DESIGN
The more casual Strand Café is home to The Strand high tea , which has been preserved and expanded with more traditional and Myanmar delicacies .
Aside from the lobby , the hotel has many other large open spaces which , while a blessing , also pose a design challenge . A lot of consideration went into lighting to accent all these spaces , and also to proportions of furniture , fixtures and fittings to achieve just the right balance , Vielle says . A good example is the large and impressive Strand Restaurant with its high ceilings and large colonial pillars . To give it a more intimate feeling , warm lighting and pops of red were used , while the columns are painted a gleaming black to contrast with to the white walls . The eye is drawn to the end of the room , where four long black lacquer and gold leaf panels hang . “ These are worth a closer look , as they are museum-quality and excellent examples of this craft ,” Trinquand adds .
But some things retain their flavor . The Sarkies Bar , a city landmark that has been the gathering point for raconteurs and explorers for over a century , has leather banquettes and teak paneling , bringing to mind explorer ’ s clubs of old .
“ One of the most important aspects of this project for GCP Hospitality was to completely upgrade the culinary experience of The Strand Yangon to create a destination for the local market and for gourmet travelers . We were joined by a new executive chef ,
An adjacent building under construction until late this year will house a lavish spa facility .
The Strand ’ s rooms and suites have been outfitted with vintage textiles and original artworks .
38 hotelsmag . com May 2017