Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2018 i Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition

THE Sukhothai Shanghai opened recently, unveiling its exclusive new spa offering. Located on the lower ground level, The Retreat is comprised of two private treatment suites – one with a whirlpool – and three single treatment suites. Four treatment categories include The Retreat Signature, Discover Lava Shells, Full Body Massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Curated by expert therapists, the menu combines Southeast Asian therapeutic treatments with blended essential oils such as jasmine, lemongrass, patchouli and bergamot. sukhothai.com/shanghai…

When the Maldives first made it onto the tourist map 45 years ago, it was all rustic huts and rough-and-ready liveaboard dive trips. But fast-forward to 2018 and you will find superyachts, ice rinks, luxurious overwater villas with butlers, expansive spas, great chefs and feats of engineering such as the world’s largest underwater restaurant. The Maldives has diversified its activity holidays too. Pro surfers have tackled the waves around the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, which has its own annual surf competition and a Tropicsurf school. Tropicsurf also operates out of resorts such as Anantara Dhigu, Como Maalifushi and Gili Lankanfushi, while over at Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah, there’s a motor yacht that can zip you to a number of secret surf breaks you’ll most likely…

Cathay uses Studioilse to create its distinctive lounge designs ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS FIRST CLASS, TOKYO HANEDA For first class ANA or Star Alliance guests. “Amazing! At 6.50am they were running around offering people champagne and Hibiki Japanese whisky,” says BT forum user K1ngston. AMERICAN EXPRESS THE CENTURION, HONG KONG For Amex Platinum Card and Centurion members. The Centurion area features a menu by chef Lau Yiu Fai of the Michelin-starred Yan Toh Heen at the Intercontinental Hong Kong. BLUE RIBBON, BANGKOK AIRWAYS, KOH SAMUI, THAILAND A small but delightful lounge on this Thai island. “The most charming and relaxing place. Mostly open-sided thatched cabanas. Well appointed and run,” says BT Forum user cwoodward. CATHAY PACIFIC THE DECK, HONG KONG Opened in March 2018, this replaces the Cabin lounge. It’s for…

AIR NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL, AUCKLAND Opened in 2015, the ANZ flagship lounge is for ANZ business class passengers and travellers with a lot of Airpoints. “Comfortable – very good food and even better wine… close to all gates, good IT,” says BT Forum user cwoodward. ETIHAD AIRWAYS FIRST AND BUSINESS, MELBOURNE You can now (since January 2018) buy walk-in access to this lounge for US$75; or for an additional US$40, you can get the VIP room and live out your Bond villain fantasies sitting on the chic furniture (Blofeld white cat not supplied). QANTAS FIRST, SYDNEY “Hands down the most comfortable, most spacious lounge with a great view, the best/ friendliest service and the tastiest food,” says BT Forum user ThomasCox. QANTAS FIRST, BRISBANE Qantas started out in Queensland nearly…

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicking off this month in Moscow, it’s fair to assume that a few conveniently timed business meetings have been placed on the itinerary. Whether you’re in town for the football, or really are just flying in for business, here are some classic dining options to try in Russia’s capital city. BELUGA Housed on the second floor of the historic National Hotel, Beluga opened at the beginning of 2017, replacing the former Italian restaurant. Moscow isn’t short of places serving caviar, but this has the most extensive menu of caviar in the city, as well as Russian and international-style dishes. The design by Anastasia Panibratova “was inspired by the Swan Princess from the fairy tale of Tsar Saltan, depicted on the canvas of Mikhail Vrubel”.…

Having stayed in – and written about – numerous five-star hotels, I like to think I know real luxury from wannabe. I have a critical eye for detail and notice the small things – things that can make a huge difference to the guest experience – and am sometimes asked if I’m a hotel inspector. If I was an inspector, my most recent stay in a five-star, Forbes-rated luxury hotel would have seen the property losing points, because it triggered my number one pet peeve when staying at a hotel of this calibre – literally and figuratively leaving a bad taste in my mouth. For me it is a crime against hospitality. It is decidedly not five star, and frustratingly, is not confined to this particular hotel. Let me set…

