You could very easily walk past Lanson Place Causeway Bay and not even know it’s a hotel. In fact, that’s exactly what I did; I walked past the property many times in the past, half-mindedly assuming it was an understated luxury residential building – which in a way, it is, as the hotel has the vibe of a boutique apartment complex for coveted members club, despite having 188 guest rooms. However, as the hotel begins a new chapter, it deserves a little more attention.

A New Beginning

Lanson Place Causeway Bay recently unveiled a bold new look, the creation of acclaimed designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who is best known for his stunning work on everything from the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat to The Peninsula Shanghai, one of my favourite hotels in China. There pretty much isn’t a name bigger in contemporary hospitality design, so signing the designer on to re-envision the Causeway Bay hotel has been a coup for the brand.

A stylish, relaxing retreat designed to contrast with the energy and excitement of Hong Kong’s most popular shopping precinct, the new-look property now offers a luxuriously elegant and thoroughly French feel across its public spaces and guest rooms – which include six penthouses – and if anything, leans further into that residential persona, making it my new favourite hotel in the city.

Sublime Guest Rooms

My Prestige Suite, one of 25, is a real surprise. I’m so used to Hong Kong hotel rooms being cramped and rather cold, but Rochon has instead added Parisian flare to a space that’s as functional as it is easy on the eye. Dressed in soothing cream with accents in soft yellow, the room is both welcoming and functional, with an understated elegance that makes the design timeless.

There’s a 55-inch television, a plump Sealy mattress dressed in 530-thread-count linens, a coffee machine and mini bar with complimentary snacks secreted in a chic credenza, a filtered water tap (why don’t more HK hotels have these?), a brass-framed dining table, a Ruark Audio Bluetooth speaker, Codage amenities in the marble-lined bathroom, as impressive a pillow menu as you’ll find anywhere and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views to die for.

However, it’s the little touch points – from the fresh pineapple buns under glass as a welcome gift, to the little branded wraps that bound freshly coiled computer cables, and the essential pillow oils left by housekeeping – that remind you you’re not in just any hotel.

Functional Amenities

It’s no secret that Lanson Place Causeway Bay is after the long-stay business traveller market as much as weekenders, so the self-service laundry and the modern gym, located on the fifth floor, are nice touches. In addition, the hotel has a series of luxurious meeting spaces, including an elegant boardroom, while the Salon Lanson (more on that in a minute) can host intimate events and the hotel’s new penthouses are ideal for corporate entertaining.

Home Away From Home

The hotel’s public spaces are also noteworthy. L’Orangerie is a private lounge located off the lobby and inspired by the conservatories of regal French mansions (an effect accentuated by an expansive bronze-framed mirror in the ceiling and the use of terracotta bricks). It features curated furniture, vintage chandeliers, lush citrus trees and a great selection of art and design books for moments of respite. This beautiful retreat serves freshly baked egg tarts from a local artisanal bakery in the morning, citrus water during the day and champagne as the sun sets in delightful little rituals that bring guests together, making it the perfect antidote for the hectic city beyond.

On the first floor, you’ll find Salon Lanson, a sophisticated and intimate French-inspired space of cream furnishings, large picture windows and lively art where leisurely semi-buffet breakfasts are served. By night, the cocktail bar comes to life, serving a daily-rotating trio of delectable cocktails inspired by neighbourhoods of Hong Kong as well as an extensive wine list, and a menu of luxurious bar bites (there’s also a main dining menu of modern French inspirations) presented on postcards you’ll quietly want to slip into your purse – visit on the right nights and you’ll be serenaded by live jazz.

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Seoul, like most vibrant Asian capitals, has no shortage of hotels, many of which are positioned to appeal to business travellers. However, few maintain those timeless qualities that tap into the grand hotel tradition of yesteryear while maintaining a thoroughly contemporary persona. It’s a tricky tightrope to walk but one the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul does seemingly effortlessly.

First Impressions

Nestled in the vibrant Gwanghwamun district, this architectural marvel, with its sleek, glass façade, seamlessly marries modern sophistication with timeless elegance, and contemporary design and traditional Korean aesthetics. Ranks of immaculate uniformed staff man the front desk and efficiently check me in before whisking me up to my corner premier room, where I’m greeted with panoramic views of the Seoul nightscape.

The Room

Ideally suited for busy business travellers, my guest room as the Four Seasons is pretty much exactly how I like my hotel accommodation – it’s minimalist without being cold, modern without being overly contrived. From the front door a corridor opens onto an expansive bathroom in white Italian marble with walk-in shower, a deep soak tub and double vanities to one side, and an ample walk-in wardrobe to the other.

Beyond, the bed, dressed in refined linens, is wreathed on two sides by floor-to-ceiling glass, tamed by electric curtains controlled via ipad mini and offering fascinating cityscape vistas. There’s a convenient minibar and kitchenette as well as a sizeable workspace – effectively everything you need, and nothing you don’t.

For something a little more special there’s great club rooms with access to the hotel’s executive lounge, as well as stunning signature suites (the Ambassador Suite features a large formal dining area and panoramic views of N Seoul Tower), while the sprawling 413-sqm Penthouse is one of the largest in the city and includes three bedrooms, an office, a media room and a private spa suite.

