Innholdsfortegnelse for May - June - 2025 i Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition

MANY OF YOU will have been to Indonesia. And many of you will have been no further than Jakarta: an air-conditioned journey from the airport to the hotel through busy streets, another trip to the place of business, a night at the hotel – and then back to the airport again. And that’s a real shame. The country beyond its hectic cities is rugged, jaw-droppingly spectacular and utterly beguiling. It’s a nation of superlatives: more than 17,500 islands, the highest number of active volcanoes on the planet, and the world’s fourth-largest population. It’s also a relatively new country, founded in 1945. In this issue, our writer Steve White explores the wilder side of Indonesia by using four of its main cities as bases from which to explore. The country is…

AVIATION Route, airline & cabin updates HOTELS What’s new on the block TRAVEL Making the most of your miles SUSTAINABILITY Behind the scenes eco-tours OSAKA MIGHT BE famous for its food scene but in 2025 it will be thrust into the spotlight for another reason – Expo 2025, which began in April and finishes on October 13. The event takes place on Osaka’s Yumeshima Island, with some 28 million visitors expected to attend. The theme for this year’s expo is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, but what does this entail? Forums and conferences covering everything from AI to sustainable urbanisation (carbon neutrality and digital innovations will be major focuses); a sprawling pavilion area with themed zones dedicated to saving, empowering and connecting lives; and dozens of individual pavilions built…

AIR NEW ZEALAND is unveiling its highly anticipated new business class cabin, Business Premier. This makes Air New Zealand the first airline to complete a nose-to-tail retrofit of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The launch was due at the time Business Traveller Asia-Pacific was going to press. The airline has stated that the retrofit will include several updates designed to enhance the travel experience. These updates will feature new seating throughout the aircraft, including Business Premier Luxe seats in the new cabin. These enhanced seats will offer more space and include a privacy door for added comfort. The aircraft will also receive new carpeting, as well as curtains to provide separation between the cabins and galleys. In addition, the inflight entertainment systems will be upgraded to provide better viewing options. Equally groundbreaking…

1 Hotel Melbourne is set to open this June. The waterfront property is the brand’s first in Australia. At the heart of the new hotel is the heritage building Goods Shed No.5, dating to when the area was the city’s main port. Located on the south-western edge of the CBD, 1 Hotel Melbourne has easy access to some of the city’s top attractions. The hotel features 277 guest rooms, including 36 suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of natural light and frame views of the Yarra River or the city skyline.…

BEYOND GREEN HAS surpassed the 50-member milestone, expanding its portfolio of sustainable hotels, resorts and lodges across 22 countries. New recruits include eight &Beyond lodges in South Africa. To make the cut, properties must engage in eco-friendly practices that go beyond the basics, protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage, and enhance social wellbeing in local communities. CEO Lindsey Ueberroth comments, “Each property in our portfolio offers travellers the assurance that their choices support meaningful change, all while providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences.” Owned by Preferred Travel Group, Beyond Green participates in the I Prefer Hotel Rewards loyalty programme. HOW DOES IT WORK? Properties undergo a rigorous vetting process based on more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.…

SMART MIRRORS go beyond providing a simple reflection. Using AI, sensors and digital displays they are able to offer personal health and beauty insights. The futuristic Withings Omnia mirror and scales caused a stir at the Vegas trade show. Users step on the scale and 360-degree body scanners measure their weight and both metabolic and heart health, while an AI voice assistant offers friendly feedback. Omnia can also pull medical data collected from other trackers like your smartwatch or blood pressure monitor to provide recommendations. ‘Given the interest at the trade fair, expect to see smart mirrors on the market soon’ The Omnia mirror is only at the concept stage (and too large for a conventional bathroom) but Withings is working on a smaller consumer version. Samsung also showcased its…

THE LATEST SEASON OF HBO’S darkly comic show The White Lotus has Thailand front and centre as the location, so unsurprisingly local resorts are making the most of the limelight. The Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort featured in the show’s premiere, and its Night of Indulgence culinary package includes cocktails named after characters Mook and Gaitok and an eight-course dinner at Tree Tops Signature Dining featuring decidedly luxe ingredients including caviar, lobster and Wagyu. anantara.com THE PRODUCT IF YOU’VE GOT US$2.4 million burning a hole in your pocket, then Sotheby’s in Hong Kong has you covered with a Koenigsegg Regera, one of only 85 ever built, powered by a twin-turbocharged five-litre V-8 engine to generate an extraordinary 1,500 horsepower. Quite possibly the best bit of this Swedish high-performance beauty? There are…

