The Strand Yangon reopening: Myanmar jewel shines again

Myanmar's grand dame hotel, The Strand Yangon, reopened on November 15 after a six-month renovation project that saw artisans meticulously restore every original architectural detail, such as the teak paneling and antique bedsteads, traditional Myanmar lacquerware and marble flooring.

But the hotel has also been brought into the 21st century with the latest technology across its 31 rooms and beautiful public spaces. And the overhaul hasn't ended there.

In the drive to restore the historic hotel to something "relaxed, refined and glamorous," as Olivier Trinquand, vice president, The Strand Hotel & Cruise puts it, during the hotel's closure period, the entire team underwent training with a new operations manager who is an alumni of London's Caprice Group of prestige restaurants. He was head waiter at the decadent celebrity haunt, Scott's of Mayfair, for many years.

The service befits a place that "was one of the first luxury colonial outposts to open in Southeast Asia, founded in 1901 by the famous hoteliers, the Sarkies brothers, and it remains one of the most architecturally beautiful landmarks in the region," says Trinquand.

Yangon's signature dining room, The Strand Restaurant, also has a new executive chef. Christian Martena trained in Michelin-starred kitchens in Europe before running his own acclaimed restaurant in Bangkok, Chef Christian. As the renovations progressed, he spent months travelling around Myanmar visiting suppliers and remote farming communities to get to know the country's regional cuisines as well as sourcing the best of Myanmar's produce and spices to fuel his kitchen.

It's complemented by the bar which has hosted the likes of Noel Coward, Orson Welles and Rudyard Kipling and which has been restored and features an extensive new menu of cocktails and single malt whiskies.

Superior suites at The Strand Yangon start from US$334 a room a night including breakfast. An opening special runs till April 30 (with blackout dates) and includes upgrade to a deluxe suite (subject to availability), transfers, high tea for two, a bottle of wine in room and a meal for two at The Strand Cafe. See hotelthestrand.com