Tipping etiquette varies from country to country – in the US it can feel like you have to tip everyone generously, while in Japan tips are never expected. UNITED STATES US establishments usually don’t include service charges in the bill. In restaurants you typically add 15-25 per cent, with high-end restaurants tending towards 25 per cent. If a waiter or waitress performs phenomenally well, the tip could climb to 30 per cent. The general rule for tipping bartenders is US$1 per drink. Porters receive US$1-2 per bag and taxi drivers are usually given 10-15 per cent. Coffee shops or fast food restaurants may put tip jars next to the cash register; however, do not feel obliged to leave a tip. Over-the-counter services generally are not rewarded with tips. Hairdressers, masseuses…

CONRAD Maldives Rangali Island is set to introduce an incredible underwater suite in November. The two-storey Muraka suite will feature a king-sized bedroom, living area and bathroom five metres below sea level with uninterrupted 180-degree views of the surrounding marine life. The upper floor will include a twin bedroom, gym, integrated living room with kitchen facilities, plus an expansive deck (read more about the Maldives on p24). Prices on consultation. conradhotels3.hilton.com…

EMIRATES has launched its new Emirates Vintage Collection concept that will see the carrier serve a selection of top wines from its private cellar in Burgundy to first class passengers on select routes to Asia, Australasia, Europe and the Americas this year. Each route will see a different wine introduced for a limited period. This month, first class passengers on Emirates flights to Australasia and select destinations in Asia will enjoy Chateau Margaux 1998. To complement the wines being offered on each route, the carrier has also begun rolling out new glassware and destination-specific pairing menus. emirates.com…

1 Dongdaemun Design Plaza Start your tour with the unmissable landmark that is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The curved, futuristic venue, designed by the late architectural maven Zaha Hadid, is one of the city’s key event and exhibition venues but day-to-day is a hub of creativity. Boutique brands congregate in the Design Market on the first floor, with plenty of quirky modern gifts and gorgeous homeware products to browse, while the Design Lab embodies the spirit of innovation; at 3D printing specialist IOYS, visitors can get scanned and have miniature figurines printed in their own likeness (prices start from about 70,000 won/ US$65 for an 8cm figure). Audio-guided tours of the spaceship-like venue are also available, encompassing the many artworks and the History and Culture Park. For lunch, head…

A waterfront development whose architecture combines both the historical and contemporary, The Fullerton Heritage comprises a myriad of dining, hospitality and lifestyle establishments across The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Waterboat House, One Fullerton, The Fullerton Pavilion, Clifford Pier and Customs House. Together with the two hotels’ nine dining destinations, an array of 31 restaurants, bars, cafés and retail outlets in the precinct make it a vibrant focal point of lifestyle offerings for both hotel and city guests to enjoy. The precinct is strategically positioned in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, minutes from the city’s iconic cultural landmarks and close to the main shopping belts of Suntec City and Orchard Road. It is also well linked to various transportation hubs, with Changi International…

Located on Levels 37 to 40, the Horizon Club rooms of Shangri-La at the Fort provide business travellers with a combination of breathtaking views, personalised service and luxurious accommodations in the center of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) – one of Manila’s premier business and lifestyle districts. At a generous 45 to 47 sqm, the Horizon Club Deluxe rooms provide a luxurious setting with unparalleled city views. Guests who stay in a Horizon Club room will also enjoy access to the Horizon Club Lounge, an exclusive space at Level 40, with services and amenities that are tailor-made for hassle-free stays, allowing more time to focus on the business at hand. Club Lounge guests can enjoy the following complimentary benefits: • Buffet breakfast, served daily • Coffee, tea and other non-alcoholic beverages…

Plaza Premium Group, a global airport hospitality network, has provided travellers with accessible, high-quality lounges for two decades through its flagship brand, Plaza Premium Lounge. Plaza Premium Lounge gives travellers a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the airport by providing a space with top-notch services and facilities at major international airports. Comfortable seating, enticing food and beverage selections, showers with amenities, private resting suites, VIP rooms, recharging stations, Wi-Fi, and Internet work stations are but a few of the services offered to travellers to improve their airport experiences. So far, the company has successfully grown its network to cover more than 160 locations in 40 airports across 21 countries and regions all over the world. These include major international airports such as Abu Dhabi, Brisbane, Hong Kong,…

