Amazing Myanmar

There are many amazing things at Amazing Resort at Ngapali Beach. First that such a high-end resort exists in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, on a beautiful pristine beach is in itself amazing. John and I have been fortunate to visit many countries – some several times - and we have stayed in some wonderful accommodations but the one place that tugs at our heart to return again and again is Amazing Resort in Ngapali on the Bay of Bengal. We love all the nice touches from the Myanmar-made lacquer ware sink with the amenities in tiny lacquer ware pagodas to beautiful gardens to the friendly attentive staff.

We have returned four times. The palm-fringed beach is pristine, long and sweeping with no annoying vendors. In fact it is virtually deserted except for an occasional person walking on the beach. The soft sand is cool, the sea is warm with gentle waves, and the sun is hot but it is cool under the thatched umbrellas.

John and I start the day with a beach walk to the huge rock with a pagoda on the top. After breakfast overlooking the Bay of Bengal we spend hours on the beach reading, cooling off in the sea by floating on the inner tubes provided by the hotel, and dozing. In the late afternoon we walk to other direction on the beach to the mermaid on the rock but make sure we are back in time to watch the sun set over the Bay of Bengal from our balcony.

When we head to dinner on the hotel’s flagstone patio overlooking the infinity pool and sea there was no question as to what cocktail to order each night. John preferred a Ngapali Sunset and I liked the Bay of Bengal cocktail. Ms. Khin Khin Phyce dressed in the traditional full-length wrap around skirt worn by both men and women served them. John’s Ngapali Sunset was a soothing mix of rum, orange juice and grenadine the color of the setting sun. My cocktail, the Bay of Bengal, with gin, brandy, lime, orange juice, and grenadine also reflected the nightly spectacular.

Sipping our cocktails we watch the sun set like a gold disc melting into the sea. The spectacle continues as the horizon becomes layered in a beautiful array of blue, pink and purple. Then another amazing thing happens. As the darkness settles golden lights appear where the sky meets the sea forming a twinkling necklace on the horizon. Each evening the fishing boats from the local villages head out to sea on their nightly fishing expedition insuring that we will have fresh fish for our meals. The lights from their boats form a twinkling star-like chain along the horizon. Amazing. The dinner menu has an international flair but we enjoy sampling the local cuisine especially the Myanmar Curry with Chicken which is served in a large, black lacquer ware pagoda-style container. Everywhere there are wonderful local touches. The cocktails, the resort, and beach are truly amazing at Amazing Ngapali Beach Resort.