Dining

You can indulge your palate on a culinary journey like no other at Four Seasons Seoul’s exquisite dining outlets. From refined Italian restaurant Boccalino, which offers authentic flavours of Italy prepared by bold and adventurous Sicilian chef Ivan Spadaro; The Market Kitchen, which is reminiscent of a bustling European market hall; and celebrity chef Akira Back’s eponymously named restaurant, which serves modern Japanese fare with a Korean essence; to the hotel’s contemporary brasserie, Maru, and the Garden Terrace, one of the city’s most coveted summertime destinations, there’s something for every palate.

Corporate travellers should leave time for a visit to the elegant Charles H. bar (above), one of the most acclaimed cocktail bars in Asia (it was ranked #7 on The Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022 list). Led by head bartender Odd Strandbakken, this is the perfect space in which to unwind and savour a selection of handcrafted cocktails and fine wines (be sure to try their innovative new flights of Manhattans, each inspired by a different US city).

Facilities

Tap into timeless Korean wellness philosophies at the hotel’s spa, which features a nail bar, specialist Korean sauna, and a host of indulgent signature treatments – try the K-Wellness treatment, the perfect antidote to a day spent exploring Seoul’s best shopping precincts. There’s also a beautiful indoor heated pool which comes in handy on Seoul’s chilly winter nights.

Meeting & Incentives

Summary

The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a thoroughly contemporary and sophisticated urban retreat and offers the perfect base from which to explore all the South Korean capital has to offer.

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Believe it or not but the Hong Kong – Denpasar (Bali) route is a pretty competitive one. In addition to Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines and Garuda Indonesia also ply the route with daily flights. Where you’re likely to spot the difference is in business class.

Check-in/The Lounge

I skipped the in-town check-in at Hong Kong Station as Hong Kong International Airport has insisted on the use of kiosks here, replacing what was once one of the most ground-breaking and seamless travel innovations in Asia with a skeleton staff and a very mechanical, impersonal check-in experience (which is why only Cathay Pacific has returned post-pandemic) and instead took the Airport Express directly to HKIA, which was very busy due to the long weekend.

After a quick check-in for my Bali flight at the designated Cathay business class section, I made my way through security and immigration and, because my gate had not yet been allocated, by-passed Cathay’s The Wing lounge (which I can’t stand) and made my way to the all-but-hidden Qantas lounge. As the Australian carrier is a fellow oneworld partner, I was allowed immediate access and at 8 am it’s all but empty.

The 2,000 sqm lounge, which was recently refreshed with a warmer colour palette and new furnishings by Australian designer David Caon, is a spacious, modern setting with a small but well thought out food selection by celebrity chef Neil Perry and views across the apron. I’m glad this detour worked out as my gate was eventually announced as 503, meaning I was just steps from the bus lounge beneath the duty free shopping.

I wasn’t particularly thrilled to be taking a bus out to a Cathay A330, especially with two carry ons and a slight drizzle beginning but crew offered disposable ponchos and the process onto the wide-body was relatively quick.

The Cabin

This particular Cathay Pacific A330-300 featured 191 economy class seats, 21 premium economy class seats (which we’re also a fan of), and 39 lie-flat business class seats spread across one large cabin, in which my window seat, 15A, was located, and one smaller one. Young, cheerful crew members welcomed us onboard, guided passengers to their seats, and promptly served glasses of Ayala Brut Major Champagne, water or juice. The cabin was mostly full but crew managed to settle us all in quickly as the pilot apologised for the remote gate and advised a flight time of four hours and 25 minutes.

As our designated departure time arrived and past, the captain advised an additional 40 minute wait before we could taxi. Crew did their best, replenishing drinks and many passengers tuned into the in-flight entertainment. Finally we began push back and were airborne another 20 minutes later.

The Seat

While the A330s are older work horses for the airline, the business class product is in keeping with the rest of the fleet. The seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration, include a pitch of 82-inches and a width of 20.2-inches. Combined with broad arm rests, a large if not slightly dated personal monitor, and plenty of storage space, they offer a competitive business class product for regional hops like this flight from Hong Kong to Bali. There are easy to reach controls and personal reading lights, and, if you need a little more shut eye, the seat converts into a very comfortable bed.

Dining

After bumping our way through brooding Hong Kong skies, we reached cruising altitude and the staff began a brunch service. This took the form of a bowl of warm nuts and in my case a cup of illy coffee, followed by a seasonal salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar; and seared tuna with Ligurian olives, green beans, semi dried tomatoes and fingerling potatoes. The dish was perfectly presented and fresh and I paired the tuna with a glass of Moillard-Grivot Macon Villages from Burgundy.

For mains, we were offered a choice of stir-fried beef and potatoes in a black pepper sauce with chow sum and lily bulbs, goji berries, and steamed jasmine rice; pan-fried halibut with lemon parsley butter, zucchini, cherry tomato, and mashed potato; and Hainanese Chicken Rice. I opted for the beef, which was pure comfort food – hot, rich and sating.

The meal concluded with a choice of international cheeses, fresh fruit and Häagen-Dazs ice cream but I decided to try and be good and simply had fruit and another cup of coffee.

