By
Rebecca Gibson |
Sanctuary Retreats’ new boutique river cruise ship Sanctuary Ananda is to sail her maiden voyage on 15 November.
Departing from Mandalay, the four-night cruise will sail to Bagan in Myanmar, on the Irrawaddy River.
“We are excited to introduce a new level of luxury to the rivers of Myanmar with the launch of Sanctuary Ananda,” said Marco Rosa, senior vice president of Sanctuary Retreats Hospitality. “Our beautiful custom built-all suite ship not only offers the largest suites in Myanmar but with floor-to-ceiling windows and full balconies, our guests really are immersed in the culture and landscape of this fascinating country.”
Designed by two Burmese brothers, the vessel is named after the Ananda Temple in Bagan, while her name translates as ‘extreme happiness’ in Sanskrit. The ship has been built by a team of expert craftsmen who used local techniques, indigenous woods, handmade fabrics and traditional lacquer ware, combined with modern technology to ensure she can navigate Myanmar’s rivers.
The Burmese theme is reflected throughout the ship, which features local Myanmar fabrics and artefacts and specially commissioned art in its restaurants, sundeck, and air-conditioned Kansi panorama lounge and Burma Bar. Ananda’s 21 air-conditioned suites will also be influenced by Burmese design, as well as offering a private balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows. In total, the vessel will accommodate 42 guests.
Executive chef Sumet Sumpachanyanont, who has extensive experience of working in south-east Asia’s top hotels, will also prepare menus featuring Asian and international cuisine for guests. The ship will also offer traditional Burmese meals in the Talifoo restaurant, the Bagan deck, or in the al fresco Mindoon restaurant.
Following her maiden voyage, Sanctuary Ananda will offer three-, four- and seven-night itineraries on the Irrawaddy River, which flows from the north to the south of Myanmar, and include a range of shore excursions and cultural experiences. The vessel will also sail ten- and 11-night voyages on the Chindwin River to Homalin, the Upper Irrawaddy to Bhamo, and cruise between Yangon and Mandalay. Highlights will include a sunset champagne boat ride at U Bein Bridge and a candlelit riverbank dinner.
Guests will be accompanied by local guides to ensure that they experience the culture and traditions of the Burmese people as they visits sites such as Shwezigon Pagoda, the temples of Bagan, the Sale monasteries, and remote villages. Local experts will also share their customs and stories.