Sanctuary Ananda

Open: Sanctuary Ananda operates from January to April and July to December each year (no departures in May and June). She went into operation in November 2014. Location: Sanctuary Ananda cruises mainly on the Irrawaddy (or Ayeyarwady) River between Bagan and Mandalay. Some cruises travel downstream to Yangon, and others travel on the Chindwin River in the north of the country.

Rooms: There are 21 suites. These comprise 2 standard and 14 deluxe suites, between 27 and 28 sq. metres, on Bagan and Mandalay Decks, 4 luxury suites of 31-33 sq. metres on Bhamo Deck and the owner's suite (67 sq. metres) on Bhamo Deck. All have large beds, wardrobes, chests of drawers, sitting areas, en-suite bathrooms with monsoon showers, and private balconies with chairs and a table. All are air conditioned and have wifi and iPads. The luxury and owner's suites come with butler service, early morning tea and coffee and a free laundry service. The owner's suite also has a dining area and a large veranda.

Activities: There are usually 2 excursions per day (not compulsory), as well as lectures and demonstrations in the Kansi Panorama Lounge, and cookery classes.

Itineraries: Sanctuary Ananda offers the following cruises:

2 nights Bagan to Mandalay
3 nights Bagan to Mandalay
4 nights Mandalay to Bagan
7 nights Bagan to Mandalay to Bagan
7 nights Mandalay to Bagan to Mandalay
10 nights Mandalay to Homalin to Bagan
11 nights Mandalay to Yangon
11 nights Mandalay to Bhamo to Bagan

Facilities: Talifoo restaurant on Bagan Deck serves tasty Burmese a la carte dishes plus Italian cuisine. Mindoon is an open-air restaurant on Mandalay Deck and is open for breakfast and lunch, both served as buffets. Burma Bar serves tea, coffee, fruit smoothies and alcoholic drinks. The Dufferin Library is a cosy place for quiet reading and conversation and can be used for private dining. The main Kansi lounge is a large open plan area on the upper Bhamo Deck, used for lectures as well as relaxation. Also, on this deck is a plunge pool and sunbathing area, plus shaded seating. The spa offers traditional Thai massage, reflexology, body scrubs and facials, all using L'Occitane products. There is also a small gym. Dining: Meals are eaten at separate tables at Talifoo and Mindoon restaurants.

Children: Children aged 6 years and over are welcome on Sanctuary Ananda. Luxury suites can accommodate a child on the sofa bed. Maximum occupancy is either 2 adults and 1 child or 1 adult and 2 children. The lounge of the owner's suite can accommodate either 1 extra adult or 2 children.

Health: Malaria prophylactics may be recommended for some parts of Burma.

Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access in all suites and iPads are provided. Notes: The rivers in Burma are subject to seasonal fluctuations in water levels, which can occur quickly and without prior warning. For this reason, it may be necessary to amend the cruise itinerary at short notice.