Entertainment

While Cathay Pacific’s entertainment selection is very comprehensive, it’s a little too broad and lacks many of the classics that are ideally suited for flying and which you’ll find on other carriers like Emirates. I decided instead to binge watch the third instalment of True Detectives, an HBO thriller that I had started on my flight up to Hong Kong. While business class includes CX’s own headphones, they’re a little plasticky so I prefer to use my own Bose headphones, which I paired with a bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the headphone jack, allowing me to watch the inflight entertainment without chords.

Service

As with most Cathay Pacific flights, the business class crew were efficient and effective, if not perhaps as warm as those you will find on the likes of Emirates. There’s no doubt that they will do anything they can to make you comfortable but on this flight they were not particularly proactive, although four hours is a fairly short time to fit all their duties into. At the end of the day, I’d choose efficiency over charm anyway.

Conclusion

The Hong Kong Bali service is on the cusp between short haul and medium-haul – throw in delays like the 40 additional minutes we needed to stand at our gate in Hong Kong before we could push back and the circles we fly over Nusa Penida before we’re cleared to land in Bali, and you have the makings of an almost six hour journey so business class is a welcomed comfort and the airline clearly works hard to make passengers feel dotted on.

Note: The author travelled on a fully paid business class ticket without the airline’s prior knowledge

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Hotel’s with ‘hotels within a hotel’ are not exactly far and few between, but they are usually confined to major capitals. However, Meliá Chiang Mai has broken that mould with The Level, a sophisticated executive lounge with a host of amenities that will appear to corporate travellers bound for Thailand’s north.

Upon arriving at Meliá Chiang Mai, I was immediately struck by the hotel’s harmonious blend of contemporary design and traditional Thai elements. However, it wasn’t until I ascended to the upper floors that I truly understood the meaning of luxury at ‘The Level.’ This ‘hotel within a hotel’ is a haven of elegance that you simply don’t expect in what was traditionally a backpacker’s mecca.

Housed on the upper echelons of this 22-story urban sanctuary, The Level features 43 meticulously designed rooms and suites. My suite, a sprawling 62 sqm, offered breathtaking views of Chiang Mai and the majestic Doi Suthep Temple perched on the mountain to the west. The panorama alone was worth the stay, but it’s the intricate details and bespoke privileges that truly set The Level apart.

From the moment I entered The Level Lounge on the 21st floor, I was enveloped in a sense of serenity and sophistication. The entrance, an archway inspired by a nearby temple, set the tone for what lay ahead. Inside, the decor pays homage to Chiang Mai’s famed Bo Sang Umbrella Village, with large installations of illuminated umbrella ribs adorning the ceiling and antique umbrella canopies gracing the walls. The carpet’s concentric patterns, in soothing hues of gun-metal grey, periwinkle, and soft amber, mirrored the aesthetic of umbrella tops, creating a striking yet tranquil ambiance. The effect is a space where you can think, conduct business, and celebrate a successful business trip.

The Level’s privileges extended far beyond its exquisite decor. Each morning began with a private breakfast service in The Level Lounge, where I savoured a delectable array of dishes bridging the cuisines of the east and west. Ideally suited for intimate meetings, the afternoon tea service offers a delightful interlude of pastries and finger sandwiches, and, like many executive lounges at major hotel chains, the evening canapés, which is blissfully adults-only, offers the perfect setting to unwind and prepare for corporate evening entertaining.

Personalised service at The Level is nothing short of impeccable. The dedicated concierge took care of every detail, from private check-in and check-out to arranging bespoke excursions to Chiang Mai’s many attractions. They can organise co-working spaces, transfers, translators – virtually everything a busy road warrior could need.

Additional perks of staying on The Level include in-room amenities such as a welcome fruit platter, a Nespresso coffee machine with premium capsules, and the luxury of a late check-out until 2 pm, subject to availability. Business travellers, like myself, are also sure to appreciate the home ground advantage of using The Level’s meeting room – it’s complimentary for two hours per stay – while the discount at the hotel’s YHI Spa comes in handy if you’ve spent the day walking the factory floor.

Despite the allure of The Level’s exclusivity, I also took full advantage of Meliá Chiang Mai’s comprehensive facilities during my three day stay. The Mai The Sky Bar, perched on the 22nd floor, is the highest bar in Chiang Mai and offers 360-degree views that are simply breathtaking. Dining at the Mai Restaurant and Bar and Laan Na Kitchen was a culinary delight, while the Tien Pool Bar provided a refreshing retreat before my flight home. The YHI Spa, with its seven treatment rooms, and the well-equipped gymnasium also ensured relaxation and rejuvenation were never far away.

My stay at The Level in Meliá Chiang Mai was an experience of unparalleled luxury and personalised service. This ‘hotel within a hotel’ is a testament to Meliá’s commitment to excellence, providing a sanctuary where corporate travellers can indulge in the finest comforts while immersing themselves in the enchanting beauty of Chiang Mai. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, The Level promises a stay that is nothing short of extraordinary.

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One of the most exciting hotel developments for the Lion City in a decade, the Pan Pacific Orchard rises above the cityscape with dramatic terraced greenery occupying over 200% of the hotel’s land area, marking the latest development in the green rejuvenation of the Garden City’s famed Orchard Road district.

