When it comes to the tourism industry of Cox’s Bazar, the name that first comes to mind in the pages of history is Sayeman. It is not just a hotel, but a living witness to the development of the tourism industry in Bangladesh. The hotel is currently known as Sayeman Heritage, which is a symbol of the nobility of Cox’s Bazar. When it comes to the tourism history of Cox’s Bazar, the name ‘Sayeman’ is like a legend.
Sayeman Heritage is an ideal name for those who want to get a touch of history and nobility amidst the concrete in the beach town. It is not just a place to stay, but an integral part of the history of Cox’s Bazar. It is known to many around the world, who used to travel to Cox’s Bazar from the sixties to the nineties.
Sayeman Heritage is not just a multi-storey building, it is a living example of the evolution and nobility of Cox’s Bazar. Its design fascinates modern architecture lovers as well as reminds old tourists of the golden days of the sixties. The biggest feature of the design of Sayeman Heritage is its legacy. While maintaining the royal elegance of the old Sayeman Hotel, it is still completely modern ‘Modern Tropical’. Its architecture has been created in an atmosphere that will make you nostalgic and also give you a taste of modern luxury. Sayeman Heritage’s interior and exterior design uses large glass walls and open spaces. Its design emphasizes spacious balconies, which are ideal for spending time in the salty air and afternoon sun of Cox’s Bazar. The atmosphere of green gardens and groves has been created throughout its exterior so that a touch of nature can be found even among the concrete buildings.
Cox’s Bazar is the world’s longest uninterrupted natural sea beach. And the first seed of hospitality was sown on the sandy shores of this beach by ‘Hotel Sayeman’. This establishment, which started its journey more than 6 decades ago, i.e. in 1964, is still at the top of tourists’ choices by maintaining its nobility and tradition. Even today, it remains the most aesthetically attractive building in Cox’s Bazar. Although it is more than half a century old, it is still the most aesthetically pleasing.
Sayeman Heritage’s history is quite old and glorious. The hotel was established in 1964 by the hands of Saidur Rahman (S Rahman). Sayeman is a wonderful blend of memory and modernity. It was the first private-level modern 5-star hotel in Cox’s Bazar. At that time, Sayeman was the only reliable address for VIPs and tourists coming to Cox’s Bazar. It was a favorite vacation destination for the elite class of people from home and abroad. The memories of many famous people from home and abroad are intertwined with it. Once upon a time, the premises of Hotel Sayeman were filled with the footsteps of many big businessmen, professionals, politicians, and film stars of the subcontinent.
For more than six decades, they have been serving delicious local and international cuisine at their famous restaurant ‘Casablanca’. There is also the ‘Sunset Bar’, from where the experience of watching the sunset is unparalleled. However, it must be said that Simon has played a pioneering role in introducing Bangladesh’s tourism to the world. It was the main destination for foreign tourists and diplomats in the post-independence period. Even today, it is setting the benchmark for the country’s tourism sector through its high-quality service and professionalism.
Sayeman Heritage was awarded the international award as the ‘Leading Heritage Hotel’ for its contribution to the country’s tourism sector. The company received the internationally prestigious South Asian Travel Awards-2024. Where the company is shining the identity of Cox’s Bazar hospitality beyond Bangladeshi tourism and abroad.
But the management is sure that the hotel has remained unique for decades. The hotel is an important symbol of Cox’s Bazar architecturally and historically and is instantly recognized by visitors to Cox’s Bazar. It has a real history and this is what sets it apart from other five-star hotels.
In this context, the current chairman of Peninsula and Sayeman Heritage, Mahbub Ur Rahman, said, “We have been in the hotel business successfully for more than six decades and have done what others have not imagined. Our soul is connected with Sayeman Heritage. We never think of it as a commercial hotel. Sayeman is a tourist-friendly hotel. It is a piece of history of the hotel empire of our country.”
(Information collected and written by Rakibul Islam Rafi-Epic Verse Journal)