Just north of Kalaw is the village of Myinka. The name means ‘Horses’ dance’. This reputedly comes from the legend that upon arrival here, the first settlers of Myinka found the landscape so beautiful that their horses broke into a giddy, celebratory jig. Today, in memory of this legend, there are dashing ponies stationed at the entrance to Myin Ka, upon which visitors can hop and take photographs.

It was for the landscape of Myinka, not the ponies, that Philippe and Pearl moved here from Yangon to create the Myinka Trek Ecolodge. The lodge is made up of four bamboo rooms – chic and tasteful. Warm, comfy beds and plants in the bathroom. South African wall-art adorns the entrance and there is one long wooden table to encourage communal eating.

Pearl prepares the food – with influences from France and her native Cambodia. Breakfast specialties include her pancakes but eggs can be scrambled, boiled and fried, and the more adventurous may request Cambodian soup.

Treks can be made – often accompanied by their dog Co Co – to the surrounding areas. These range from one-hour rambles into the pinewood forests to full-day hikes over the hills to Aung Ban.

FLASH POINT: The warm hospitality. Philippe is gentle, Pearl is bubbly. Their dog Co Co is slightly timid but completes the generous and welcoming triumvirate.