Sanctuary Ananda

Sailing between Bagan, Yangon and Mandalay, the Sanctuary Ananda is a luxury boat styled in traditional Burmese fashion, but with all the modern amenities you’d expect of five-star accommodation, from iPads to butler service.

The 21 suites are all air-conditioned and have private balconies; the Aloungpayah Owner’s Suite, the top accommodation option on board the Sanctuary Ananda, has private dining facilities, a private guide for its occupants, a full-size bathtub in its bathroom, a large living area, and sun loungers on the veranda.

Communal areas on the boat include the sundeck and plunge pool, from which passengers can take in the Irrawaddy River views while relaxing in between stops. The onboard dining options include an a la carte lunch and dinner, with celebrity chef Michelle Bernstei having created a menu of Burmese fusion cuisine. Guests can take their meals outside in the Mindoon al fresco restaurant or inside, and the Kansi lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can take in the scenery even when you’re chilling out on one of the comfy sofas with an evening cocktail or your morning coffee.

As you cruise down the sacred Irrawaddy River, you’ll be able to visit temples, monasteries and palaces on the way, and tour the ancient cities of Bagan and Mandalay. Onboard activities include local performances, yoga and meditation sessions, lectures by professional guides, Burmese cooking classes, and spa treatments, so you can be as active or as inactive as you like.