Q &A GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT Robert Trent Jones, Jr. has designed more than 300 courses in 50 countries on six continents – on Earth, only Antarctica lacks an RTJ II layout. And at 85, Jones is still traversing the globe with projects in Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Grenada, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, England, Italy and across the US. Jones’s living artwork reveals a man who creates on many levels, and who sees his pursuit of golf design as a metaphysical journey. Like the best artists and writers, he employs subtext and symbolism, imagery and illusion, as well as a range of other techniques from the verbal and visual arts to express aspects of philosophy, drama and aesthetics. And his courses tell stories. Jones recently shared his own stories with us – about…

Jakarta’s natural business acumen manifests in the worldrenowned Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), a sprawling hub characterised by twinkling high rises, deluxe hotels, and hordes of international office space. SCBD is positioned in the Golden Triangle of Jakarta, the fastest-evolving business district in the Asia-Pacific region. Famed for its international appeal, it’s no wonder Jakarta welcomes millions of business travellers each year. THE ROAD TO SUCCESS To streamline this business traveller pipeline, the Indonesian government announced 14 new National Strategic Projects in November last year. These plans are spread across several provinces in hopes of refining Jakarta’s functionality and positioning it as a reliable business destination. One of these new projects is Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 (PIK2). Presented by Indonesian organisations Agung Sedayu Group and Salim Group, PIK2 is an…

RICHARD LORD Richard is a freelance journalist based in Hong Kong. He is a former editor at the Wall Street Journal and was also editorial director of Haymarket Publishing Asia. On page 64 he takes a good, hard look at the topic of working from home, where we learn what bosses and their employees really think about it – and whether or not it’s productive. CARMEN JENNER Carmen lives in Perth, Australia. She’s a freelance travel writer who has written for numerous magazines, newspapers and blogs around the globe. She also runs the Fluffy Towel Travel blog, for travellers who love fluffy towels as much as their discoveries. On page 68 she guides us on a grand tour of three Australian cities. STEVE WHITE Steve is a Hong Kong-based journalist…

LUXURY HOTEL BRAND Aman has opened its second property in Thailand, nestled in central Bangkok’s tropical Nai Lert Park. The urban hotel follows in the footsteps of boutique hotel Amanpuri in Phuket, which reopened in 2023, and features an elegant design by Jean-Michel Gathy – the architect behind the brand’s properties in New York, Venice, Beijing and Turks and Caicos. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is home to 52 suites and several dining concepts including the brand’s signature Italian eatery, Japanese restaurant Sesui and teppanyaki experience, Hiori. For those wanting a wellness fix, the hotel also boasts a 1,500 sqm spa offering traditional Thai treatments.…

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VIENNA LOUNGE, TERMINAL 1, VIENNA AIRPORT, AUSTRIA Find cold cuts of meat and cheese, a salad bar, and a wide range of traditional desserts in the Viennese cafe, including the classic apple strudel. You’ll also be able to enjoy Austrian beers and wines, including an Austrian sparkling wine. KYRA LOUNGE, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Tuck into comforting classic Chinese congee and Cantonese dim sum, or iconic Hong Kong street food like fish siu mai and traditional curried fish balls. Pair your meal with the ‘Fragrant Harbour’ cocktail, inspired by Hong Kong’s trading port history. NO1 LOUNGE, LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT TERMINAL 2 Seasonal food and premium British produce reigns supreme at the new lounge in The Queen’s Terminal. Passengers will find hot and cold dishes, from pastries to…

HOTELS ONCE got kudos for stocking guest rooms with recycling bins and parabenfree toiletries. But as interest in sustainability increases, travellers are savvy to sham claims about eco-friendliness. A few brands are putting their money where their mouth is, by inviting guests behind the scenes to tour compost piles, organic gardens, desalination plants and employee-only spaces. Jeff Smith, vice president of sustainability at Six Senses, says sustainability tours are standard at its properties: “We want to be as transparent as possible and offer opportunities to participate.” At Six Senses Vana in India, guests can tour The Village, where a wastewater treatment plant hums continuously and employees fill hundreds of glass bottles with filtered water from a nearby river. The water-bottling plant, meanwhile, has eliminated over 100,000 single-use plastic bottles annually…

HISTORY WAS RECENTLY made in the South Korean capital as Mingles became the first restaurant in the country to be awarded three Michelin stars. Chef Kang Mingoo crafts dishes of understated beauty to reflect Mingles’ minimalist interiors, while Korean artisans are celebrated in both tableware and decor. From the innovative menu, fish mandu – a type of dumpling – are stellar, while his sticky rice risotto with king crab lives long in the memory. Ingredients such as sea cucumber and acorn noodles reflect his embrace of the unusual, contributing to a singular dining experience.…

