Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2016 i Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition

Some 25 years after premium economy first saw the light of day, both American Airlines and Delta have finally revealed a standalone product. As more carriers and aircraft types get involved, subtle differences have emerged between products – not just in regard to the seats themselves but things like the size of the in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen, in-seat power, seat configuration and washroom access. For example, do premium economy passengers have a dedicated toilet or must they traipse into economy? What about extra baggage allowance? Fast-track security access? Upgraded food and drink? There can be a significant price differential between economy and premium economy, which might suggest that the latter is closer to business than economy class. Alas, that’s not the case. The word“economy”in premium economy must not be overlooked.…

FIRST IMPRESSIONS The drive into Chengdu from busy Shuangliu International Airport seems to follow the usual pattern found in modern Chinese cities, along a wide, well-built expressway lined with car dealers ranging from Mazda and Honda to Mercedes, Maserati and Bentley. The city skyline appears up ahead, a typical forest of soaring towers… but then we turn north towards an even larger urban sprawl and I realise that that was merely part of the Tianfu New Area that has grown so fast in the last few years. This planned 1,578 sq km city – under Chengdu’s jurisdiction – will comprise seven zones focusing on manufacturing, high-tech, innovation and R&D industries, as well as scenic water and mountain areas to make it appealing as a liveable new urban centre. A city…

Jet lag has me wide awake at 4.30am, but for once I’m not annoyed, because this is my opportunity to explore a city that many consider one of the most beautiful and civilised in the world. By 5.30am I’m walking down the Austrian capital’s Ringstrasse (Ring Boulevard) towards the Donaukanal, once a broad bend in the Danube but now a regulated water channel that marks the northeast corner of Vienna’s old city centre. I turn left to wander along its banks, lined with alfresco bars and cafés that, pre-dawn, are locked and lifeless, but during summer evenings buzz and bustle with city folk enjoying the balmy weather. The sky lightens as sunrise approaches, revealing artistic, colourful graffiti on the brick walls beside the canal. Early workers cycle past on clearly…

1 ROSARY CHURCH Our first stop is the oldest Catholic church in Kowloon, built over a century ago to accommodate an influx of expatriate Roman Catholics. Hong Kong became a British colony after the First Opium War in 1842, and increasing numbers of merchants and missionaries arrived following the cession of the Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 by the Qing emperor. During the Boxer Uprising in 1900, several regiments of the British army were also stationed in Kowloon. To serve the needs of the Catholic military and lay people, a small chapel was built on the site in 1901 for around 800 worshippers. But by 1903, it was clear that the site was too small. A timely donation from Portuguese Catholic Dr Anthony Gomes allowed for the construction of the Our…

Singapore has always chased superlatives – from the world’s best airport to the planet’s largest glass greenhouse, the city-state pursues excellence with evangelical fervour. Now it is setting in motion its“Smart Nation”initiative, the brainchild of incumbent prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. A wide-reaching and highly ambitious project, it is aimed at tackling social issues, healthcare, environmental sustainability, urban planning and transport through data collection via sensors implanted in every home, road, office and public space. Over the coming years, Singapore will be rolling out self-driving cars, remote health monitoring and e-learning.“The goal is to bring our universities, research institutes, start-ups, government and investors together with a shared mission of tackling difficult challenges,”says Steve Leonard, executive deputy chairman of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), which is overseeing the implementation…

As Business Traveller Asia-Pacific enters its 11th year of association with the Chi Heng Foundation (CHF), we are proud that our efforts, and those of our many partners in the hotel and airline industries, are making a real difference to the lives of so many young people in China. At the same time, we are humbled by the hard work and dedication of CHF’s staff and volunteers, who deserve our greatest respect and admiration. Over the past 14 years, CHF has fulfilled a long-running commitment to provide educational sponsorship and psychosocial support to AIDS-impacted children in China, from primary school through to university. In spite of the large number of students spread over a vast geographic area, Chi Heng doesn’t use intermediaries, preferring to disburse funds for the children…

There was a time when“wellness”and “mindfulness”were part of a lexicon used only by vegan hippies and spiritual ecowarriors. In the last decade, however, these terms have bulldozed their way into mainstream thinking as people wake up to the benefits of incorporating healthy practices for mind, body and soul into their daily lives. According to wellness consultant Ekraj Gajurel, this increased awareness is a natural reaction to the stresses of modern life:“Our working life has changed a lot. Everybody is so busy, especially now, after global recession and times of economic hardship. Companies don’t want to hire more people, they want to cost-control, so they give you more work, and higher expectations, and this inevitably causes mental stress.” Of course, while we may embrace the idea that a kale smoothie and…

1 Treat the tech-lover in your life to the latest LG Gram 15 laptop model. This ultra-slim personal computer boasts a large 15.6-inch screen but weighs less than a kilo – perfect for someone constantly on the go. HK$14,980 (US$1,931). lg.com/hk_en 2 For those who enjoy exotic libations, The King’s Ginger gift set is a royally good choice. This special kit comes with a leather hip flask, a brace of two extendable cups and a bottle of The King’s Ginger – a rich and zesty liqueur specially formulated by Berry Bros in 1903 for King Edward VII. Promotion price HK$499 (US$64). bbr.com 3 Luxury watchmaker Panerai has taken inspiration from its own 1930s heritage to create two special-edition models. The new Radiomir 3 Days Acciaio timepieces offer vintage details including…

