Rosewood Bangkok, a striking new landmark for the capital, has opened as an intimate, ultra-luxury hotel on Ploenchit Road in heart of the city’s prime central business and retail district.

As the 27th property in the growing global network for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, the hotel is the brand’s second destination in Thailand and also serves as a gateway to its sister Southeast Asian properties in Phuket; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Luang Prabang, Laos. Rosewood’s A Sense of Place® philosophy is exuberantly expressed with a design that honors rich Thai culture while celebrating the cutting-edge creativity and contemporary design ethos of the dynamic capital.

“Rosewood Bangkok exemplifies a perfect marriage of destination and Rosewood’s core concept of a modern ultra-luxury hotel experience,” says Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “We are thrilled for travelers and residents to experience the warmth of Thai hospitality and the dynamism and beauty of its culture within such a fresh, exciting and radiant retreat.”

The silhouette of the 30-storey standalone property is a dramatic addition to the Bangkok skyline. Two graceful, connected structures have been masterfully combined to create a new icon for the capital. The building’s form is inspired by the wai -- the charming Thai gesture of hands pressed together in greeting – and is itself an expression of the Thai capital’s growing influence as a design, fashion and creative hub in the region.

Rosewood Bangkok is situated within an enclave of embassies and sleek new office towers, surrounded by Thai fashion designer boutiques and is just steps from Central Embassy, the capital’s most luxurious upscale shopping mall.

The hotel provides direct access to the Ploenchit BTS Skytrain station, putting Bangkok’s major attractions and the city’s dining and nightlife districts only minutes away, and its close proximity to the major expressway to Bangkok’s two international airports also offers convenient access to all major destinations within the capital.

A Showcase of Modern Bangkok

The team of Kohn Pederson Fox with Tandem Architects as the executive architect, and Celia Chu Design Associates for interior design, set the stage for the contemporary yet timeless, intimate hospitality of an urban manor within the context of both Bangkok’s heritage and leading-edge, creative style.

“Thai spirit is infused into every aspect of the Rosewood Bangkok experience,” says Thomas Harlander, the hotel’s managing director. “Like the capital itself, the hotel is creatively contemporary, multi-layered, richly cultured and warmly welcoming – a fitting springboard for every guest’s own personal journey to discover the heart and soul of the city.”

In a nod to the Rosewood brand’s origins as a modern-day aristocratic manor, visitors arrive into their urban sanctuary via a private driveway signalling their entry to a world seemingly far removed from the bustling din of the city. The hotel’s contemporary design ethos is immediately communicated by the entryway’s modern metalwork sculpture in the form of wai spelled in ancient Thai alphabet by artist Jiandyin, and the tumbling waterfall hints of the refreshing retreat within.

The hotel has been designed to create a sense of intimacy and privacy throughout the entire guest journey; the brand’s signature blend of stylish comfort and inspired design is delivered by a décor of rich materials and finishes in a soothing, neutral color palette.

Throughout the hotel, spacious terraces, abundant natural light and city skyline vistas seamlessly meld with Thai contemporary artworks; local craft and indigenous textiles are translated to elegant, modern interpretations; and subtle tropical accents convey an urban resort sensibility.

In addition to the structure’s glossy façade and stunning architecture, water features within the hotel -- including a dramatic, indoor 10-story waterfall -- are a tribute to Bangkok, a city built on water. The element of water -- sacred in Thai culture, featuring in rites and rituals to symbolize peace and harmony -- is a pervasive theme throughout the hotel.

The hotel also showcases works of established and emerging Thai artists including significant pieces by Preecha Thaothong, named Thailand's National Artist of the Year 2009; Pinaree Sanpitak, one of the coutnry’s most respected female artists of her generation; and Torlarp Larpjaroensook, whose work both challenges and intrigues. The hotel’s “Art Connection” quarterly rotating exhibit features the multi-media works of emerging Thai artists, launching with a showcase of oil paintings by Kittaya Poolsawatdi.