Sunset on Ngwe Saung Beach Myanmar
Life is fast, life is hectic, life is furious. So when you finally get that weekend away or a much needed two-week holiday with your loved one (that you’ve no doubt been planning for months) why shouldn’t you make it romantic? You deserve a little hideaway on a forgotten beach, or a river veranda with the perfect sunset view – or even a sunrise hot air balloon ride over some of the most beautiful temples of Asia.
That’s right – romance is not just for honeymooners – why should it stop there? As far as I’m concerned all holidays should have a touch of romance to them; whether you’re travelling the width and breadth of Southeast Asia or going on a safari holiday in Africa, there’s always times for a spot of romance. Well maybe not if you’re travelling with your mum… (like I am next week, maybe I’ll be reporting back on best places to take your mum in a couple of weeks?!)
Anyway, back to romance… and specifically finding the most romantic hotels in Myanmar (Burma). Known for its golden spires, meandering monks and sacred sites; romantic hotels might not be the first thing you think of in this beautiful country. But fret not, after a seven-week research trip which saw me inspect more than 200 hotels up and down the country, I have shortlisted the most romantic spots for you and your loved one to checkout. Drumroll please…
1. Popa Mountain Resort, near Bagan
I mean, would you just look at that view? This place is nothing short of stunning. Perched on the side of Mount Popa, overlooking Taung Kalat (which is the rocky hill in the background of both pictures); this resort has one of the best views in all of Myanmar.
Not only does this it have one of the most impressive swimming pool views but check out the lovely panoramic from the terrace – and how cute are the rustic stone walled rooms? I’m sorry but if this doesn’t make you swoon just a little – then romance really is dead! The resort is about two hours from Bagan (quite an interesting rural drive) and it’s worth bearing in mind it gets very cold up here in the winter months…. all the more reason to snuggle together, right?! The best room in the hotel with the same view as pictured costs £130 per night in the high season. For more information on this stunning romantic hideaway click here.
2. Princess Resort, Inle Lake
Inle Lake is a very romantic setting in itself. The lake is huge – it’s so still and serene that you feel like you are floating on a vast sheet of mirror, reflecting the sky and the moving clouds. It’s simply glorious. How to find a hotel to mirror the romance of the lake? For me there is one clear winner… The Princess Resort. Set back from the main ‘highway’ of the lake, it means you won’t be woken early by the motor boats in the morning – in fact motor boats are not allowed anywhere near the resort and when you arrive (by boat) a man will jump on board about 700 metres or so from the resort, turn the engine off and paddle you to the hotel using his leg to row! See, I told you this was a romantic spot!
Stay in one of the gorgeous lake-view villas with a private west-facing terrace, perfect for the sunsets. Their spa is idyllic and perfect for a couple’s treatment (see pic above on the right) and the restaurant has al fresco dining under the stars while you gaze out into the lake. If you’re not in love when you arrive you will be by the time you leave… with the Princess anyway. Rooms start at £190 per night in the high season. For more details on this romantic lake hotel click here.
3. Ngapali Bay Villas & Spa, Ngapali Beach
Ngapali Bay Villas and Spa just oozes romance. Set on the gorgeous Ngapali Beach, it has a beautiful collection of thatched cottages nestled into tropical gardens just a stone throw away from the ocean. But the real reason this has got into my most romantic hotel list is for something that I can’t even show you in a photo. Step into the beautifully adorned rooms (which all have a sea view by the way) and you will find a shower with the best view on the beach… the shower has a little window which looks into the bedroom and is perfectly lined up with the ocean-view window on the other side of the room. So essentially you are showering with an ocean view… clever, huh? There’s something about the design of this that is both impressive and immediately demands a couples shower.
The resort also has a beautiful al fresco dining area where you can dine under the stars and gaze out to the beach. While I did not stay here (no shower romance for me!) I did dine here and had one of the most delicious meals of my time in Myanmar. Dining at Ngapali Bay Villas 
and Spa is nothing short of a fine-dining experience. The food was exquisitely presented and I enjoyed fresh, chargrilled squid in a spicy dressing which was utterly divine, followed by a big juicy tender Australian steak. Of course it was all washed down with a bottle of Myanmar’s finest red wine. What? You didn’t know they make red wine here too? I told you… this is the country that just keeps on giving! Rooms start from about £195 per night in the high season for more details on this romantic beach getaway click here.
So there you have it… no excuse for romance every step of the way! Of course there are lots more romantic spots, things to do, places to eat… so stay tuned lovelies!
PS I am on a seven-week trip of Myanmar as a research trip for the travel company I work for. We are very exciting to be launching Myanmar holidays in a few days! For more details about booking a holiday in Myanmar please contact me via my contact page (in the ‘about’ menu) or take a look at my travel agency site Fleewinter – which will soon be selling luxury holidays to Myanmar.
