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Category: Myanmar

  • Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min – Discover Myanmar & Find Yourself

    Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min – Discover Myanmar & Find Yourself

    Overlooking an enchanting patchwork of shimmering waters, rolling hills and rice fields, Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is redefining the wellness retreat concept on the spectacular shores of one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic destinations. Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is located 47 km from Heho Airport, and 600 km from Yangon, which is a 1-hour flight away. From the airport, you can arrive at the resort via the resort’s land or lake transfer service.

    Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min – Discover The Legends Of Inle Lake 

    To celebrate its first anniversary, Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is introducing the first luxury wellness programme in Myanmar to focus exclusively on holistic therapies, traditional treatments, nutrition, fitness coaching and educational wellness initiatives.

    You are invited to indulge in these all-encompassing packages, designed for an unforgettable stay at one of the wellness resort’s 101 guest rooms and suites, which include 36 Luxury Rooms, 25 Junior Suites, 12 Prestige Suites, 27 Opera Suites and one exclusive Imperial Suite.

    Offerings include the Wellness Discovery package, with benefits including a pre-arrival consultation, yoga sessions, customised meditation class, spa treatments, an in-room wellness minibar, and holistic rituals in the morning and evening. You will receive a wellness basket in their suite, which includes all the essentials such as a yoga mat, skipping rope, wellness ball and dumbbells. The Wellness Discovery package is available from USD180 per person, per night.

    “We are thrilled to introduce an immersive journey into wellness, redefining the current offering of experiences in Myanmar,” said David G. Daguise, the resort’s Cluster General Manager. “In this fast-paced world, we want to provide our guests with the opportunity to be transported to a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. We have focussed on four key pillars to establish our wellness offering – Spa & Fitness, Yoga & Meditation, Culinary Journey, and Local Culture & Traditions.

    Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min – Nutritional Treatments Meet Farm-To-Table Dishes

    “You are what you eat” is the motto of Chef Aung Kyaw Swar, the man behind Sofitel Inle Lake Myat

    Min’s unique culinary experiences and the curator of the Wellness Cuisine programme. Locally-sourced organic products take centre stage on his healthy and nutritious menus, namely at the resort’s Roots Signature Restaurant, which introduces you to regenerative ingredients that prioritise the body’s requirements and tantalise the taste buds.

    The restaurant, which overlooks Inle Lake’s gentle waters, aims to instil a sense of spirituality and promote the resort’s wider commitment to sustainability. Chef Aung Kyaw Swar and his team support the local communities by working closely — and responsibly — with producers and short food supply chains in order to discover local flavours, creating authentic, delicious dishes ranging from salads and soups to regional specialities.

    Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min maintains its own organic and hydroponic garden, which embraces local Shan methods with a contemporary approach to produce fruits, vegetables and herbs. Harvests are not only used in the kitchen and spa but also shared with the local community and hotel staff.

    “Domestic and international travellers with a health-conscious approach can immerse in an array of experiences and countless benefits during their stay with us,” Daguise adds. “Guests can take a back-to-basics holistic culinary journey complete with organic dishes and the utmost respect for Mother Nature.”

    Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min – Unwind & Rejuvenate Amidst Tranquil Vistas

    The tailor-made energising and healing programmes have been developed to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit of Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min’s guests. The mind-body connection of the wellness programmes is designed by onsite Yoga Master, Sudhir Thampi. Born and raised in India, Sudhir’s expertise in yoga, meditation and fitness are vital to the overall success of the wellness journey. Yoga for him is as natural as breathing and you can enjoy private and group yoga sessions as well as fitness classes as part of their package

    Yoga classes are held in a series of waterfront villas, designed in warm hues with natural woven materials offset by red and orange plaid that is inspired by the headscarves of the local Pa-o women. Perched at the edge of the lake and surrounded by verdant gardens and reflective ponds, you can draw inspiration from these serene, outdoor spaces while practising yoga and meditation.

    Sudhir follows the motto that “Health is Wealth” and he believes that yoga can guide one to achieve happiness and peace of mind.

    Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min –  Luxury Spa Collaboration

    Another first for Myanmar, Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min has partnered with high-end cosmetic brand L’Occitane to create natural treatments devoted to well-being. The exclusive techniques and treatments combine local, ancient and authentic healing practices with modern cosmetology to provide you with a rich selection of sophisticated massage treatments and wellness experiences.