What are the first impressions?

In a word, wow. The 23-storey hotel, the creation of WOHA Architects, is unlike anything else on Orchard Road and seems to defy gravity, with the semi-outdoor lobby a ‘garden terrace’ of flowing water and greenery perched beneath a mirror-like ceiling. Similarly, the hotel’s ‘beach terrace’ pool on the fifth floor is wreathed by mirrored guest rooms and boasts views across the city. This oasis identity hints at the 374-room hotel’s green credentials, which include rainwater collection, filtered water taps in rooms, solar panels, and an innovative bio-digester system.

How about the rooms?

While I loved the rest of the hotel, I found my 30 sqm Beach Terrace Balcony King room to be cluttered and stifling. There’s everything you would expect in a hotel room, a large bed dressed in 400-thread count linens, an armchair and a single vanity bathroom with shower and Diptyque amenities, but everything seems crowded and the modular design that sees panels sliding this way and that (offering very little privacy in the process) seem more like concessions than conveniences (although the vaulted ceiling above the bed does give some reprieve).

There’s also a sizeable enclosed balcony that overlooks the beach terrace pool below, but I see most of my neighbours are using theirs for drying laundry and luggage storage more than relaxation, perhaps because of the noise which echoes up from the pool.

For something a bit roomier book one of the sublime Cloud Terrace Suites, which also gives you access to the 130-seat Pacific Club Lounge, a sophisticated space on the 11th floor overlooking the Garden Terrace, a verdant al fresco events space, which serves evening cocktails and leisurely breakfasts.

Have you eaten yet?

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining; lobby-level Mosella serves executive chef Pedro Samper’s approachable Mediterranean-Peruvian cuisine by night and glorious breakfast spreads each morning, while seductive Florette has one of the city’s best champagne lists as well as libations crafted with the hotel’s own gin, produced in partnership with Singapore’s first gin distillery Tanglin and inspired by the nutmeg plantations that once sat where Orchard Road is today.

How about a little holistic living?

You’re in luck as the St. Gregory spa, exclusive to in-house guests and located on the Beach Terrace level, offers a menu of indulgent contemporary treatments. Alternatively, the hotel’s Happy Sleepers programme includes sleep-boosting amenities and activities including a pillow menu, in-room meditation and yoga, and luxury bath products.

Summary

Pan Pacific Orchard is an inspiring new hotel with a brilliant location and a cutting-edge sustainable design that’s best suited for guests who want to make it their base from which to explore all this vibrant city has to offer.

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Check-in

I checked in for my flight in advance using Emirates’ user-friendly app, which I love as it offers all the info you need in an easy to navigate interface, and also allows you to book things like meals and chauffeur service, which is included in most business class fares, but which sadly has not yet been introduced to Bali.

At I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, I waited 10 minutes to check my luggage at section B, despite using the designated business class lane, as there seemed to be many passengers negotiating with the check-in crew over seating and luggage allowances, slowing down a usually speedy process. After immigration and security, I made my way to the Premier Lounge (below), the better of the airport’s two non-airline lounges and the one Emirates uses for its business and first-class passengers.

I like this space (I’m a regular there as Cathay Pacific also uses it), with its simple but delicious snacks and ever friendly staff, but I left early as my flight was departing from the furthest gate on the concourse.

Boarding

At gate 9 I made my way onto the Emirates A380 at 6.55 pm, near the end of the boarding process, meaning no waiting time, and after ascending the stairs to the upper deck, quickly found my window seat, 11A on the port side. It was evident almost immediately that the crew were in disarray – there was no warm welcome onboard at the door and many passengers seemed to still be negotiating for what I assumed was a better seat or another class (although crew gently pointed out the flight was fairly full).

Unlike my previous experiences with Emirates, which were always great, on this flight, after settling in and scrolling through emails for 20 minutes, I had to request a glass of champagne and an amenity kit, after noticing that passengers on the other side of the cabin were already enjoying theirs. When I did, a senior crew member’s response was “where you late to board?”. As far as I know I wasn’t late at the gate and I certainly wasn’t the last passenger to enter the business class cabin so his response was a surprise (he finally brought me one well after take-off, its safety seal already broken).

I also requested the new loungewear that Emirates recently introduced (several of my fellow passengers were already walking around in theirs) and after 20 minutes a smiling but frazzled cabin attendant found a set for me. A eye shade and slipper kit was already in place at the seat.

Finally, all passengers were accounted for, a glass of champagne was delivered along with a hot towel, and menus were delivered as we began taxiing, 15 minutes behind schedule, for our evening departure to Dubai, with the purser advising a flight time of 8 hours 50 minutes and that the crew was from “21 countries and spoke 20 languages”.

The Seat

I love the A380 with its majestic presence at the gate, expansive wings, and powerful engines that effortlessly propel it into the sky. The A380 experience with Emirates varies, depending on which of these giants the airline is operating on the route. On this flight from Bali to Dubai we travelled on the older of the two versions, which has its pluses and minuses. While a little dated looking, the upper deck seat boasts great storage beneath the windows, cleverly concealed behind stylish faux mahogany panels; a minibar with soft drinks and water; a large main monitor; and additional storage for your essentials built into the seat shell. There are also personal air vents, a broad armrest, and electric shades on the large windows.

