STYLE Edit: Why the Rosewood Yangon hotel could open the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar to tourists from Hong Kong and China – at last
Recent years have seen the Southeast Asian nation emerge as an undiscovered hotspot for global travellers – but so far Hongkongers have remained unconvinced by its Buddhist monuments and natural beauty
The unspoilt splendours of Myanmar are luring ever more tourists, who flock to see the Buddhist temples and pagodas of Yangon, the former capital, immerse themselves in the history of Mandalay, another former capital, or visit the Unesco heritage site of Bagan for a holiday like no other. The nation was once shrouded in mystery and only recently opened its borders to the tourist economy, after nearly 50 years of military-enforced dormancy.
Curiously, despite most visitors hailing from Asia, 2018 government statistics revealed that only one per cent of those travellers were from Hong Kong.
Sonia’s latest venture, the Rosewood Yangon, has opened its doors at the former New Law Courts heritage building, on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.
The Rosewood brand philosophy, “A Sense of Place”, aims to make travel easier for those with a fear of the unknown, enabling guests to dip their toes into the country’s culture, architecture and history – as well as its sensibilities.
From this April, the hotel is offering a bespoke tour package which immerses guests in a one-of-a-kind arts and history experience. They will be able to meet conservationists from the Yangon Heritage Trust or the creative community at the Yangon Walls artwork project to learn about how a nation that was once isolated from the world is today opening up to fully reveal itself.
However, those who would rather experience the city’s history from the comfort of their hotel can sample Myanmar’s history and culture by indulging in Burmese-inspired treatments at the Rosewood spa, or by relaxing with a tumbler in the former Judge’s Chamber – now transformed into an upscale cigar lounge.