‘The less time we detain our customers, the happier they are. Standing in line at airports should not exist’ BIOGRAPHY Paul Griffiths has been the CEO of Dubai Airports since 2007, overseeing the operation and development of DXB – the world’s busiest airport for international passengers – as well as Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). Before moving to Dubai, Paul was managing director of London’s Gatwick Airport and was also board director of the Virgin Travel Group. Q &A Tell us about your journey to becoming the CEO of one of the world’s best-connected airports? I started in the airport business in 2003, working closely with Richard Branson in the Virgin Group for 14 years – first at Virgin Atlantic Airways and then Virgin Trains. Branson’s ethos…

CHAMBERS BAY The crown jewel of the Jones portfolio is carved out of a former sand and gravel mine south of Seattle. The sustainable reclamation project hosted the 2016 US Open. PRINCE COURSE Princeville’s highly ranked course on Kauai, Hawaii is among the most dramatic RTJ II projects worldwide, playing through jungles, across ravines and over mango forests. HOIANA SHORES The top-rated course in Vietnam (per Golf Digest) employs drought-tolerant grasses and was precisely crafted to blend with a pristine natural environment of dunes and beach.…

Located conveniently between the city’s heritage landmarks and the vibrant Thamrin Central Business District, Park Hyatt Jakarta, is ideal for discerning bleisure travellers. 14 outdoor and indoor event spaces make for the perfect meeting place for corporate catch-ups, heartfelt celebrations, and everything in between. Plus, a state-of-the-art spa and wellness facility can help soothe your mind and body pre- or post-event. The 220 guestrooms and suites are infused with local design elements and floor-to-ceiling windows, offering an immersive experience in vibrant Jakarta. Local, Asian, and Western cuisines are available throughout the hotel restaurants, with the option of dining in one of nine private rooms, on the Conservatory, or on the rooftop KITA Bar. Occupying the top 19 levels of the iconic 37-storey Park Tower, this hotel overdelivers in location, views,…

Background The Mondrian brand of founderbuilt hotels is part of a trend in hospitality to offer artsy, eclectic alternatives to cookie-cutter city stays. The vibe and facilities of the Mondrian Hong Kong are not those of your typical business venue; instead the hotel leans into its sense of place and embraces its artistic licence. What's it like? Opened at the end of 2023, the Mondrian is secreted amid the bars and cafes of Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui. This leaves it just a couple of blocks from the famous Victoria Harbour, granting sea and city views from many of the rooms. An aquatic theme is present in the decor throughout, with illuminated rings of bubbles rising from the reception area, helping to give the hotel an airy and bright first…

APAC INVESTORS are no longer observing Dubai’s rise— they’re fueling it. In the past year, ultra-highnet-worth buyers from Singapore, Hong Kong, India, and mainland China have become the most active foreign investors in Dubai’s branded residences sector. These aren’t ordinary homes. They’re real estate vehicles backed by global hospitality brands—offering lifestyle, liquidity, and long-term appreciation in one move. WHY APAC CAPITAL IS MOVING TO BRANDED RESIDENCES Brand Equity Drives Resale Performance Branded residences in Dubai— backed by names like Fairmont, Dorchester Collection, and Baccarat—command premium pricing and maintain stronger resale values than unbranded peers. Residency Incentive + Capital Security Dubai offers 10-year Golden Visas tied to property investment, in a jurisdiction known for full ownership rights, capital repatriation, and geopolitical neutrality. Stronger Returns for Less Capital Dubai’s branded residences start…

Herbal tea A soothing camomile or fresh peppermint tea will help you relax for your flight and avoid dehydration. Complex carbs Whole grains, brown rice and quinoa all offer slow-burning energy release without spiking your blood sugar – ideal for long periods of sitting. Lean protein Whether you go for turkey or tofu, light proteins will support energy levels and muscle function during your flight. Fruits Boost your immunity with Vitamin C-packed oranges, and enjoy a potassium-rich banana to regulate blood pressure and ward off muscle cramps. Healthy fats Nuts, seeds and avocados are great at helping you stay full and easing digestion.…

CUTTING-EDGE COMPANY Groundtruth champions sustainable change in the fashion world, transforming plastic waste and CO2 emissions into readyto-wear textiles. The innovative brand has teamed up with global diving organisation PADI to launch a collection of waterproof bags – fittingly taking the Latin name for “wave.” The turquoise-toned Unda range is produced from plastic waste strewn across our oceans – from ghost fishing nets to post-consumer nylon and plastic bottles – and combined with the company’s patent-pending captured-CO2-emissions hardware. Products range from a 25-litre roll-top backpack to a cross-body pouch and tote bag, and are available to purchase at groundtruth. global. The brand was founded by sister trio Georgia, Nina and Sophia Scott, and builds on their investigative documentary filmmaking experience across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. DID YOU…