Located in the upcoming district of North Point on Hong Kong Island, Hotel VIC boasts spectacular panoramic views of Victoria Harbour with direct access to a waterfront promenade. Just 15 minutes from Central, the hotel is connected to a plethora of transport options with an MTR station steps away, and the North Point ferry pier and other public transport options easily accessible. On arrival, guests will find the tech-savvy property is committed to making their stay as smooth as possible. For starters, guests can bypass normal check-in queues, and simply register their arrival and departure online. Within the 671 luxury guestrooms and suites, guests will find stunning, modern designs, a free minibar, lightning-fast and complimentary wifi plus flat-screen TVs with IPTV connections. A tailor-made mobile app has been created to…

A magical view is on show at sunset from the sky infinity pool on the hotel’s wellness floor BACKGROUND Opened on November 1 last year, the new Pan Pacific is part of a mixed-use development through its connection to the Junction City Shopping Centre. The property is home to 336 guestrooms and suites. WHERE IS IT? In the middle of the central business district (CBD) and close to popular tourists sights. The city’s old town, home to a plethora of colonial-style architecture, is also a short distance away. WHAT’S IT LIKE? Sleek and modern, particularly compared with the more traditional aesthetic of Pan Pacific Group’s other hotel in the city, the Parkroyal Yangon. That said, there are plenty of subtle indigenous design details, from the stupa sculptures decorating the lobby…

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES has unveiled the new business class seat product for its single-aisle A321neo aircraft. Laid out in a 2-2 configuration, with a small divider to separate passengers, all 12 seats will be angled towards the windows. The new seats will recline into a fully flat bed position, though with the 2-2 layout this does mean window-seat passengers will need to climb over their neighbours to exit their seat. Passengers will have access to in-seat power and USB outlets, seat-back screens and wifi. The new seats will be available on Philippine Airlines’ Manila-Brisbane route from July 2, 2018 onwards, making it the only narrow-body flight to Australia to offer fully flat seating in business class. philippineairlines.com…

TWO OF THIS MONTH’S prizes also come from Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei. Located in the heart of Taipei about 45 minutes from Taoyuan International Airport, the hotel combines luxury hospitality with a design that blends contemporary styling and traditional Chinese Song Dynasty-inspired aesthetics. The hotel’s 420 guestrooms have recently been upgraded; its nine F&B offerings cover everything from Japanese to Shanghainese cuisine; and its rooftop pool has stunning views overlooking the city’s famous Taipei 101 tower. A popular choice among readers of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific, the hotel was voted the Best Business Hotel in Taipei in the 2017 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards. APRIL’S ONLINE COMPETITION WINNERS: Maggie Mei-kuen Lau (Hong Kong) and Nicole Woods (UK) won a three-night stay in an Executive Suite and a Premier Suite at…

Nestled in Beijing’s CBD, the Shangri-La’s China World Summit Wing, Beijing, is perched at the top of the soaring 330-metre China World Tower. The unbeatable views from the hotel extend all the way to the rooftops of the Forbidden City. One of the first things guests will notice is the hotel’s stunning array of art pieces, exclusively commissioned to complement the lofty ceilings and spacious setting. The museum-worthy collection boasts more than 100 pieces of art, including murals, paintings and decorations showcasing the beauty of contemporary China. In the lobby, for example, guests will be awed by the 72-metre Art of Life mural, which captures the beauty of nature through acrylic oils and detailed brush strokes, while the four stunning “bubbles in space” chandeliers are made from Czech Republic hand-blown…

THE AVERAGE MOVIE BUDGET IN CALIFORNIA IS JUST OVER US$75 MISSION The prop house at Warner Bros Studios has four floors, each the size of an American football field. It’s said to be the largest prop house in the world... though there’s one under construction in China, by Wanda Studios, that may soon surpass it. From Tiffany lamps and presidential desks to oil paintings and telephones from every era, there are almost half a million items available for rental. It’s like walking through an antiques shop on an industrial scale, with all manner of curiosities to catch the eye along the way. Here’s a gold ladder signed by Lady Gaga, an Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, a cobwebbed skeleton from Pirates of the Caribbean, the piano from Casablanca. Outside,…