At 18.5 inches wide, the seats transform into a comfortable 70-inch-long bed, ensuring a comfortable rest throughout your flight. However, this older version has one weakness; the headphone jack (along with the USB port) is located under the monitor, which the cord for my own headphones couldn’t reach so I needed to use the rather lacklustre, plasticy Emirates one, with the cord trailing over the meal table. It also means that if you’re charging your phone you need to leave it in the cubby hold in the seat back, which is a bit of a reach with the tray open.

Dining

When it does start (as you’ll read below), the meal includes the choice of butternut squash and sweetcorn chowder with crème fraiche; tea-smoked duck with mustard dressing and pickled cabbage; and tuna tataki with Moroccan spiced aubergine and cumin mayonnaise. The tuna is overly chilled, rubbery and rather tasteless – I should have had the soup.

Mains included the choice of roasted chicken with Arabic-style pomegranate sauce, pilaf rice, and steamed broccolini; gulai udang, prawns in an Indonesian-style curry with pandan rice and sauteed vegetables; and wild mushroom ragout with basil polenta, and sautéed kale with garlic and parmesan. The chicken is a hefty filet that is perfectly cooked but also as bland as printer paper, despite the sauce, and its presentation is more akin to economy class than anything I’ve seen in business class on Emirates. Overall, the meal is almost as disappointing as the completely forgettable service (read more about that in a minute).

Dessert consisted of a chocolate caramel tart with crème fraiche and toasted pistachios; seasonal fruit; or a cheese board but I decided to skip and get some sleep.

Due to the arrival time, I also opt to skip breakfast, the choices for which include brie and basil omelette; French toast with spiced apple and date compote, and mascarpone cream; and stir-fried noodles with beef.

Service

This sadly was the biggest let down of the flight. As I mentioned earlier, crew were already out of stride when I boarded, and this continued throughout the flight, with service that was robotic and even defensive when not indifferent. I’m not exactly sure what happened in Bali, but they were certainly not at their usual Emirates level.

In fact, once we took off, the crew member in my area started offering mattresses for passengers to make up their beds (we were arriving at 1 am so many passengers wanted to make the most of the time to sleep), something that usually takes place after the initial drink and meal order is taken. I had already selected my meal on the Emirates app, so I wasn’t too fussed, but an hour into the flight (by which time airlines like Cathay have already served a preliminary drink and are halfway through service) there was still no actual service to be seen, or any crew for that matter.

I finally manage to catch one cabin attendant as he flows through the cabin and order a perfect Manhattan from the airline’s extensive cocktail menu. It comes 20 minutes later, at which point I inquired about the dinner service, keen to get some sleep as soon as it was finished. I’m told that it was a full flight (with I presume a full crew?) and that the Emirates standard for meal service was two and a half hours and that I simply had to wait.

By now it’s 90 minutes into the flight, and I decide to wait 15 more minutes before skipping the meal and grabbing a sandwich from the Onboard Lounge. Just as I give up and step out of my chair, my meal arrives, sans my pre-ordered starter, which the cabin attendant has forgotten. Clearly, he has made an effort to bring mine first, which I do appreciated, as many other passengers don’t get theirs for another 20 minutes. By the time a different cabin crew member does the rounds with bread and wine, I’m already finished.

After managing to sleep a few hours (despite its weathered appearance, the seat, with its oversized pillow and mattress topper, makes for a perfectly comfortable bed), I make my way down to the Onboard Lounge, which is quite busy. Again, here the crew seem disorganised and distracted and I end up returning to my seat to wait for my coffee.

Once we arrive in Dubai, the final sting is at the bustling immigration area; with no Emirates staff present, business class passengers are not permitted to use the fast track, despite our boarding passes clearly marked for it. However, the airline’s chauffeur service at Dubai International is seamless as usual, and within minutes of grabbing my luggage I’m on my way to my hotel in a luxury sedan.

Summary

I’m usually a fan of Emirates and rarely find fault with its crew, and every airline has its off days, but overall this was a disappointing experience for the price point the airline charges for its business class product. Perhaps it’s best to simply lower expectations and instead maximise your sleep if you’re departing a party island like Bali.

Note: The author travelled on a full fare business class ticket without the airline’s prior knowledge

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The great thing about the relatively short hop from Hong Kong to Seoul is that Cathay operates a variety of aircraft on the route, including the new A350, meaning a long-hual business class product without the jetlag.

Check-In

I checked in for my flight on the CX app as I departed Hong Kong Station on the Airport Express, arriving at the airport 25 minutes later and making my way directly through security and immigration to The Pier, the airline’s first class lounge and arguably the best airline lounge in the region.

This thoroughly modern space has a little something for every business traveller, from the grab-and-go The Pantry, home to cold cuts, cheeses and pastries, to the elegant dining room, where a la carte menus have been devised by Rosewood as part of a new healthy eating collaboration; to the luxurious shower suites, and quite work spaces. If you have the time, grab one of the serene day bed suites at The Retreat or do as I did and book a 15 minute head and shoulders massage before making a beeline to The Bar for a pre-flight martini.

