07 April, 2017
Set beside Yangon's ethereal Inya Lake away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Yangon, Meliá is a new, ultra-modern hotel towering high above the surrounding rooftops in an up-and-coming part of the city. An oasis of clean lines and calm, the hotel offers the perfect place to unwind after a long, hot day discovering Myanmar's fascinating former capital. Rooms are reasonably priced, while excellent service and attention to detail reflect the hotel's five-star status.
The Melia offers a range of rooms to suit different budgets. All are spacious with minimalist decor, a muted colour palette and floor-to-ceiling windows. They're also super hi-tech - open your curtains with a flick of a switch from your bed. Large marble bathrooms feel luxurious, especially as you admire sweeping views of the city from your bathtub. Higher-priced rooms have access to a more private breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea and a selection of drinks and snacks in the evening.
Head to the Level Lounge or the Market Restaurant to try local delicacies and traditional treats (fried rice and curry anyone?) as well as more familiar continental pastries, fresh fruit and juices or a good old English fry up.
The Market Restaurant offers all-day buffet dining, or choose from the various international restaurants on-site: for Mediterranean vibes head to Olea, though our favourite has to be the Lantern Vietnamese restaurant, where chefs cook up a spicy storm in front of you.
Is there anything better than hazy days spent sipping cocktails beside the pool? We think not, and the poolside bar at Meliá is what summer dreams are made of. In the evenings, don your glad rags and head up to the luxe bar in The Level Lounge on the 24th floor or the Garbo Bar offers a more low-key setting.
The hotel has a swanky gym and relaxing Yhi Spa. Guests can pick up the a handy pocket size map of Yangon from reception which shows the major landmarks and useful local phrases to help you navigate the busy city. There's an ATM on site and the hotel reception can also change US dollars into local currency at a fair exchange rate.
Taxis from the hotel to the centre of the city should cost around 3,000 kyat - don't be afraid to barter if you're quoted a much higher price.
The hotel is situated away from the famous landmarks Yangon so you need to take a taxi to most places. Fortunately these are super cheap, costing around 3,000 kyat (about £1.80). The picturesque L'Opera Restaurant is a short ride away and serves authentic Italian food in a magical lantern-lit lakeside garden.
