Sanctuary Ananda prepares for maiden season along Myanmar's riversSanctuary Ananda prepares for maiden season along Myanmar's rivers

To mark the inaugural sailing, Sanctuary Retreats is offering 20% off the four cruises on the Chindwin River beginning in July 2015 and providing access to some of Southeast Asia’s least-visited sites such as Mawleik, Kalewa and the caves of Po Win Taung in Monywa. The offer must be booked before end January 2015.

With this offer, a 10-night cruise on the Chindwin River starts from £2,356 per person based on two people sharing, including suite accommodation, meals, soft drinks and local beer throughout the day, wine with dinner, and programme of excursions.

Commenting on the launch of the ship, Marco Rosa, svp of Sanctuary Retreats Hospitality says: ‘We are excited to introduce a new level of luxury to the rivers of Myanmar with the launch of Sanctuary Ananda.  Our 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.’

The ship offers a choice of six itineraries including 3, 4 and 7 night cruises on the Ayeyarwady River. Longer 10 and 11 night itineraries on the Chindwin River to Homalin, the Upper Ayeyarwaddy to Bhamo and sailings between Yangon and Mandalay will begin in 2015.

Named after the Ananda Temple in Bagan, Sanctuary Ananda has been designed by local Myanmar shipbuilders featuring 21 suites. Interiors incorporate local fabrics, lacquerware and traditional parasols celebrating Myanmar’s heritage of arts, crafts and textiles.