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n the heart of downtown Yangon, where history whispers through the walls of colonial-era architecture, stands The Eravati – a grand 5-star hotel reborn from the bones of a 1927 heritage property. Formerly known as Rosewood Yangon, this luxurious retreat has undergone a transformative rebranding under the stewardship of its passionate shareholder Mrs. Supalak Foong, who prefers to be called Ms. Koy. In an emotional and candid interview on March 4, 2025, Ms Koy shared the story of the hotel’s journey through unprecedented challenges, its re-opening, and her vision to create a space that celebrates Myanmar’s soul while offering a beacon of hope for its people.
A Dream Tested by Time
Ms Koy’s connection to The Eravati is deeply personal. She began the project in 2014, pouring her heart into every detail of the hotel, which opened its doors in October 2019. At the age of 44, she was relieved after having spent the five hardest years of her life bringing the hotel to life, believing the hardships of her life were finally behind her. Little did she know that within four months, the world would change. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the hotel to close in March 2020, followed by the government change in 2021 and the ripple effects of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, which sent oil prices soaring and exacerbated an already dire economic situation in Myanmar. “Life is gonna get very, very hard for you, and after that, everything will be fantastic,” a monk had told her on February 19, 2020, during a serendipitous visit from sacred Buddhist figures to the hotel. His prophecy proved eerily accurate.
For five years, Ms Koy weathered these storms, her dream of a thriving hotel battered by forces beyond her control. Yet, as she reflected on this tumultuous period, she spoke not of defeat but of privilege – “the privilege to suffer alongside the Myanmar people.” Her resilience shines through as she recounts the decision to part ways with the Rosewood brand. The hotel shut down, but the vision never died.
The Birth of The Eravati
The re-opening of the hotel in 2025 as The Eravati, done with the strong support and effort of her local partners, marks a full-circle moment for Ms Koy, exactly five years after that fateful monk’s visit. The name itself is a testament to her mission and the team. Inspired by a conversation with a revered monk and scholar in Bangkok, “Eravati” draws from the ancient Pali word for water, referencing the Irrawaddy River – a lifeline that flows through Myanmar, nourishing its land and people regardless of ethnicity or status. “Water brings things together,” the monk told her. “Can you be water through your space?” With tears in her eyes, Ms Koy knew she had found the perfect name.
The rebranding is more than a fresh coat of paint – it’s a reimagining of purpose. Where Rosewood brought an international flair, The Eravati is unapologetically Myanmar. “I want this to be a platform to remind people that this country can be great if we believe in it,” she said. Every detail of the hotel reflects this ethos, from the Japanese award-winning designer’s use of stones to symbolise the Myanmar precious stones and gold accents in the decor to the custom lighting inspired by the Naga, a mythical serpent tied to Myanmar’s rivers and lore. Even the painting “Coming Home” by Rakhine artist Than Kyaw Htay symbolises a return to roots and a celebration of unity.
A Living Museum of Myanmar
The Eravati is not just a hotel – it’s a living museum, a love letter to Myanmar’s diversity and resilience. Ms Koy envisions it as a space where the best of the country is curated and showcased: organic coffee sourced directly from farmers, tea leaves, Tanaka skincare products, and textiles from every corner of the nation. “One day, you might see Eravati coffee in New York or Tokyo,” she mused, her eyes sparkling with ambition. The restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside an afternoon tea service and a cigar and whiskey bar, aims to weave Myanmar’s culinary heritage with creativity.
The hotel’s 120 rooms are now open for booking, starting at an introductory rate of around $150–$180 (Ms Koy laughed, cautioning not to quote her exact figure lest her team disapprove). While still ironing out technicalities for platforms like Agoda and Booking.com, reservations can be made via Facebook and Instagram. A grand ballroom and meeting spaces are also available, signalling The Eravati’s readiness to host everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events.
A Heartfelt Invitation
Ms Koy’s pride in her team is palpable. “They are the real gems of this place,” she said, describing her staff as the “best actors and actresses” in this unfolding story. While the service may not yet match the polish of its Rosewood days – when 20 expatriates ensured a seamless experience – she believes hospitality comes from the heart, not just resources. “We’ve learned to balance, to survive,” she noted. “It might not be as fancy, but it’s sincere.”
Her invitation is clear: she wants Myanmar people to visit first and foremost, to feel pride and connection in a space designed for them. “I want Myanmar people to come and say, ‘Wow, this is ours.’” For international visitors, she hopes The Eravati will challenge preconceptions about Myanmar, offering a window into its beauty and humanity, a counter-narrative to years of political turmoil and sanctions.
A Vision Beyond the Horizon
Partnering with local talent and leaning on the expertise of her core team, many of whom stayed from the Rosewood era, she’s crafting an experience that’s authentic rather than imported.
As Ms Koy wrapped up her story, her voice softened. “This is dramatic, I know,” she said with a laugh, “but it’s our dream.” From the ashes of a five-year struggle, The Eravati rises as a symbol of hope, a testament to one woman’s unwavering belief, and an invitation to rediscover Myanmar through its people, its stories, and its spirit. Whether you’re sipping tea by the Naga-inspired lights or gazing at “Pa-O Lady” over a whiskey at the bar, The Eravati promises not just a stay, but a journey – one that Ms Koy hopes will ripple far beyond Yangon’s historic streets.
