One of Myanmar’s newest boutique resort Bagan Lodge is pivoting off its proximity to one of the world’s great heritage sites by offering a family package that trades on a Burmese tradition: the use of thanaka as a face paint.
The hour-long program is a component of the new hotel’s “Family Escape” deal, which also includes two nights for two adults and two children under 12 in a 55-square-metre Deluxe Room with 17-square-metre private veranda, breakfast, airport transfers and a roll-away bed.
Under the tutelage of Bagan Lodge’s resident thanaka experts, guests will get the chance to learn when the fragrant paste was first employed as a face paint, where it comes from, what its cosmetic benefits are and how to authentically and creatively apply it.
“It’s no secret that most kids usually want nothing more than to play in a pool all day long, especially when on vacation,” said Jon Bourbaud, Bagan Lodge’s general manager.
“We’ve got a fantastic pool. But we’ve also got the ability to provide an experience that gets under the surface of this wonderful culture.”
Family Escape is priced at $300 including tax and service charge and is valid for stays between March 15 and October 14 this year.
Opened in August last year, Bagan Lodge features 85 rooms conceptualised by noted French designer Brigitte Dumont de Chassart and sits on the edge of an archaeological wonderland home to more than 3,000 ancient temples, pagodas and stupas.