Boarding

We boarded the A350 at gate 41, a short walk from The Pier at gate 62. The process was smooth, with first class, business class and members of Cathay and oneworld member loyalty programmes given priority access. There were no crew at the door when I made my way down the air bridge but I quickly found my window seat and made myself at home. Before long, crew welcomed up with glasses of Ayala Brut Majeur champagne and hot face towels while a bottle of water and a menu was already supplied at the seat. After a briefing from the pilot, who advised a four hour flight time, and a safety video, we had taxied to the runway and took off perfectly on time at 4.40 pm.

The Seat

Long-haul travellers will recognise the seat on the A350-900 as Cathay’s flagship business class product and probably it’s most popular, for good reason. Elegant, intuitive, and very comfortable, the business class cabin features 38 business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each 20-inch, deep green seat has a pitch of 45 inches and offers just the right amount of privacy and functionality, with plenty of storage spaces, an 18.5-inch personal touchscreen monitor, AC and USB outlets, noise-reduction headphones stored in a shoulder-level compartment (although I never travel without my Bose QC45s), easy-to-reach seat controls, and a separate remove with an independent 4.7-inch monitor.

Dining

As always, I began my meal with a gin and tonic – which was served with a bowl of warm nuts – as I browsed the movie selection, and which was followed by a seasonal mixed salad with olive oil and balsamic; and scallop tataki with salmon roe and green beans with cod roe. The tataki was perfectly chilled and delicious.

This was followed by a choice of braised chicken and bean curd stick in soy bean sauce, kai lan, and Shanghainese vegetable rice, a dish created for the airline by Hong Kong restaurant Duddell’s; pan-fried halibut with lemon parsley butter, zucchini, cherry tomato, and mashed potato; and Korean bibimbap, beef with mixed vegetables and rice. The bibimbap was perfectly edible but it’s a shame that what is clearly a very popular dish (everyone seated around me ordered it) on the route isn’t presented a little better.

The meal was followed by a selection of international cheeses, which I paired with some seasonal fruit, a little tub of Haagen-Dazs, and another gin and tonic.

Entertainment

As I’m on CX flights a few times a month, it’s a little tricky finding something new to watch on Cathay’s entertainment system and unlike some carriers like Emirates, Cathay isn’t one to store a lot of classic flicks but I did manage to watch a few episodes of Modern Family to help while away the time. The A350 also has the carrier’s fastest wifi access if connectivity is something you’re concerned about.

Service

As is the norm in my experience, the Cathay crew presented themselves professional and diligently, with the cabin attendant serving my area, Vanessa, displaying a genuine smile as she served customers, ensuring we were all topped up after the meal until we started to descend.

Summary

Few are the flights that you wish would linger a little longer but travelling in Cathay’s flagship A350 business class is no hardship, making it ideal for the carrier’s longest global routes.

Business class round trip Hong Kong – Incheon from HK$10, 700 (US$1,373).

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If you book your flights carefully, you can enjoy Cathay Pacific’s newest business class product, on the A350-900, which usually serves the airline’s long-haul destinations, on a short regional hop between Seoul, Korea and Hong Kong.

Check-in

I checked in using Cathay Pacific’s user-friendly app, selecting my preferred seat in moments so that when I arrived at Seoul’s bustling Incheon International with only carry-on luggage I was able to whiz through security and immigration and make for the new oneworld lounge, located in terminal 1 directly opposite security.

The Lounge

This is a truly special space as it’s the oneworld alliance’s first-ever dedicated lounge and one that serves seven of the alliance’s members, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Finnair, and SriLankan Airlines. The 555 sqm lounge, which just opened, caters to 148 guests with a variety of comfortable seating options, including armchairs facing the apron and private rooms for groups and meetings.

There’s a comprehensive buffet of hot and cold dishes, a series of modern shower suites, and spaces to dine and to work, while the bartenders make a mean dirty martini so I’m glad I arrived with time to spare.

Boarding

My 7 pm flight, CX419, departed from gate 37 where the boarding process was seamless onto a Cathay Pacific A350-900, the airline’s newest flagship aircraft. The carrier flies A350, 777 and A330 aircraft to Seoul four times a day so it’s my good fortune that I have a chance to savour the carrier’s long-haul flagship albeit for a short hop south. As I found my seat, 19k, the pilot announced a flight time of four hours and crew handed out piping hot face towels and glasses of Ayala Brut Majeur champagne. After a short taxi, we departed into stormy night skies on time.

The Seat

As mentioned, this seat on the A350-900 is Cathay’s flagship business class product and for good reason. Elegant, intuitive, and very comfortable, the business class cabin features 38 business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.

Each 20-inch seat has a pitch of 45 inches and is a spacious rift on the classic Cirrus III herringbone design by Safran and offers just the right amount of privacy and functionality, with signature green fabric, plenty of storage spaces, an 18.5-inch personal touchscreen monitor, AC and USB outlets, noise-reduction headphones stored in a shoulder-level compartment, easy-to-reach seat controls, and a separate remove with an independent 4.7-inch monitor.

