ROAD TO MANDALAY
A romantic journey along a great waterway, through the "Golden Land"
Myanmar
Memorable landscapes unfold when gazing at the banks of Ayeyarwady River from this elegant river cruiser. From the royal city of Mandalay, it carries its 82 passengers south to the ancient capital of Bagan, with its 2,500 pagodas spread out on a dusty plain; it also voyages north through forested gorges to Bhamo, near the Chinese border. Life on board is calm and relaxing: enjoying lectures on local activities and places. Step ashore and discover the magic of Myanmar - religious worship, craft-making and villagers at work and play.
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LA RÉSIDENCE PHOU VAO
In tropical gardens high on a hill, with views towards jungle-covered mountains
Luang Prabang, Laos
Positioned high on a hill with views towards jungle-covered mountains, La Résidence Phou Vao is a delightful retreat of elegance and charm. Set on the edge of the ancient royal city, it has the quiet atmosphere of a tropical hideaway, yet is only 5 minutes from the centre and major sights that include golden temples, the former king's palace and busy markets. Cookery classes are available for those who wish to learn more about the restaurant's exceptional Lao cuisine. The hotel also boasts the first purpose-built spa in Laos, where treatments are enjoyed in pavilions beside tranquil pools.
THE GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE
An elegant teak mansion in the Embassy district, close by the Shwedagon pagoda
Yangon, Myanmar
An elegant teak mansion dating from the 1920's this beautiful hotel is located in Yangon's leafy Embassy Quarter, close to the Shwedagon pagoda and other major landmarks. Its extensive gardens, shaded by ancient trees, are set with lotus ponds and a fan-shaped swimming pool. Spectacular by lantern light at night, they are the perfect place to enjoy the Residence's renowned Burmese and International cuisine. Relax in the library; enjoy a cocktail in the Kipling Bar; laze on colonial-style armchairs beneath the ceiling fans: this is where the novels of W. Somerset Maugham come to life.
LA RÉSIDENCE D'ANGKOR
Set beside the river at the heart of Siem Reap — ideal for visiting nearby Angkor Wat
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
An intimate Khmer-style hotel, La Résidence d'Angkor sits by the tree-shaded river at the heart of Siem Reap. It is ideally located for Angkor Wat and the great Tonle Sap lake. The town's colourful craft markets and lively cafe and bar quarter are a short walk away. The hotel lies in a tropical garden that encloses a swimming pool and lotus ponds to create a tranquil retreat. The Kong Kea Spa, the most spacious of its kind in the country, offers total peace and relaxation.
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JIMBARAN PURI BALI
Surrounded by tropical gardens, traditional villas sit beside Bali’s finest beach
Bali, Indonesia
On Bali's southern shores, beside a pristine beach, lies this peaceful cluster of local-style cottages and pool villas where life is simple and very romantic. Lotus pools fed by traditional stone waterspouts, and individual villas with outdoor showers, bring nature and local culture to your doorstep. After an active stay at Ubud Hanging Gardens, it is wonderful to fly here by helicopter and relax. Sit on the beach in the evening cool and watch the lights of fishing boats flickering out at sea. Tuck your toes into the sand and feast on freshly grilled fish as the sun slips down.
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