detracting from the destination's frontier
feeling. During the apogee of its wealth in
the 11
th
and 13
th
centuries, Bagan was cov-
ered with more than 10,000 Buddhist
temples, pagodas and monasteries, 2,200
of which remain today.
"We really wanted to keep the idea of
an explorer's camp, an expedition. Here
you are, going somewhere in Myanmar,
and you pitch your tent amid the
pagodas," says designer Brigitte Dumont
de Chassart. "We stayed away from con-
crete and cement as much as possible,
designing the rooms as pairs, then cov-
ering the two rooms, outside, by one
tent. We kept to the concept of tents with
21
st
-century amenities."
As one of the country's big draws, Inle
Lake in Myanmar's northern Shan State
is a hotbed of development, however
Inle Princess Resort, lapped by the
eastern fringe of Inle Lake and backed by
the blue peaks of the Shan Hills, is one
of the few up-country resorts that suc-
cessfully unites the setting and cultural
traditions of its very hospitable staff
with five-star service and standards. (It's
also one of the few resorts not connected
to the old regime—the owner is a former
political prisoner.)
DREAMSCAPES FALL 2015
14
TOP LEFT: Set in a verdant garden dotted with lotus pools, the
Belmond Governor's Residence in Yangon is truly magical.
Belmond Management Services
TOP RIGHT: In the 11
th
and 13
th
centuries, Bagan was
covered with more than 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas
and monasteries, 2,200 of which remain today.
Courtesy of Bagan Lodge
LEFT CENTRE: Each of the 31 luxurious suites at The Strand
in Yangon features high ceilings and vast spaces.
The Strand
LEFT BOTTOM: The safari-camp-inspired Bagan Lodge offers
guests a luxurious base from which to explore the area.
Courtesy of Bagan Lodge
T R A V E L P L A N N E R
Many airlines offer service into Yangon where you can book flights on local carriers to
reach other parts of the country. For information on Myanmar, visit The Republic of
the Union of Myanmar, Ministry of Hotels & Tourism at myanmartourism.org and
evisa.moip.gov.mm. For hotel information, visit:
Bagan Lodge: bagan-lodge.com
Belmond Orcaella & Road to Mandalay: belmond.com
Governor's Residence: governorsresidence.com
Inle Princess Resort: inleprincessresort.net
Mandalay Hill Resort: mandalayhillresorthotel.com
Red Mountain Estate: redmountain-estate.com
Sandoway Resort: sandowayresort.com
The Strand Hotel: hotelthestrand.com
