Up to now, luxurious offerings in Myanmar have not matched the attention the country has drawn from investors.
Up to now, luxurious offerings in Myanmar have not matched the attention the country has drawn from investors. But Yangon-based Memories Group, which listed in Singapore earlier this year, is set to change the landscape with the opening of Awei Pila next month.
The chi-chi resort (top), situated on the remote island of Pila in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, is two hours by speedboat from the mainland and has 24 sumptuous tented villas, an open-air restaurant and a spa. Guests who pay the US$750 (S$1,035) all-inclusive, per day, per villa (for two) rate will step into a pristine haven rich in wildlife and unexplored beaches.
It is the first in a slew of upscale properties planned by the company, whose portfolio already includes balloon safaris (right) over Bagan and Inle, as well as yachting in the Mergui Archipelago with Burma Boating. Upcoming properties include Awei Metta (above), an urban golf resort in Pun Hlaing Estate, Yangon, with an 18-hole course designed by South African legend Gary Player; and ethnic eco-chic lodges in Karen and Kayah states. www.memoriesgroup.com
“(Prices) are unlikely to ever come down to a point where millions are able to go to space, but we can try to at least bring it down to where tens of thousands of people can become astronauts.”
TREAD SOFTLY AND CARRY AN ECO BAG
Frequent travellers who rely on Tumi for durable luggage can now find the same quality in its new line of environmentally friendly backpacks. The Recycled Capsule collection is made from 70 per cent recycled materials, with the exterior of the bag crafted from recycled nylon, a material with proven strength. The interiors and exterior details are made from recycled plastic bottles.
The capsule includes styles from Tumi’s Women’s Voyageur collection and Men’s Alpha Bravo collection. Each backpack has dedicated laptop space, water-resistant water bottle pocket, quick-access phone pocket, and numerous organiser pockets. Take your time to choose as these bags will go the distance. Available exclusively on www.tumi.sg
The do-good figures.
To be strapped around the waist or across the back. It is constructed with materials made from 12 recycled plastic bottles and each piece purchased will divert 1.3 ounces of post-industrial nylon from landfill.
For the rugged traveller, this is a veritable Swissknife of backpacks with more pockets than you can shake a stick at. It has a roll top and opens in the back for quick access to the main compartment. Made from 26 recycled plastic bottles; diverts 4.7 ounces.