Some airports today could almost be described as shopping malls that aircraft fly in and out of – such is the preponderance of shops and duty-free outlets. Those who love to indulge in retail therapy or last-minute gift buying owe thanks to one Dr Brendan O’Regan – the Irishman who launched the first airport duty-free store at Shannon Airport, Ireland in 1947. Spotting an innovative chance to generate revenue, Catering Comptroller O’Regan convinced the Irish government to pass the Customs Free Airport Act, which stated transit and embarking passengers, goods and aircraft were exempt from normal customs and excise procedures. The Irish Department of Transport then licensed the Shannon Sales and Catering Organisation, enabling the airport to conduct commercial and catering activities. Utilising this legal precedent, O’Regan opened the world’s…

TOTO – one of the world’s most renowned toilet maker made famous by the original created, WASHLETs will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2017. TOTO original flush bowl was created in 1917 and has since evolved into a brand famous for the tech forward flushers with seat heaters, rinsing methods, and timed sensors. TOTO pledge to constantly delivers its determination to never stop creating and developing innovation technology with great design to improve people’s lifestyle and culture. TOTO have been deeply involved in the company’s technological development with WASHLETs and helps produce many of TOTO’s different type of watering technologies. The company began with basic experiences by cooperating with 300 company members to find the best angle of water spraying and cleaning. Apart from this, the temperature of the water,…

Austrian Airlines B777-200 Business class Vienna–Hong Kong BACKGROUND Austrian Airlines began a direct service between Vienna and Hong Kong on September 5 using a B777-200 aircraft – it flies four or five times a week in winter and summer respectively. CHECK-IN For flight OS067 this is in Terminal 3; the business class area boasted eight manned counters. I wanted to carry my two bags onto the plane, but Austrian is strict about carry-on baggage (max weight 8kg) and with 10.5kg I was asked to check one bag in. THE LOUNGE After immigration, Austrian’s lounges are to the right. There are three in the non-Schengen departure area: the largest is for standard business class passengers, with five showers and five chaise longues at the far end, three computers connected to a…

The hotel landscape has also been rapidly expanding, in order to accommodate increasing numbers of international visitors. Here are some recent openings to consider: HOTEL JEN TANGLIN In January, Shangri-La celebrated the reopening of the Traders Singapore as Hotel Jen, its contemporary spin-off brand. Situated close to the Orchard Road shopping district, its S$45 million (US$32 million) renovation has added king-size “floating beds” and Scandi-inspired furniture to its 565 rooms. hoteljen.com IBIS STYLES SINGAPORE ON MACPHERSON The opening of the midscale Ibis Styles Singapore on Macpherson in April added 298 keys to the city’s offering. Connected to a new shopping mall, the hotel also offers a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, gym and meeting room. accor.com OASIA HOTEL DOWNTOWN Opened in April 2016, the 27-storey designer hotel is located in the…

When was the last time you got lost? Throughout my years of travel, I have spent hours struggling to find my way out of Shinjuku station in Tokyo, been unintentionally driven into the desert by a non-English speaking taxi driver in Marrakech, pounded endless dark roads in Beijing in search of my hotel, and almost been robbed by street kids in Paris when wandering into the wrong arrondissement. Research from O2 Travel has suggested UK tourists spend an average of 22 million hours lost abroad each year. And it’s not just holidaymakers – even well-organised, smartphone-wielding business travellers have this problem.You might not have an internet connection to check your whereabouts; your driver can’t read the address you have given him; you can’t decipher the street signs – if they…

Qantas opens new Brisbane International Lounge The new lounge launched in October and is 30 per cent larger with a design reflecting the state’s natural landscape. A new concept called Quench prioritises passenger hydration prior to flight with non-alcoholic beverages, while dining options include a hot and cold buffet plus a signature breakfast area with made-to-order dishes. Other facilities include a business centre, wifi, TV with provider Foxtel, shower suites and a Sofitel service experience. Access will be granted to travellers flying in Business Class, eligible Frequent Flyers and Oneworld members. Qantas will also be unveiling a new domestic lounge precinct, with a Business Lounge and a refurbished Qantas Club with valet service, in early 2017. qantas.com Virgin Atlantic introduces widespread changes to Flying Club programme Virgin Atlantic has followed…

EXPERIENCE In favour of floating TACKLE stress and jet lag in one go at Float On, a sensory deprivation experience located in Hong Kong’s Mid Levels. Serenity seekers climb into specially designed “Dream-Pods” for 45- to 90-minute sessions of mental and physical relaxation. The futuristic pods are filled with body-temperature water, infused with 500kg of Epsom salt and magnesium. The zero gravity-like environment is combined with total darkness and silence to achieve a dream-like state that offers a range of healing benefits. Prices start from HK$530 (US$68). floatonhk.com Freeze the ageing process POLARIS, Hong Kong’s first cryotherapy centre, has launched in Causeway Bay. For whole-body cryotherapy treatments, nitrogen gas is pumped into a cryo sauna to reach temperatures of -120 degrees. Participants endure the extreme cold for up to three…

Aman This year, luxury hotel group Aman launched its Aman Wellness concept across its global portfolio, with a few select resorts handpicked to deliver “Individual Wellness Immersions” and group retreat experiences. One such resort is Amanbugh in India. Drawing on local heritage, guests can select from four- to 21-day Ayurvedic programmes. These include daily spa therapies, expert yoga and meditation classes, one-on-one consultations with an Ayurvedic physician, cultural experiences and dosha (Ayurvedic energy)-specific meal plans. Internet rates for a seven-night stay in a Courtyard Haveli Suite with breakfast and daily yoga in mid-January start from US$7,884. aman.com/wellness Chiva-Som Chiva-Som in Thailand’s Hua Hin was one of the earliest players in the wellness sphere, launching 21 years ago. It offers a holistic combination of rejuvenating treatments, focused nutrition, personalised programmes and…