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Sandoway Resort

Sandoway Resort

Ngapali Beach, Myanmar

A long-time Audley favorite, this is our first choice of beach hotel in Myanmar. The property is situated in the picturesque green bay of Mya Pin village, offering guests a stunning sandy beach right on their doorstep, fringed with tropical palm trees.

For the ultimate in barefoot luxury, the rooms have been purposely designed without telephones or TVs to avoid any unnecessary noise, and even the minibar is an ice box rather than a refrigerator. Accommodation spans several categories, including 25 deluxe rooms, 18 of which spread across two storys; 30 air conditioned, two-story cottages individually spaced around the grounds; and 38 sumptuous villas, many with unrivaled sea views.

Facilities include a lovely swimming pool, a relaxing spa, a luxurious library with a sea view, and even a small cinema on site, while guests can unwind with a cocktail in the bar as they watch the sunset. Dining takes place at the property's international restaurant, which specializes in local seafood.

OUR OPINION:

This is one of our favorite properties in Southeast Asia, offering the perfect setting in which to relax after a busy tour of Myanmar. This is a sophisticated, lesser-known gem among the wealth of beach options in Southeast Asia. Ngapali Beach, although undoubtedly beautiful, could be classified as a 'working beach.' This means it would not be unusual to see local Burmese walking their donkeys or water buffaloes along the beach. We think this adds to the charm of the area, but some may feel this is slightly intrusive while relaxing on a sunlounger! The resort is closed between May and October due to the monsoon rains.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Rooms

Sandoway has 25 deluxe rooms and 15 cottages, each built in a two-story design with an open air veranda, a perfect spot for reading and relaxing. The ground level living area is tastefully decorated with lounge divan, writing desk and chairs with direct access to the veranda. A skylight sunroof brings natural sunlight into the spacious bathroom. The bedroom on the upper floor takes in the cool sea breeze from the Bay of Bengal.

Located in an exclusive setting with a private check-in area, the resort also offers 19 villas which offer ultimate seclusion. With 120 square meters of luxury living space, the villas' open-plan interior seamlessly blends bedroom and living space, with large sliding doors opening onto a private veranda. A spiral stairway leads to an upper level where a private loft with beautiful picture window showcases the serene views of the gardens and the sea.

Please note that to minimize noise, the rooms do not have TVs and an international phone line is only available from reception.

Deluxe rooms

The 25 deluxe rooms are relatively spacious at 75 square meters and are located toward the rear of the resort. The majority are spread across two floors.

Village Cottages

There are ten Village Cottages with 80 square meters of living space, all located in the middle of the resort. Some of the Village Cottages have a sea view.

Beachfront Cottages

The five Beachfront Cottages (80 square meters) have direct access onto the beach from a spacious veranda, with a picture window in the bedroom showcasing the serene views of the sea and gardens. Facilities include king-size bed only, mosquito nets, minibar, ceiling fan, air conditioning and en suite bathroom with shower.

Sea View Villas

The eight Sea View Villas offer a luxurious 120 square meters of living space over two floors and feature king-size beds only, mosquito nets, a minibar, the choice of a ceiling fan or air conditioning, a handmade marble bathtub and separate shower, a CD player and a spacious dressing area. While they are located behind the Beachfront Villas, they are strategically positioned to ensure a beautiful sea view.

Beachfront Villas

Offering the same facilities and living space as the Sea View Villas, the 11 Beachfront Villas each have direct access onto the beach from a spacious veranda and a full sea view.

The Residence by Sandoway

The Sandoway's sister property is located just five minutes' walk from the main building along the beach. It has a selection of garden and beachfront rooms and is ideal for guests seeking more privacy. The rooms have more of a contemporary feel but still as elegant as those in the main resort. It has its own check-in area but no other facilities to speak of — except the beach of course, for which it has prime location. Guests may make use of the facilities and pool at the nearby Sandoway. Breakfast is served in room but can also be enjoyed at the restaurant on request.

Location

Sandoway Resort is set on Ngapali Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar, if not the Bay of Bengal. The beach itself has a rustic charm and oxcarts are often seen wandering along the sand in the late afternoon. Nearby, the fishing village of Jade Taw retains the traditional fishing practices and an early morning visit to the markets showcase their haul. The only way of reaching Ngapali Beach is by light aircraft transfer, and you are then met at the airport in Thandwe by the hotel's distinctively refurbished buses, used in World War II by American troops.

Food and drink

The on site restaurant serves an international menu, but specializes in freshly caught local seafood. The lounge bar is located on an open veranda, allowing guests to enjoy amazing sunset views whilst sipping cocktails.

Families

All ages are welcome at the hotel, however there are no child facilities.

Honeymooners

Those looking to celebrate in style can be certain of a magical time at this hotel, and the staff can help with an additional special touch — from fresh flowers, couples' massage or a romantic dinner for two.

Facilities and activities

Facilities include a laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage and newspapers. There is also an excursion desk where they can book local excursions.

Environmental and social responsibility

Whilst the resort has an Italian manager, all staff are from the local community.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Ngapali Beach and nearby places