Sanctuary Ananda, the luxurious new boutique river cruiser in Myanmar (Burma) from exclusive travel specialists Sanctuary Retreats, sets sail on its maiden passenger cruise this week (15th November) with a 4-night cruise from Mandalay to Bagan on the Ayeyarwady River.

To mark the inaugural sailing, Sanctuary Retreats is offering 20% off the four cruises on the Chindwin River in 2015 which are part of their longer 'Exploration Cruises' programme.  These 10 night cruises on the Chindwin exclusively provide access to some of Southeast Asia's least-visited sites such as Mawleik, Kalewa  and the caves  of Po Win Taung in Monywa and will begin in July 2015.  The offer must be booked before 31st January 2015.

With this offer, a 10-night Exploration Cruise on the Chindwin River is now available from £2,356 per person based on two people sharing, including suite accommodation, meals, soft drinks and local beer throughout the day, wine with dinner, and the full programme of excursions and experiences.

Commenting on the launch of the ship, Marco Rosa, Senior VP of Sanctuary Retreats Hospitality says:  “We are excited to introduce a new level of luxury to the rivers of Myanmar with the launch of Sanctuary Ananda.  Our beautiful custom built-all suite ship not only offers the largest suites in Myanmar but with floor to ceiling windows and full balconies, our guests really are immersed in the culture and landscape of this fascinating country.”

The ship offers a choice of 6 fascinating itineraries including 3, 4 and 7 night cruises on the Ayeyarwady River with a full choice of excursions and unique cultural experiences. Longer 10 and 11 night itineraries on the Chindwin River to Homalin, the Upper Ayeyarwaddy to Bhamo and sailings between Yangon and Mandalay will begin in 2015.

Named after the Ananda Temple in Bagan, Sanctuary Ananda has been designed by local Myanmar shipbuilders with the utmost attention to detail.  Custom-built with just 21 suites, a luxurious, yet authentic feel is reflected in every aspect of the ship.  Interiors incorporate local fabrics, lacquerware and even traditional parasols celebrating Myanmar's rich heritage of arts, crafts and textiles.  With one of the highest staff to guest ratios on the rivers, guests will be able to explore this vibrant and culturally rich destination in style.

For more information and bookings on Sanctuary Ananda, contact reservations.europe@sanctuaryretreats.com or call + (44) 1242 546609.

-ENDS-

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Notes to Editors:

About Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Retreats' collection of luxury safari lodges and explorer ships bring the boutique experience to guests with the added promise of authenticity. Each property is completely individual in its design and operated around the philosophy of “Luxury, naturally”. All have the same aim: to allow guests to have a “real” experience and enjoy a more natural kind of luxury in properties that have a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism. The Sanctuary portfolio includes safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, as well as expedition cruise ships on the Nile, the Yangze and in Myanmar.

For more information, please visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com

For UK media enquiries, please contact Nicole Walsh on 0777 1554027 at nwalsh@sanctuaryretreats.com or Sarah Bolam on 07714 337756 at sbolam@sanctuaryretreats.com