The Strand Hotel casts its net to the scenic Ayeyarwady River with the launch of The Strand Cruise
“When I die I will be a Burman,” English writer Rudyard Kipling once famously said. Just like the scores of poets and writers, Kipling's imagination was stirred by the scenic romance of Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River, or commonly known as Irrawaddy River. Today, the Ayeyarwady River, which is translated as the “river that brings blessings to the people” due to its function as the lifeline for residents along its banks, is fast rising as Asia's most popular river cruise destination, with numerous tours on offer. The river trickles from the Himalayas and flows through the center of Myanmar, continuing on to the Andaman Sea. The historic waterway is also the window to some of Myanmar's heritage beauties: Thousands of temples, stupas and nats can be seen on its banks, making it the perfect setting for an exotic, romantic getaway made even more luxurious from onboard The Strand Cruise, the river's newest luxury cruise.
The Strand Cruise is the floating sister property to none other than the iconic Strand Hotel in Yangon, and promises an authentic, if not, exquisite cruise experience through unique onshore tours curated to enable maximum on-board relaxation, as it glides along the foot of the Ayeyarwady's iconic landmarks. The vessel is built with 27 cabin suites and a 24-hour butler service, offering 10 deluxe cabins, 13 strand cabins, two state suites and two strand suites. Each cabin comes with en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and international TV channels, and is built with floor to ceiling windows and outdoor Juliette balconies of Burmese craftmanship and Teakwood floors.
Step outside for a spot of rest and relaxation – find your way around the spacious pool deck, wellness centre, restaurants and wine-tasting corners. Sit back and take in the fairy tale scenery while whetting your appetite with outdoor afternoon tea, evening BBQs on the upper deck, a wine tasting corner complete with special pairing menus, or head to The Lounge and Library where you can enjoy cocktails popularised by The Strand Hotel. Unwind and treat your senses and body to a spa menu offering massages and treatments tailored for both singles and couples, or soothe your weary feet with a rejuvenating foot massage at the end of the day.
The Strand Cruise is set to sail in January 2016. Schedules for the river cruise include three and four night packages between Bagan and Mandalay, which will moor at exclusive locations like Old Bagan, Mandalay's ancient Buddhist monasteries on Sagaing Hill and a picturesque riverbank for a final dinner.
Visit thestrandcruise.com for more information.
