Sanctuary Retreats: the history
Founded in the late 1990s, Sanctuary Retreats initially offered stays in luxurious safari lodges with traditional charm, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience in a dream destination.
In the 2000s, the company evolved and decided to expand its offering by marketing river cruises in three countries: the Yangtze in China, the Irrawaddy in Myanmar and the Nile in Egypt, on which the six ships of the fleet regularly sail. With its motto "Luxury, Naturally", Sanctuary Retreats reinforces its commitment to making your cruises unique and always in a luxurious and distinguished setting. Let yourself be carried away by the soothing calm of these rivers around the world and enjoy your stay to the fullest.
The Sanctuary Retreats fleet
The company has six ships, each one more luxurious than the other. Sanctuary Retreats prides itself on providing its passengers with quality, discreet cruises to the four corners of the globe.
On the Nile, you will find one of the company's most famous ships: the Nile Adventurer. This ship has 32 exceptional cabins (including 2 royal suites and 2 presidential suites). Decorated in a variety of colors and with teak wood, this yacht offers cruises designed by renowned Egyptologists to provide original itineraries that you will not find anywhere else. The Nile Adventurer even had the honor of being featured in National Geographic's 'trip of a lifetime' article.
Head to Myanmar, where you'll find the legendary Sanctuary Retreats ship Ananda. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary experience aboard this 5-star palace. Relax in one of the 21 upscale cabins, decorated in a refined and traditional style. A restaurant, a spa, a lounge, a library and a cocktail bar are all available to enjoy your cruise in the best conditions. Sail along the Irrawaddy River and discover all its impenetrable secrets.
The Nile is also sailed upstream by the Sun Boat III, a ship of unprecedented luxury on which you can enjoy the privacy of your own home. With its 18 cabins with four-poster beds, you can share a moment of tenderness with your partner and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Nile. Among these 18 cabins, the ship has 2 presidential suites and 2 royal suites. Comfort, elegance and delicacy will be the key words of your Sanctuary Retreats cruises.
Moreover, the Sun Boat IV will also take you to the Nile in Egypt. On board this luxury yacht, there is no better opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This elegant and refined ship has 40 staterooms, including 2 presidential and 2 royal suites, each with an uninterrupted view of the grandeur of Egypt. After your exciting stopover, you can relax in the local marble pool on the ship's teak deck.
Head to China with the Yangtze Explorer, which will guide you along the eponymous river. Unlike the other ships in the Sanctuary Retreats fleet, this yacht can accommodate 124 guests across the 62 balcony cabins on board. You can soak up Asian culture by trying calligraphy or Chinese food classes, or by taking part in Tai Chi initiations. There is also a spa where you can enjoy a traditional massage at any time of the day. The Yangzi Explorer is also unique in that it has the best possible traveler to staff ratio.
Want to add a traditional and historical touch to your stay? Come aboard the Zein Nile Château for a private cruise. This sumptuous dahabieh, a typical Egyptian boat, will give you privileged access to the Nile through one of its six large cabins. You will follow an itinerary designed by renowned Egyptologists, who will make your trip a memory to last a lifetime.
Sanctuary Retreats cruise destinations
On your Sanctuary Retreats cruise, you will have the chance to explore and enjoy three exceptional rivers: the Nile, the Irrawaddy and the Yangtze. Proud of its environmental commitment, the company sails while respecting the landscapes and nature that surround it.
China Cruise
Unlock the secrets of Asia's mysterious river: the Yangtze. This river ends north of Shanghai and begins in Tibet. Embark on a magical journey, full of surprises, which will make you discover exceptional places such as the ghost town of Fengdu and its numerous temples, or the grandiosity of the Three Gorges Dam.
Cruise on the Nile
The Nile River, Egypt's ancient jewel, is 6,700 km long and has played a vital role in the past as the only means of communication between the villages along the river.
During your Sanctuary Retreats cruises, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the history, heritage and past of the country, through its famous pyramids, temples and monuments. These sacred people will hold no secrets for you!
Irrawaddy River Cruise
Sanctuary Retreats cruises take you on an exploration of one of the world's most famous rivers, the Irrawaddy, which flows through Myanmar for over 2100km. Let yourself be seduced by the landscapes you will find along the river's intoxicating banks: temples, sumptuous palaces or ancestral monasteries will not fail to leave you breathless during your crossing. But don't panic! You can explore them on land during your various stopovers.
Restaurants, eating and dinks on board Sanctuary Retreats ships
Eating and drinking on board Sanctuary Retreats
You will enjoy delicious food during your stay with Sanctuary Retreats.
On your Sanctuary Retreats cruise, drinks (water, tea and coffee) and meals are included in the price of your stay, except for the first and last meal. Alcohol is an extra. These beverage and dining policies are for guidance only and may change depending on the time of your cruise, your destination and the ship.
On the Anada, a Sanctuary Retreats chef will prepare fine, quality food for you. A self-service buffet will be available for breakfast and lunch, but you can also order à la carte dishes directly from the ship's staff. At dinner, you will enjoy a romantic dinner along the Nile, with staff on hand to advise and guide you.
Wake up your taste buds on board the Sun Boat III and its spicy restaurant. You will have the pleasure of tasting Egyptian and Oriental specialities, as well as more continental ones. The restaurant will offer you a clear view of the Nile through its large windows.
The Sun Boat IV has two bars and a restaurant serving international cuisine.
Sanctuary Retreats features
Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy
Sanctuary Retreats is committed to respecting the environment and since its inception has taken a truly eco-responsible approach to its cruises, lodges and the activities it offers to its guests. The company wishes to build continuous and secure links with the people with whom it works. In the long term, it wishes to contribute to the improvement of their way of life and the development of their buildings.