features, including a meandering river and waterfall, each of the resort’s 22 accommodations will be bordered by a stream or riverbank. The resort will be designed to encourage guests to unwind and “become as one with the serene natural surroundings,” the company said, with features such as open-air showers, tubs and living rooms.

Built according to UNESCO guidelines by Bangkok-based American architect Bill Bensley, the resort will also be the site of a philanthropic hospitality school, and will provide the local community with professional hospitality training.

An arrival manor – the first indication of the forest retreat to visitors entering the area – will house the brand’s three-treatment-room Sense, A Rosewood Spa, along with a bar and bistro serving French and Laotian cuisine.

The resort will include eight deluxe villas, three garden villas, six private pool villas and five luxury tents. The 100sq m (1,076sq ft) luxury tents – a first for Rosewood – will each feature their own private dining areas and wrap-around decks.

Each accommodation will be unique, but will showcase elements inspired by Lao tradition and French colonial style, from design and architecture to use of indigenous materials and accents of locally-inspired artwork.

“At Rosewood Luang Prabang, we wish to create an authentic and exquisite journey for every guest that connects them to nature and creates unforgettable memories of the rich local landscape and culture,” said Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer, Rosewood Hotel Group.

“It will also mark two milestones for our company – the launch of a community philanthropic school, as well as the introduction of Rosewood luxury tent accommodations.”

Rosewood is also opening the Rosewood Siem Reap in Cambodia in 2019 in conjunction with Cambodia-based property developer Vattanac Properties. It will be the second Rosewood in Cambodia, following Rosewood Phnom Penh – due to open in 2016 – and also owned by Vattanac Properties.

The resort will be in the heart of Siem Reap, within 6km (3.7m) of the fabled Angkor Wat temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Modern Khmer architecture and abundant indigenous materials will be featured in the resort’s 135 guestrooms and 15 villas, all with individual pools and landscaped terraces.

The resort will feature Rosewood’s signature Sense spa, though further spa details are not yet available.