It even has seat components that fold down to increase surface area when in fully flat 75-inch-long bed mode.

Dining

The dining experience begins with a Jack Daniels whiskey and soda water and a bowl of warm nuts. This was followed by seasonal mixed salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar; and marinated prawn with pomelo and green papaya salad. For mains we had the choice of braised pork ribs and bitter melon in soybean sauce with bean curd stick and jasmine rice; duck confit with dark cherry brandy sauce, mixed vegetables, and potatoes; and Korean bibimbap, beef and mixed vegetables with rice and Korean chilli sauce, which I absolutely love.

For dessert, we were offered a plate of international cheeses and fresh fruit, as well as a little tub of Haagen-Daz ice cream.

I always try to sample local dishes when I travel and the bibimbap, although perhaps lacking a little in presentation in its plastic bowl, was delicious, especially when paired with the accompanied sesame oil and chilli paste and paired with a glass of Chateau de Pitray Bordeaux.

Entertainment

The entertainment on the A350 is great because the monitor is crystal clear and when paired with my Bose QC45 noise-reduction headphones offers a cinematic experience. The selection on the Cathay inflight entertainment system is comprehensive (I just love the external cameras) but I think they could do with more of the feel-good classic as some of the new releases are a little too artsy. The A350 also offers wifi connectivity with packages starting at US$3.95.

Service

As with most Cathay flights I have experienced, the service on my Seoul-Hong Kong flight was crisp, intuitive, and genuinely welcoming. May, the cabin attendant handling my section, was always beaming and no request was too much, despite what I am sure was the end of a long day of travel for her. Throughout the flight crew maintained a close eye on the business class cabin and served wine and water proactively.

Summary

While I love a long-haul business class flight as a means of escape, it’s also great to enjoy the perks of Cathay Pacific’s flagship business class experience on a short hop home from Seoul.

Hong Kong – Seoul return in business class from US$1,087.

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You’d be forgiven if you’d never thought of booking Vietnam Airlines. The flag carrier of Vietnam, much like its home country, has grown rapidly from obscurity over the past decade and now, as a member of the Skyteam alliance, offers a thoroughly competitive business class product on routes across the world, including Hong Kong and London Heathrow.

Check-in

I have a bit of a panic moment on my way to the airport when I check the Vietnam Airlines app only to find it confirming that my flight, VN50 from London to Ho Chi Minh City, scheduled for 5pm, had already departed. Fortunately, arriving at the check-in desk at Terminal 4, I was told that it was a glitch in the app that had sent other passengers into a sweat as well. I was quickly checked in and directed down a priority screening lane to the busy Blush Lounge, operated by Plaza Premium.

The lounge, like virtually every other run by the group, had good hardware – there’s hot and cold dishes, comfortable seating, and a full bar – but poor software, with the staff all hiding in the pantry while guests searched for cutlery and wine openers. Fortunately, the lounge was steps from the boarding gate, No. 2, where boarding onto the Vietnam Airline 787 commenced at 4.30 pm.

The Seat

Vietnam Airlines’ 787s are among the airline’s newest aircraft. However, its herringbone-styled business class product, which features 28 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, is ever-so-slightly behind the times. However, at 21.5-inches wide, my fully lie-flat seat, 2k, a window seat on the starboard side, is perfectly comfortable, and boasts a 16-inch monitor, dual reading lights, personal air vents, and AC and USB ports. While it’s a little short of storage options, when converted into a 78-inch-long bed, it proves to be very comfortable for the 11-hour 55 minute evening flight east. My only niggle would be that the monitor is showing its age and has a green tinge around everything that moves.

A Cerruti 1881 amenity kit filled with products by Payot, and a blanket and pillow are already in place and crew soon serve glasses of chilled Charles Mignon Premium Reserve Brut champagne and chilled towels before taking orders for the dinner service.

We don’t begin taxiing until 5.47 pm due to delays caused by stormy weather, and take off at 6.10 pm.

Dining

The dinner service begins with a well-made gin and tonic, although the airline also offers an intriguing selection of cocktails created by an in-house mixologist.

A choice of appetizers includes black cod with a tomato salad and lemon rapeseed oil dressing; or smoked salmon and beetroot with mustard dressing. This is joined by a fresh vegetable salad and a wild mushroom soup. The salmon was perfectly chilled and the soup was comfort food at its best, especially when paired with a glass of Maison Cazes “Ego” Cotes Du Roussillon Grenache Blanc.

For mains, we’re presented with the option of a beef fillet with a herb sauce, mashed potato, and roasted vegetables in honey; roasted duck breast with honey orange sauce and potato fondant; pan-fried seabass with Chinese sauce and fried rice; or stir-fried prawns with a ginger and onion sauce and rice noodles. The beef was perfectly cooked and well-proportioned, and I paired it with a Ventisquero Vertice syrah from Chile.

We’re also offered a selection of breads with the meal followed by a choice of fine cheeses, fresh fruit, miniature pastries, and coconut ice cream. I opted for the cheese plate as I finished up a movie from the entertainment system’s competitive selection.