    The special combination treatment packages available incorporate various elements ranging from sumptuous body scrubs to relaxing aroma massages that soothe the body and mind — all in the holistic environment of the Sofitel Spa.

    Ms. Angela In Gyin, the hotel’s Spa Manager, explains that the traditional treatment options are handed down from generations and elevated with the addition of modern holistic touches that aim to revive all senses. The Sofitel Spa is a chant to nature – intriguing to the senses and calming to the mind.

    STAYS AND PACKAGES

    The luxurious new retreat at Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is offering a special Wellness Discovery package starting at USD 180 per person per night, with a minimum stay of two nights from now until 31st December 2020.

    The package includes:

    • Pre-arrival consultation
    • 2-night Luxury Room stay with Breakfast
    • Round trip airport transfer
    • Welcome Wellness Drink
    • Meet & Greet by Wellness Concierge
    • 2 Yoga sessions
    • One daily 30 min Fitness Session and customized Meditation Class
    • 2 Spa Treatments – 60 min each
    • Morning and Night rituals
    • Detox & Wake up with warm lemon-infused water
    • Wellness turn down including gluten-free sugar-free cookies and Signature herbal teas
    • Bath-rituals (Calming, soothing salts)
    • In-room Wellness basket (Yoga Mat & Block, Yoga Straps, Lavender Eye Pillow, Skipping rope, Wellness Ball, Dumbbells)
    • Wellness Food & Drinks Menu selection – Breakfast, 3-course Dinner including one non-alcoholic “Superfood” drink
    • Wellness Mini Bar (PH8 Water, Fresh Juices and unsalted mixed nuts with berries)
    • Daily Wellness evening Mocktail

    For reservations and general information, please visit www.all.accor.com, email info@SofitelInle.com, contact +95 (0) 9442 635270 – 78 or +95 (0) 9251 042570 – 76 for general enquiries or reservations.

  • A Guide To Making The Most Out Of A Holiday In Myanmar

    A Guide To Making The Most Out Of A Holiday In Myanmar

    Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar was for many years, a British colonial conquest, which has left imprints on the nation, specifically with architecture. If you are planning to visit Myanmar in the near future, here are a few tips and suggestions to help you get the best out of your holiday experience.

    Understanding Rural Myanmar

    It is important to understand the narrow exposure that rural people have had to the west, and for many, life has remained unchanged for centuries, and when taking photos of local people, it is always nice to ask permission first. The farming community are very curious about modern life in the west, and they are generally very hospitable towards foreigners. As you would in any foreign land, treat the local customs and culture with respect, and having your own guide will prove to be invaluable, especially when talking with local farmers.

    Choose a Luxury Tailored Tour

    Myanmar is a vast country, and rather than taking your chances, it is wiser to plan your holiday with the inspiring Myanmar luxury tours tailored by Exotic Voyages. With an English-speaking guide who is with you for the duration of your stay, you will gain an incredible insight into the people and their culture. You might like to spend some time with a rural community, deep in the jungle, and, of course, a week at a premier beach resort simply must be experienced.

    Off The Beaten Track Tours

    If you are the kind of person who likes to immerse yourself in a strange culture, booking an off-the-beaten-track tour is for you. You can experience the farmer’s lifestyle in Bagan, where people work the land amongst locally built monuments, and what’s more, you can float above the pristine natural beauty in a hot air balloon. This two-week trek will take you to many amazing locations, where you can experience rural life at its very best!

    Perfect Honeymoon Destination

    Myanmar has built a reputation as being a great honeymoon destination, with 5-star beach resorts and some amazing places to see and experience. You can customise your tour, and with a local guide at your side, you and your partner will gain valuable insight into the wonderful land of Myanmar.

    The Essentially Burmese Tour

    This trip takes 8 days to complete, and involves visiting gilded pagodas in Yangon, and viewing many temples in Bagan from the vantage point of a hot air balloon. You will see the largest teak bridge in the world that sits in Mandalay, a mysterious place that has long been the focus of movies. The best part of such a tour is having a knowledgeable local guide who speaks perfect English, which allows you so much scope when looking for things to see and do.