Earlier this year, we asked Business Traveller’s online Forum users to recommend their favourite airport lounges to fellow travellers. This elicited many well-informed responses – almost as enthusiastic as the suggestions for the worst airport lounges (which can be read online at the address below). Alongside your suggestions, we have added the best lounges we at BT have visited, and included “pay-to-enter” lounges as well as airline ones. This list isn’t definitive, but it’s a start. Feel free to let us and other readers know which ones we have missed via the Forum. When it comes to recommendations, we’d rather have a list of 200 than 100. businesstraveller.com/forum…

BIDVEST PREMIER, CAPE TOWN “A good selection of ripe fruit, cooked breakfasts good espresso, interested staff and a quieter upstairs section affording a lovely view,” says BT Forum user barnacles. BRITISH AIRWAYS GALLERIES/FIRST, JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO BA’s First and Club lounges in Johannesburg have a “great selection of fresh food… free massages, good wine selection, good coffee, lovely staff,” says BT Forum user miningguy. BRITISH AIRWAYS, DUBAI A new addition to the BA network, this one is split into two distinct spaces, one being a small Concorde Bar which is accessed by a key card from the main business class lounge. EMIRATES FIRST CLASS, DUBAI The two Emirates lounges had a US$11 million refurbishment completed in 2016. Paid-for access used to be for Emirates passengers, but you can now (since…

AIR CANADA SIGNATURE SUITE, TORONTO Very chic, with a full-service restaurant that includes a private dining room for small groups or families. Exemplary food and beautiful use of maple wood, but no showers. AMERICAN AIRLINES FLAGSHIP, MIAMI For first and business class, Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire flyers. “Very spacious with good food and drink,” says the BT Forum user who (presumably immodestly) calls himself “christ”. AMERICAN AIRLINES FLAGSHIP, NEW YORK JFK T8 According to BT Forum user ThomasCox, “Never felt crowded. Comfy lounge chairs by the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also a separate First Dining Room for genuine first class tickets.” AMERICAN AIRLINES FLAGSHIP, CHICAGO “A cosy, comfortable space, especially charming and helpful staff and a decent food display,” says BT Forum user travelsforfun. AMERICAN AIRLINES FLAGSHIP, LOS ANGELES The…

There was a time when business travel was synonymous with unhealthy habits – heavy room service meals, uninviting fitness centres and all-too-easy access to the hotel bar – leaving departing guests in considerably worse shape than at check-in. But with a marked increase in the concept of “wellness travel”, hotels across the world are stepping up to offer a wide range of tailor-made, health-conscious services, innovative initiatives and amenities designed to boost nutrition, improve fitness and ensure a better quality of sleep – all within the comfort of your own room. WHY WELLNESS? Is this new-found preoccupation with health and wellness just another passing fad? According to Gaynor Reid, vice-president of communications and CSR Asia Pacific for Accorhotels, “Wellness tourism grew by around 9 per cent in 2017 – 50…

Renowned as a prime accommodation choice for business travellers, the Conrad Hong Kong warmly welcomes the whole family to enjoy its facilities. Ideally located above the luxury Pacific Place shopping mall in Admiralty, Conrad Hong Kong is a strategic hub to access many family-friendly places. Hong Kong Park, for example, is located just behind the hotel, with guests easily able to explore the gorgeous oasis on foot. Other big draws, such as Ocean Park, are easily accessible just a few stops away on the MTR. There are also plenty of facilities within the hotel to keep the family entertained: the large heated outdoor pool is a guaranteed winner to stay cool during steamy summer days, while mum and dad can grab a drink by the poolside bar. Other leisure options…

BACKGROUND At 14,500km, this is the third-longest commercial flight currently in operation, and the first scheduled non-stop service between the UK and Australia. It’s served daily by a B787-9 from London Heathrow Terminal 3. The new route means that Qantas now has three routes between Australia and London – the direct Perth-London service on the B787-9 Dreamliner; a reinstated Sydney-Singapore-London service on the A380; and London via Dubai from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth with partner airline Emirates on a mix of A380 and B777 aircraft. BOARDING This was from Gate 1 (for scheduled departure at 1315). Priority boarding for business class passengers came after children and the elderly. Business class is spread over two cabins in a 1-2-1 configuration (A-EF-K). I was in the front cabin. The aircraft…