The Strand
Yangon (Rangoon)

Originally built in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers on the banks of the Yangon river, mere minutes’ walk from the city's many crumbling colonial buildings, The Strand was recently restored to its former glory undergoing an extensive renovation in 2016.

Combining the charms of the 1920s and 1930s with lavish modern-day amenities, The Strand remains one of Yangon's most luxurious hotels. The Victorian-styled hotel's atrium lobby has marble flooring with inlaid teak wood, rattan furniture, chandeliers and black-lacquered ceiling fans - all of which imbue the hotel with a relaxed colonial style. The hotel has 32 well-appointed suites spread over two of its three floors, and all have high ceilings, teak wood floors, gently whirring fans and luxurious bathrooms. All suites have 24-hour access to a butler and excellent strength Wi-fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel. As part of the renovation, an outdoor swimming pool and luxury leisure centre has been constructed, opening its doors to guests in December 2017.

The Strand Café serves Burmese (Myanmarese) and western cuisine throughout the day as well as afternoon tea, while The Grill is a beautiful location for more formal fine dining. Friday night Happy Hour in the Strand Bar is a Yangon institution; perch on a stool that Kipling, Somerset Maugham and George Orwell might have sat on when The Strand was in its heyday. 

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus