As one of Myanmar’s biggest draws, Inle Lake has no shortage of hotels on its shores. But with the opening of Sanctum Inle Resort comes a refuge unlike the rest, modeled after a European monastery with 96 rooms often featuring vaulted ceilings and arched windows. Given its cigar lounge, wine list, gardens, and spa, Sanctum is a far cry from asceticism, but after days spent on its tours of the lake, a nearby winery, and Kakku Temple, who would want to return to anything less? (Maing Thauk Village; 95-1/860-4945; doubles from US$484) —David Tse

This article originally appeared in the April/May print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Lakeside Luster”)