This was our fourth stay at Red Canal in almost as many years and it continues to exceed expectations.

Here’s a few reasons (in no particular order) as to why we’ll definitely be coming back again for a fourth time:

• It’s Mandalay’s only luxury boutique hotel
• The maintenance of the property is exceptional (most Myanmar properties of this age would be covered in mould by now)
• You’re only a short walk, or car journey away, from most of Mandalay city’s highlights
• There’s a swimming pool and gym
• The service is efficient, attentive and from the heart
• The Indian cuisine served at Spice Garden restaurant is to die for! If avocado’s in season, be sure to check out the chicken and avocado salad (a great lunch option).
• Stepping inside the spa is like discovering a hidden underground Bagan temple (you’ll see what I mean when you go there!)
• It feels more like a home than it does a hotel
• They have herb infused refillable water stations, which is great for people like myself who want to cut out single-use plastic
• They’ve recently upgraded the bed linen – it’s like sleeping on a cloud!
• The showers have excellent water pressure (this is a rarity in Myanmar)
• They serve complimentary snacks from 2-5pm
• Complimentary cocktails are served from 6-7pm, whilst a traditional Myanmar harp is plucked in the background (heavenly!)
• It’s all about the small details – on arrival, the staff greeted us not just with a welcome but a welcome back
• As a city, Mandalay can sometime feel a bit full on. Coming back here at the end of the day never fails to give you that feeling of, ‘Ah, we’re back!!’