Sumptuously restored properties open doors to the region’s bygone eras
1. The Barracks, Singapore
Opened on Sentosa island in December 2019, this former barracks for British soldiers has been refurbished into an elegant 40-room luxury hotel. Plenty of heritage features have been left intact – from traditional timber louvered windows to the heavy molded timber doors – complementing contemporary fixtures such as leather chesterfield sofas and camping chairs. All rooms face two long, palm-fringed swimming pools. Guests are also treated to a personal equerry service, with butlers providing round-the-clock assistance.
2. Rosewood, Yangon
After a five-year restoration effort, the former New Law Courts, built in the 1920s, has been transformed into an opulent hotel. Most of its original features have been retained, from the scales of justice motif visible throughout the property to its shiny bronze doors, teak handrails and the landscaped internal courtyards. In the rooms and suites, local artwork and artefacts adorn the walls and shelves, juxtaposed with modern, brightly hued textiles.
3. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap
The Grand Hotel d’Angkor first opened in 1932, with the property being taken over by the Raffles brand in 1997. The new iteration featured an increased room count of 119, a vast new pool and landscaped gardens. And now, the grand dame has undergone yet another face-lift, reopening its doors after a six-month renovation. Rooms have been spruced up with modcons such as spotlights to add extra warmth and brightness, new built-in wardrobes to replace cabinets and new bathrooms fitted with Italian tiling and rain showers.
To book a flight to these destinations, visit singaporeair.com
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This article was originally published in the February 2020 issue of Silkwinds magazine
