Rupar Mandalar Resort, Mandalay

Location

Set on the Mandalay’s quiet city edge, this is a chance to escape its bustle and energy while staying within striking distance of the city’s attractions. Its landscaped gardens and sun loungers are the perfect place to relax after a day spent exploring pilgrimage temples and hiking up Mandalay Hill. Here, you’ll enjoy a stupa’s-eye view across the city, dominated by its giant square palace where moats and fortress walls guard mysterious forested grounds. And, thanks to the hotel’s city limit setting, it’s ideal as a springboard into Mandalay’s historic surrounds. There’s U Bein Bridge; at two kilometres long, it’s not only the world’s oldest bridge but the longest as well. From here, continue on to Mingun’s pagodas, Sagaing’s golden stupas and Ava, where forgotten civilisations are memorialised in temples, watchtowers and ancient city walls.

Accommodation

In spite of its resort moniker, Rupar Mandalar’s rooms are perfectly intimate, initially designed as a grand private residence. Teakwood guestrooms are decorated in silk fabrics, timber carvings and wicker furnishing as dark wood aesthetics and splashes of traditional colour impart a real sense of place. Choose between rooms scattered among the hotel’s lush grounds or those adjacent to its swimming pool. You might also like to upgrade to a suite for extra living space; the presidential offering features an oversized leather sofa ring, a four-poster bed and luxury details throughout.

Dining

The hotel’s restaurant serves a range of pan-Asian highlights in a large, Chinese-style living room. Alternatively, take your meal outside to make the most of the Burmese sun where you can cool off with a house-made ice cream. Menus will familiarise you with regional dishes through a selection of excellent curries while pizzas and pastas cater for any Western cravings and pad thais mix in South East Asia flavours from further afield. The nearby A Little Bit of Mandalay Restaurant also comes highly recommended for its authentic Burmese cuisine.

Facilities

Make your introductions to Burmese performing arts with the complimentary puppet show and traditional dance or make use of the complimentary 15-minute Thai massage to sample the hotel’s spa services. You’ll also have the run of Mandalay’s largest swimming pool, a café, gym and a bar set in a leafy teak courtyard, ideal for sipping on a refreshing cocktail. In terms of services there’s everything from bike rental and babysitters to concierge and an on call doctor. Whatever you choose, you’ll be treated to excellent service throughout.