As we approached Vietnam, we were served breakfast, which consisted of yoghurt, a selection of cereals, and the choice of a mushroom and spinach tortilla with chicken sausage and baked vegetables; beef bresaola with salami and Wensleydale cranberry cheese; or braised chicken with soy sauce and egg noodles. I went with the noodles, which were flavourful and had a slight chilli kick.

One of the best perks of flying Vietnam Airlines is the traditional Vietnamese iced coffee which gives you just the oomph you need after a long-haul flight.

Service

Instead of constantly remodelling its aircraft, what Vietnam Airlines has built its reputation on is the softer side of things, with cheerful, attentive crew that conducted themselves efficiently and professionally throughout the flight without becoming the robots you often encounter on other Asian carriers. There’s a genuine sense of hospitality that makes flights with the airline a real pleasure.

Hong Kong to London return in business class from US$3,35

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Emirates, with its expansive network out of Dubai and as the world’s largest operator of the A380, offers business travellers a truly world-class business class experience, one where every touch point has been considered, and where every step of the process is managed with a signature style and efficiency. With services to several key points in Asia-Pacific, including Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok, the airline offers a compelling alternative to direct services with Asia-based carriers.

The Lounge

I was connecting through Dubai from Hong Kong so I already had my digital boarding pass and, arriving at Dubai’s sprawling international airport at a rather ungodly time of day (4 am), I made my way to one of the airline’s equally expansive business class lounges, where staff welcomed me warmly despite the time, and directed me to the shower area where I could freshen up.

While the lounge – as with all of Emirates’ signature spaces – is refined, functional and well-appointed, I think they could work on the shower suites, which were drab, utilitarian spaces akin to a public changing stall at the local swimming pool rather than a elegant suites you’ll find at lounges by the likes of Qantas and Cathay Pacific.

The lounge was busy when I emerged and, relatively refreshed from my previous flight, I grabbed some coffee and caught up with emails at one of the work stations before making my way down the busy concourse to gate C13, where boarding for my 8 am A380 service to Nice began soon after.

The Seat

The A380 whisking me to France featured a newer iteration of the Emirates business class cabin, with 76 business class seats, each with a width of 18.5-inches and a pitch of 48-inches; a cleaner, subtly more contemporary finish, a bigger and more easily deployed tray table, and a headphone jack positioned beside the AC socket at shoulder level rather than under the screen.

In addition, the seat, which converts into a 70-inch-long lie-flat bed, featured all the functionality that makes it so popular with travellers, from the large 18.5-inch personal monitor, personal air vents, and easy to reach remotes and controls, to the personal mini bar and all that glorious storage space under the window. There’s plenty of space to spread out, get some work done or catch a movie and throw in the mattress topper, duvet and plump over-sized pillow and you have all the makings for a great sleep.

My only niggle would be the electric blinds which, even with both layers closed, can still let in a lot of light when you’re trying to sleep.

Crew served fresh juice and water while the captain advised a flight time to Nice of seven hours and after a lengthy taxi we were jetting our way northwest.

Dining

The meal service began quickly after take-off and commenced with a chilled platter of poached chicken, crunchy cucumber, cold roast beef, hard boiled eggs, and tangy goat’s feta. This was accompanied by a fresh fruit salad, yoghurt, warm bread rolls, and blissfully strong coffee.

Mid-way through the flight the lunch service began, and included warm flat bread, and a mezze platter of silky hummus, zesty tabouli salad, vegetarian dolma, olives, and muhammara, a roast red pepper dip. For the main I opted for the beef tenderloin, which was perfectly cooked and served with roast potatoes, asparagus, and a rich jus. I paired my lunch with a glass of Pesquera Reserva 2019 from Spain before catching a little sleep as we cruised down the Mediterranean.

Entertainment

Emirates’ ICE (Information, Communication & Entertainment) system has won pretty much every award that an inflight system can win and for good reason – it’s a treasure trove of television shows, podcasts and blockbusters and there’s more than enough to keep you amused through the hours. As with my previously flight, I continued to feed my Succession addiction.

The Onboard Lounge

As we neared France, I slipped to the back of the upper deck of the A380, which hosts both the business class and first class cabins, and made for the Onboard Lounge in search of coffee and a stretch. This is a really great space, not just to stretch your legs and meet fellow travellers, but also to graze – there’s always a great selection of deserts, nibbles and sandwiches as well as a fully-stocked bar and dedicated bartender. I opted for an Arabic coffee and before long we were beginning our decent to the French Riviera.

Service

One of the best things about Emirates is its consistency – in terms of dining, seat, and service – and while every crew has their off days from time to time, I found Emirates cabin attendants to be diligent, attentive, efficient and still yet charming, a balance that many Asian airline crews seem to struggle with. It was obvious that some of the regular passengers were known to the crew on this service and they welcomed them warmly. Throughout the flight they were only too willing to attend call bells, grab a spare pillow or make a movie recommendation.

Summary

Travelling to Nice is no hardship, especially when you’re doing so in Emirates’ A380 business class which, in my experience, remains one of the world’s consistently best business class products, both on the ground and in the air.

Note: The author travelled on a fully-paid business class ticket without the airline’s prior knowledge

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The post We Review Emirates Business Class Between Dubai and Nice first appeared on The Art of Business Travel.