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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.

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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.

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The former New Law Courts, built in 1927, have been meticulously restored for luxury hospitality. The hotel has retained the 1920s chandeliers in the portico, the towering ionic colonnades announcing the building to the street, as well as the restored iron-framed doors and cast-iron balustrades that add an enchanting touch of opulence.

New York’s Lillian Wu Studio was brought in to design the 205 rooms and suites, seamlessly blending local touches with a modern layout. The Rosewood Suites offer an eclectic mix of lacquerware and papier-mâché objets d’art from the city of Bagan, handwoven bed throws and cushions made by Burmese women and people from the ethnic minorities at non-profit organisation Turquoise Mountain, and the work of esteemed local artists Pyayt Phyo Aung and Nyein Chan Su.

Tokyo’s Bond Design Studio was in charge of the interior decor for the lounges and restaurants, no small feat as the Rosewood Yangon boasts five separate dining venues.

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The Nova European Brasserie, with its open kitchen and huge skylight, aims to tempt the taste buds of daytime diners by offering seasonal vegetables and herbs from Shan State in northern Myanmar, and fresh seafood from the Andaman Sea, served up on the crudo bar.

Yangon may perhaps seem a little too off the beaten track for Hong Kong tourists, so far, who statistically prefer more familiar destinations such as Taiwan, Thailand or Japan. However, with the arrival of hotel groups like Rosewood, Hongkongers may feel emboldened to explore the wonders of new and uncharted terrain in this fabulous and endlessly fascinating Southeast Asian country.

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