Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort

The Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort sits by a lake in nearly 30 acres of lush tropical gardens in Bagan, which is home to over 2,000 pagodas and temples built between the 11^th and 13^th century. 

As its name suggests, the Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort is nothing short of regal, but with a modern twist. Dark teak furnishings and gold accents reflect the rich heritage of the region while retaining a minimalistic feel. Elegant and spacious, the deluxe rooms and romantic villas are equipped with large bathrooms, modern furnishings and lavish five-star amenities. The villas come with their own private terraces and some have their own pools. What really ties the rooms together though are the views of the old temples and pagodas, which you can spy out of the bathroom window while enjoying a luxurious bath.

With restaurants specialising in different culinary themes, there is plenty to choose from here. For a menu of continental and Asian fare with Italian as its speciality, the Xanadu restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere with spectacular garden and pagoda views. After a day's sightseeing, head to the Hero's bar for a signature Mandalay rum sour cocktail. 

Take a dip in the pool, flanked by palm trees, and relax poolside, overlooking the golden temples, before paying a visit the spa. With an entrance that is a replica of an 11th-century temple, the spa is a sanctuary of calm and a peaceful oasis in which to unwind and de-stress. Try the Thanakha body treatment, a fragrant body scrub with fine Thanakha wood pulp exfoliates, for a detoxifying massage.

To view the beautiful sunset, sit on the lakeside terrace and watch classical Burmese dance performances that are staged under a canopy of stars. For panoramic views of Bagan, climb the 198-feet Nan Myint Tower, which can be accessed via a five-minute ride by horse and carriage or taxi. For something truly memorable, take to the skies and experience a hot air balloon ride over the stupa-scattered landscape, which is a very popular activity in Bagan.