• An elegant colonial hill town residence
• Go trekking and mountain biking
• Visit the Buddha-filled Pindaya caves
• Dine al fresco on the lawn
• Stroll around Kalaw town

Amara Mountain Resort is in the hill town of Kalaw, surrounded by rolling, forested hills which provide some of the best trekking in the country. Set in an original colonial building, this is a small property with only 10 rooms, all en-suite and attractively decorated. Large windows admit plenty of light and let you look out into the gardens.Each room has a fireplace where a warming fire will be lit on chilly evenings.

The restaurant serves both regional and international dishes, which can be enjoyed indoors or out on the terrace or in the pretty gardens. Much of the produce comes from the hotel's vegetable garden and there is a selection of wines to accompany meals.

The emphasis at this resort is on the great outdoors, with mountain biking, bird watching and golf available as well as trekking. You can go on trips to nearby Pindaya caves with their thousands of Buddha statues, and to a local elephant camp which looks after retired working animals where you can help bathe and feed the elephants. You can also stroll or cycle around the town which has some fine examples of colonial architecture.