    If you search online for an established tailored tours operator, their website would be packed with information about holidaying in Myanmar, including the best times to visit, plus useful things to pack. The tour operator would be happy to customise the tour to suit, which means you can get the most out of what will be a truly unforgettable holiday.

  • 15-minute Myanmar Travel Guide – What To See & Do In Myanmar

    15-minute Myanmar Travel Guide – What To See & Do In Myanmar

    Gorgeous temples, stunning white-sand beaches and mesmerising ancient culture. A trip to Myanmar offers all this and more. If the country is on your travel bucket list this year, make sure to include our simple 15-minute Myanmar travel guide on what to see and do in Myanmar within your travel itinerary.

    Myanmar Travel Guide – 5 Places To See In Myanmar

    First, let’s take a look at what you HAVE TO check out in the country:

    1. Temples of Bagan

    If you love ancient Buddhist architecture, Bagan is the place to be. At the zenith of its glory, this place had over 11,000 temples and was the Burmese empire’s first capital. There are only just over 2,000 temples left now, but Bagan is still an archaeological marvel. Walk amid breathtaking stupas and pagodas before venturing in to explore the interiors.

    2. Idyllic monastery at Taung Kalat

    Perched on top of a volcanic peg known as Taung Kalat is an enchanting Buddhist monastery. To reach there you will have to trek through a track that includes 777 steps and is home to numerous inquisitive monkeys. Enjoy an out-of-the worldview from the summit stretching as far as 60km.

    3. The rich pagoda of Yangon

    In Myanmar’s largest city is a sacred Buddhist site, Shwedagon Paya, decked with precious stones and tons of gold leaf. If the spiritual interests you more than the material, there are strands of Buddha’s hair that are believed to have magical properties. Consider carrying your credit card along, so you can shop around the city afterwards.

    4. World’s largest book at Kuthodaw Pagoda

    Built in 1857, the space surrounding the base of this pagoda is home to a collection of 730 five-feet tall tablets inscribed with the religious text of Theravada Buddhism. In its heyday, the tablets were adorned with precious stones and golden ink but these have since been looted. Nevertheless, they still stand testament to a golden era, with messages that will last generations.

    5. Fort-like temples of Mrauk U

    Mrauk U is similar to Bagan, in the sense that it is an archaeological site comprising temples spread across a vast area. However, unlike the brick temples of Bagan, the shrines in Mrauk U are made of solid rock. The best thing about this place? Not as crowded as the others!

    Myanmar Travel Guide – 5 Things to Do When in Myanmar

    Myanmar is not just a country that offers up things and places worth seeing. There is lots to do here as well. You could start with:

    1. Myanmar Travel Guide – Street food in Yangon

    Explore scrumptious street food from the 18th to the 24th street in downtown Yangon, where Myanmar’s popular Chinatown is located. The 19th street is considered its epicentre with stretches of barbecue restaurants and shops that sell local delicacies. This place is also popular for its nightlife.

    2. Myanmar Travel Guide – Rent a bike to explore the country

    A great way to access every nook and corner of Myanmar is on a bike. You can rent a motorbike in most major towns and they are not too expensive. You can decide where you want to go and chart out your own route, or there are travel agencies that offer itineraries. Just make sure the bike is in a good condition before renting it.

    3. Myanmar Travel Guide – Float around in a balloon

    One of the best ways to get a bird’s-eye view of Bagan and truly appreciate its magnificence is from a hot air balloon. However, this can usually be done only between October and March as that’s when the winds are calm and the weather is comfortable.

    4. Myanmar Travel Guide – Take a trip on the Circular Rail

    Perhaps the best way to see the city of Yangon is on a guided tour aboard the circular train, an old-fashioned rail network that covers the place. Besides providing an up-close-and-personal local experience, the train ride will take you to several suburbs that are less frequented by tourists.

    5. Myanmar Travel Guide – Scuba diving at the Mergui Archipelago

    Located on the southern tip of Myanmar, the Mergui Archipelago is an isolated area with about 800 islands. This place is popular with scuba-diving enthusiasts for its fascinating reefs, varieties of fish and other sea animals. There are several companies that offer diving tours to this part of the country.

    The adventures don’t stop there. Depending on your tastes, Myanmar offers several other great activities for you to choose from. So, book your flights, get set, and go. And, don’t forget your travel credit cards to make the most of your of spends!

    This post was written by BankBazaar.sg.