Belmond Road to
Mandalay Introduces Mindfulness Cruises in Myanmar
Belmond Road to Mandalay introduces mindfulness cruises in
Myanmar, taking passengers along the spiritually enriching Ayeyarwady River on
expert-led journeys of self- discovery. Guests can choose from a seven-night
round trip cruise, departing Bagan 7th October 2017 or three night ‘taster’
cruise departing Mandalay on 11th October 2017.
In a country renowned for its golden-topped temples,
monasteries and hidden pagodas, where meditation is a way of life; there is no
better voyage to digitally detox and pursue inner fulfillment.
Bringing the experience to life through one-to-one coaching
and group Tibetan yoga and meditation sessions is Brian Hilliard and Shannon
van Staden of Mindfulness Journeys – who between them have over 40 years of
experience studying, practicing and teaching mindfulness to all ages and levels
of ability. A true pioneer and early-adopter, Brian is a long-serving advocate
of mindfulness and began teaching well before it became a fashionable
phenomenon.
Belmond Road to Mandalay provides the ideal environment for
participation in mindfulness. The peaceful indoor Observation Lounge provides a
scenic space for evening meditation and the open air deck makes for an
inspiring outdoor classroom, where sunrise morning sessions take place against
a backdrop of changing light and landscapes. Adding to the journey’s intrigue
and adventure, some meditation sessions take place on land in rural pagodas, a
botanical garden and under mango trees in Ava. The personal service and
intimate size of the ship, which carries just 82 passengers, encourages a
comradery between guests and evenings can be a time for further social interaction
or quieter private reflection.
The early morning juice bar and freshly prepared healthy spa
cuisine, including a mix of pan-Asian and western dishes, allows guests the
option to make healthy food and drink choices that are conducive with
practicing mindfulness. The ship’s dedicated wellbeing area, complete with spa
treatment rooms and state-of-the-art fitness equipment is a further haven for
relaxation and exercise.
Offered complimentary and in addition to the existing
itinerary, guests can join sessions at their leisure, however, to make the most
of the experience guests are encouraged to complete the whole week under Brian
and Shannon's guidance. Brian explains why hosting this cruise is so special,
"Myanmar is the perfect place to try mindfulness and Tibetan yoga.
Meditation is a way of life in this Buddhist country so it is a very honest and
natural way of immersing in local culture. We hope that bringing all these
elements together on a cruise of this nature is going to be life changing for
those who join us."
Cultural highlights of the cruise include, a visit to one of
the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple, which contains four 30ft
gilded Buddha statues, a horse-drawn cart tour of Old Bagan’s archaeological
zone, a monastery visit to participate in a traditional almsgiving donation to
the monks, and arts and crafts tour of Mandalay to watch local artisans and
craftsmen at work. Land excursions are daily and led by expert guides and more
active explorers can enjoy the sights by biking through Bagan or joining a
morning run with Brian.
Pricesstartfrom$2,656perpersonforthethree-nightdepartureon11thOctoberfromMandalay
and $4,632 for the seven-night departures on 7th October 2017 from Bagan; based
on two guests sharing a deluxe cabin. Prices are fully inclusive of all
mindfulness sessions, meals, international house wines and local beers and
excursions as per itinerary. Domestic flights and transfers from Yangon to the
ship are excluded but can be booked through Belmond at a supplement. Guests
also have the option to stay at Belmond Governor’s Residence, Yangon pre and
post cruise.
For further information please visit: mindfulnessjourneys.com
About Brian Hilliard
– Teacher
Brian Hilliard was born in Connecticut, USA, and has lived
in Europe since 2000. At an early age, he was fortunate to receive life-changing
teachings from the great Tibetan master Chőgyam Trungpa Rinpoche. He has studied,
practiced and taught mindfulness in business, wellbeing centres and holiday
retreats for over 35 years. Brian has completed the traditional Tibetan three-year
intensive retreat. His unique training is based on ancient mind-science traditions
that specialize in maximising one’s potential and wellbeing.
About Shannon van
Staden - Host and Meditation Instructor
Born and raised in South Africa, Shannon lived in London and
New York. She worked in the worlds of fashion styling, interiors and luxury
hospitality. Shannon has been living and breathing style and travel for most of
her life. In 2008 she discovered meditation. This led her to search for off the
beaten track places that bring together nature and wellbeing. Shannon loves
hosting and taking care of the little details for guests. She is a meditation
instructor and trained in the Shambhala lineage.
About Belmond
Belmond Ltd. is a global collection of exceptional hotel and
luxury travel adventures in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching
destinations. Established almost 40 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond
Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the Company owns and operates 46 unique and
distinctive hotel, rail and river cruise experiences in many of the world’s
most celebrated destinations. From city landmarks to intimate resorts, the
collection includes Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg; Belmond Copacabana
Palace, Rio de Janeiro; Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya; and
Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara. Belmond also encompasses safaris, six luxury
tourist trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, three river cruises
and ‘21’, one of New York’s most storied restaurants.
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