Showcasing a fusion of contemporary Burmese style and old-world grandeur, Rosewood Yangon opens its doors today.

As Myanmar continues to welcome a fast-growing number of international travelers, the hotel takes on a transformative role in the country’s largest city, combining an elevated level of luxury with strong cultural outreach.

Housed in one of the grandest and most expansive buildings built during the colonial era, formerly the New Law Courts built in 1927, the hotel is located in the heart of the historic center amidst other heritage buildings at the junction of the famous Strand and Sule Pagoda Roads. With its dramatic row of original three-story-high Ionic colonnades, the hotel forms a formative presence on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.

“Rosewood Yangon exemplifies a perfect balance between heritage and chic modernity in this vibrant city,” says Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “We are thrilled to be a launching point for ‘affluential explorers’ to begin a journey of discovery in one of world’s most evocative, captivating and still relatively undiscovered destinations.”

The hotel exquisitely expresses the Rosewood brand’s A Sense of Place®, the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® brand philosophy of reflecting the history, culture, architecture and sensibilities of the location.

Guests arrive at the hotel’s majestic portico, lit by three immense, 1920s chandeliers, before stepping through two sets of grand iron-framed doors into the lobby. Above the reception desk, a stunning mural by famed local artist Than Kyaw Htay immediately evokes the charm of Myanmar with sunset-bathed pagodas atop peaks floating over a rugged landscape.

Every step throughout the hotel showcases the hotel’s transformation – one that preserves the architectural past while offering the ultimate in contemporary comfort. A wide range of facilities available under one roof includes five distinctive dining venues; recreational options including a spa, a rooftop infinity pool and a fitness studio; extensive meeting facilities featuring a grand ballroom, bridal suite, event studio, Heritage Salon and three meeting rooms; and a sophisticated retail gallery and barber shop.

“Our hotel’s blend of sophistication, relaxation, highly personalized service and support for city arts and culture not only offers a portal to the past, but helps spearhead Myanmar’s leap into the future,” says Ed Brea, the hotel’s managing director. “Through our rich and diverse arts and cultural program in collaboration with various embassies, we are encouraging people in Myanmar to discover Western cultural heritage as well.”

1927 Grandeur Meets 21st-Century Design

A conservation management plan assured that the conversion of the New Law Courts to Rosewood Yangon maintained the architectural integrity of the building as part of the neighborhood’s highly intact historical streetscapes.

The two internal courtyards are entirely preserved and restored, as are the original portico on Bank Street, the pyramidal pavilion rooftops, the majestic promenade along Strand Road and the entrance halls on the building’s north and south sides. Among the many interior details conserved are perforated metal screens set in wall openings to provide cross-ventilation, cast-iron balustrades along first-floor landings and wooden screens and panels in various public rooms throughout.

For its efforts to restore the building to its original form, Rosewood Yangon has received the 31st Yangon Heritage Trust Blue Plaque to commemorate the building’s deep historic and cultural significance and its enduring legacy.

Groundbreaking design comes through the collective work of leading interior designers. New York-based Lillian Wu Studio for guestrooms and spa, and Tokyo’s Bond Design Studio for restaurants and lounges, with the full support of Yangon Heritage Trust and local artisans, transformed the historic property into an ultra-modern and energy-efficient building.

“Our biggest challenge in approaching the décor was working within the restrictions that necessarily come with designing for any heritage landmark,” says Lillian Wu. “But it was very important for us to adapt and make sure the concept not only complements the existing space but allows the design to flow seamlessly as well.”

Unparalleled Stays

The hotel’s 205 stylishly designed rooms and suites are carefully crafted to highlight the architectural beauty of the building. Along with high ceilings and abundant natural light, most guestrooms feature patios and balconies with view overlooking the city or beautifully landscaped internal courtyards.

The refined Executive Rooms, starting at 45 square meters, have been thoughtfully conceived to create comfortable, residential-style living spaces that are equally suited to business and leisure stays. The property’s suite collection boasts the 90-square-meter Rosewood Suite, which includes a separate enclosed bedroom and a spacious terrace that is ideal for afternoon tea or in-room dining experiences.

The Suites have been tastefully decorated using a combination of the old world and the new. Dazzling lacquerware and papier-mâché objets d’art from upcountry Bagan, along with handwoven bed-throws and cushions created by artisans from non-profit Turquoise Mountain, evoke a sense of place. Paintings by Nyein Chan Su lend a contemporary ambience to the elegant guest suites with his bold use of color in semi-abstract compositions. Meanwhile, Pyayt Phyo Aung's stylized portraits of young Myanmar women wearing traditional thanaka paste on their faces, displayed at guestroom entryways, create a warm and welcoming touch.