Hotel by the Red Canal, Mandalay

Location

This boutique retreat is set among lush tropical greenery and delightful water features, right among Mandalay’s bustle. It’s positioned on the meeting point of two canals, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s palace, one of Mandalay’s premiere attractions. Here, ornate fortress walls and a wide moat guard forested grounds and an ornate royal complex. Summit Mandalay Hill for a golden stupa view of it all. Alternatively, head just outside of its borders for Sagaing’s golden hilltops, Mingun’s ancient pagoda monoliths and Ava whose island watchtowers, fortresses and temples have been the capital host to lost empires and forgotten dynasties.

Accommodation

The hotel’s individually designed rooms each display the cultural adornments and fineries of one of Myanmar’s four major ethnic groups. The Chin rooms look out over a gurgling stream and waterfall while the Shan rooms enjoy garden views, the spacious Kachin rooms make the most of a private backyard and the Rakhine rooms come with a welcome fruit basket. In all, ornate timber detailing, brass beds and traditional fabric patterns make for characterful stays; your room’s relaxed ambience is the perfect foil to the city chaos.

Dining

The hotel’s Spice Garden restaurant is Mandalay’s only Indo-Myanmar fine dining restaurant and it enjoys a spectacular setting. Found in the hotel’s top floor, timber roofs and polished hardwood floors look out over the lush grounds where you can dine al fresco. Tuck into richly flavoured biryanis or delicately spiced Northern Indian curries served with freshly baked roti breads. There’s also refreshing Burmese salads and a cast of sinfully sweet Indic desserts to indulge in. If this excites, book into a cooking class with the resident chef to learn our to prepare these traditional delights.

Facilities

In spite of its boutique intimacy, the hotel offers an excellent selection of amenities. Prime among them is the spa. Mimicking a rural village, it’s constructed using traditional methods; think mud brick walls, rattan fixtures and terracotta tiles. Choose from a selection of Ayurvedic, aroma and massage treatments; book into the beauty salon; work out in the gym or take a dip in the free form swimming pool. Back inside, there’s a beautifully designed timber reading corner, complete with internet access, and the exclusive Canopy Bar.