Re-discovering the Heart of Myanmar with Sedona Hotel Yangon

An up-and-coming destination for leisure and business travellers, Myanmar – formerly known as Burma – is making waves as a hub for tourists and businesses

While my stay in Myanmar was a short one, it was not difficult to notice how the traditional Burmese culture blended in with some of the more modern cultures, practices, and technologies. It was commonplace to see Burmese women dressed in trendy and fashionable blouses coupled with the traditional Longyi (pronounced long-gee). This long woven fabric, typically made from vibrantly coloured cotton or silk, is wrapped around the waist and hangs like a long skirt.

Facets of Tradition of Modernity

A more physical representation of the modern-meets-traditional vibe of Myanmar is the Sedona Hotel Yangon. Established with the concept of “warm Asian hospitality with contemporary indulgences”, the Sedona Hotel Yangon brings in a touch of modern luxury with the addition of its Inya Wing. The Inya Wing stands tall in contrast to the older Garden Wing and overlooks its namesake, the Inya Lake. With its colonial design, the Garden Wing stands for a more traditional aspect of the hotel, both inside and out, whilst the Inya Wing brings forward a more modern stand point with its towering structure and luxury apartment-esque room designs.

Hints of Myanmar’s ethnic culture is further represented in the interior of both wings through design accents of the Burmese Umbrella. Whilst the Burmese umbrella may seem like a rendition from a different age, it is still used as a functional accessory among the locals to shelter them from the strong sun.

A Jaunt around Town

Located mid-downtown, the Sedona Hotel Yangon prides itself as a “city hotel with a resort feel “. The perks of this mid-town location makes the hotel a quick 20-minute drive from the airport, but also hides itself away from the busy rush hour traffic in town. Guests have the option of hopping in a taxi for the short 15-minute commute to town. Taxis are in abundance, with most cab drivers actively signalling themselves out as a taxi, usually by honking their horns or flashing their headlights to get your attention. However, if you were heading out to the night markets such as China Town and were worried about getting transport back, you can always try asking the taxi driver if they would be willing to wait for you. Of course this would require the right price and some haggling.

If you’re lucky, you could also catch a glimpse of the Aung San Suu Kyi House or take a drive by the large front gates. Affectionately called “The Lady” by locals, Aung San Suu Kyi’s house – where she served her 15-year house arrest – sits on the edge of Inya Lake. The Sedona Hotel Yangon is also a short drive away from the famed Shwedagon Pagoda, a popular temple for the 85% of Buddhists in Myanmar. It is evident that the local Burmese are very dedicated to the temple and have made monumental efforts in its architecture, design and maintenance.

Nifty Knick-Knacks

As a shopaholic myself, it was a pleasant surprise to find that the Sedona Hotel Yangon is located across the street from Myanmar Plaza, a relatively new mall that houses a number of international brands. Or if you preferred a budget-friendly option, both the Scotts Market and China Town are only a short drive away from the hotel. While the roadside market of China Town is only open at night, both markets are a great place to find interesting souvenirs, knick-knacks and even jewellery; although jewellery shopping in the markets would be more suited for someone with experience, and who is able to “spot the difference”.

Gastronomy Galore

For the month of October, and in celebration of its 20th anniversary, Sedona Hotel Yangon will be offering special programming and discounts for its various on-property restaurants. Guests of the hotel can look forward to sumptuous Bavarian cuisine every Wednesday, and a devilish Halloween Sunday Brunch and Spooky Sunday Seafood BBQ Dinner on 30 October. Diners at Orzo who savour the classic Osso Buco Blanco will receive a complimentary glass of wine, while those who choose to sample the spicy Szechuan Hot Pot of Du Fu can enjoy unlimited soft drinks and liquors for every table of five or more.