The monastic-themed Sanctum Inle in Myanmar is set to open 1 October, and will include a Sanctum spa with six treatment rooms designed by France’s Brigitte Du Mont Chassart, who is responsible for all of the resort’s interiors.

Sanctum Inle will also include an Olympic-sized swimming pool overlooking Inle Lake, and takes full advantage of its position in an off-the-beaten-path location.

“In a region long closed off to the wider world, we’re opening the doors on an experience of accommodation that celebrates removal and contemplation,” said Philippe Arnaud, the resort’s general manager. “Our location invites this sort of mind-set, and our design does, as well.”

At 120 square kilometers and 800 meters above sea level, Inle Lake is renowned for its stilted wooden homes, floating vegetable gardens and fishermen, who propel their boats across the water with a singular, one-legged rowing style.

Two hours by air, car and boat from Yangon, Sanctum Inle Resort is designed to inspire contemplation through architectural flourishes that invoke monastic traditions, such as Spanish-style arches and minimalist but modern room designs.

The 170sq m (1,830sq ft) Sanctum Spa includes teak furniture hand-made in a nearby lakeside village, and the floor is made of green cement tiles with warm ocher colours and natural teak wood. Most of the six treatment rooms have individual showers, and there is also a couple’s suite and a Thai massage room.

The signature Tamarind Scrub is made with tamarind harvested from the property, and the spa will also offer 30-minute express treatments in addition to its menu of massages and facials.

Spa trainer Nyoman Yastama – woh worked for the Conrad Hotel Dubai, Thai Home Spa Bermuda, and Kempinski Hotel Badamdar Baku Azerbaijan – will take advantage of the seasons, using fresh ingredients that are available all year round at the resort, such as cucumbers and Thanaka cumin powder.

The spa will use Yves Rocher, Natural Rendezvous and Azial product houses in its treatments, and aims to create a cozy experience with an emphasis on personal service.

The resort will also include a saltwater swimming pool and a fully-equipped gym.