Sanctuary Ananda
Bagan

First sailing in December 2014, the luxurious and stylish all-suite Sanctuary Ananda ship will take you on voyages of discovery on the mysterious rivers of Burma (Myanmar). You'll visit the majestic Ayeyarwady between Bhamo and Yangon, stopping at temples, pagodas, palaces and monasteries along the way. Journeys on its great tributary, the Chindwin, will take you to places visitors rarely see – through the jungles of the north, forgotten villages and ancient towns almost to the Indian border.

Offering sleek and contemporary luxury, Sanctuary Ananda was custom built for Burma’s rivers by local craftsmen using traditional materials. She offers 20 spacious suites on three decks, the Aloungpayah suite, and a sundeck with an outdoor pool. All suites have air-conditioning, iPod docking station and iPad TV connection. Each suite reflects Burma’s arts, crafts and textiles in its furnishings and décor, and features local fabrics, wood and lacquer ware. The old Irrawaddy Flotilla is remembered in a vintage photograph in each of the cabins.

Sanctuary Ananda has three dining and drinking venues. The elegant Talifoo restaurant is open to guests from breakfast through to late dinner. The Kansi panorama lounge is fully air-conditioned and has floor to ceiling windows, providing uninterrupted views of the passing scenery – the ideal place for mid-morning coffee, afternoon tea or evening cocktails. It has colonial style sofas and a number of lectures and demonstrations on Burma's culture and traditions take place here. Lunches and snacks are served on the Mandalay Deck in the Mindoon Al Fresco restaurant, which also offers great views. Each restaurant has a choice of Western favourites and international dishes. A comprehensive wine cellar is on offer and there is a complimentary selection of local beers and soft drinks with meals. There is also an opportunity to learn to cook local dishes with a Burmese chef.

To get the heart pumping, the Thambyadine Gym and Spa are available on the Yangon deck, where you can work out or treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment.

We advise booking on the Sanctuary Ananda as far in advance as possible, such is the flurry of interest in Burma – particularly as this will be the most luxurious vessel to sail here.

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus