When travelling to Myanmar, make sure to stop (and stay) at the Governor’s Residence, A Belmond Hotel, a 1920s teak mansion at the heart of bustling Yangon, today a luxury property that just oozes glamour, sophistication and charisma.
It’s little wonder that this place is central to the social fabric of Yangon. Set in lush tropical gardens in the well-to-do diplomatic area, its buzzy yet relaxed, luxurious yet understated, open-terrace restaurant and bar are the very epitome of historical charm without the stuffiness. As such, they continue to draw influential locals and ex-pats alike (like Ernest Hemingway to a whisky bar).
Our suite was set deep in a tranquil garden, surrounding a fan-shaped pool. “Oasis” is an overused word to describe hotels like this, but in this case, it’s absolutely suitable. Wooden houses and bungalows peek seductively from behind green foliage, revealing ample suites complete with teak furnishings, shutters, flooring and embellishments – all of which provide a true sense of place to the room. Add to that, generous use of ‘pagoda gold’ as colour accents and woven Burmese fabrics – not to mention a walk-in rain shower – to bring even more Southeast Asian charm, matched with modern comforts.
To stay at the Governor’s Residence is to experience the best in informal, non-evasive service which any regular visitor to a Belmond property would instantly recognise. Their philosophy of training their staff to the highest standards and then nurturing their careers means that a great many of them will work with the company for decades, creating a real sense of consistency throughout their 40+ offerings around the world.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Sophisticate | RGN | GMT +6:30 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Look out for the peacocks that roam freely around the property. The butlers here have a special trick to get them to shake their tail feathers. |
Photography courtesy of Belmond
At OutThere, we believe in boundless travel. But we understand that some destinations can pose challenges to travellers that complicate visiting them. We advise all visitors to inform themselves about local legislation and customs, and to work with a trusted travel provider in order to ensure a safe and pleasant holiday.