ON TRACK In 2014, a three-station addition to the MTR, Hong Kong’s hyper-efficient metro system, sparked the transformation of Hong Kong’s Western District from an undistinguished hinterland and dormitory suburb to a buzzy area filled with culture and nightlife that has become a destination in its own right. Also known as Sai Wan, the area was previously accessible solely via busy roads. It extends from Central-adjacent Sheung Wan in the east, to Kennedy Town in the west, where the MTR line now ends. VIBRANT BAR SCENE Western has always had excellent places to eat – you’d have to look long and hard to find a Hong Kong district that doesn’t – mostly of the hole-in-the-wall, cheap-andcheerful variety. Recent gentrification, however, has added a diverse selection of destination watering holes into…

Night Hawk, Singapore Inspired by a 1942 Edward Hopper painting of the same name, the 25-seat Night Hawk in Tanjong Pagar is one of Singapore’s most acclaimed bars. Once you manage to get a seat, kick off with a Kick Artist Fix, where rye, maple, rum, fortified wine and more combine in an homage to a classic Manhattan. Ito, Manila Although a cocktail tasting menu sounds like a one-way ticket to Hangover Ville, Ito in Manila’s swanky Makati district, shows just how nuanced drinks can be. Its Turon melds a potent spirit called lambanog, infused with banana, but thickens it with egg white and cinnamon for a smooth-as-silk sipper. Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok Dry Wave Cocktail Studio from bar supremo Supawit “Palm” Muttaratana regularly changes its cocktail menus. One…

THOSE OF US who don’t mind swimming in cold seas know that the biggest faff is the speedy changing required to warm up afterwards. Enter the Wydling boiler suit, invented by cold water swimmers, Daniela Bohling and Millie Dornan (wife of actor Jamie Dornan). The suit is light and flexible, so you can wear it over your swimmers en route to the shore, and its micro fleece lining means its cosy enough to pull on after a chilly dip. Plus, it’s surprisingly flattering to wear and a great addition to your cold-swimming wardrobe. The Wylding suit costs £160 (US$205) and comes in three colours: Moss Green, Midnight Black and Marine Blue. Each year, the brand offers a guest colour – last year it was on-trend Burgundy combined with an ice-blue…

ONE OF THE most common questions people ask regarding their points and miles is the classic, “Is this redemption worth it?” Trust me, I get it. We spend a lot of time, energy and money accruing our coveted points and miles, and we should make sure we are smart in the way we use them. To understand how to answer this question, we first have to establish the fact that we always have two options when it comes to booking a flight: we can pay with cash, or we can pay with miles. When we pay with miles, it’s not that we are getting the flight for free, it’s just that we’re not using the cash in our bank account to pay for it. Points and miles inherently hold a…

ISTEAL A glance to my left. An 18-inch IFE monitor shows familiar animated characters – a cowboy, space ranger and Bo Peep. While Pixar’s Toy Story plays silently, the images are accompanied by a series of sniffles and the occasional cough to disguise a whimper. Moments later, a middle-aged businessman emerges from the seat, the lapel of his tailored suit dampened, his head bowed and eyes bloodshot as he scurries to the lavatory to compose himself. In any other circumstance, it might be unusual for a fully grown man to be weeping at a children’s animation – but something strange happens to us at 35,000 feet. Over the years, I’ve inexplicably shed tears at trashy rom-coms that, on land, have left me dry-eyed. We’ve all been there. But what prompts…

Tell us about your corporate programmes. We have held programmes in Sumatra that involved a multi-day trek to see orangutans in the wild. Our locations have adventure activities like kayaking, rock climbing, canyoning, mountain biking and raft building, as well as cultural and community service activities. Our Malaysian Borneo programmes are in Sabah. We have snorkelling in the off-shore islands and scuba courses. There’s also a stay at a rustic jungle lodge in the Crocker Range to learn survival techniques from a last-of-his-kind native hunter raised in these mountains. What kind of objectives do corporations have for these types of activity? The corporations we work with mostly want teambonding and team-building activities, and/or a physical challenge. Any notable experiences you’d like to share? With Google we were focused on emotional…

64 rooms and 31 suites make up this esteemed property. Each is developed in the image of Java, North Java, Bali, South Sumatra or East Indonesia, using traditional fabrics for an authentic feel. The hotel’s food options are equally as enticing. For fine dining, the Sriwijaya Restaurant is a must-try. This intimate venue is known for its impeccable service and exclusive reservation-only access, so be sure to book ahead so you’re not disappointed. For something more casual, the Jakarta Restaurant spans Indonesian, Asian, and Western favourites. Several function rooms feature throughout the property, including the expansive Nusantara Ballroom. There’s also a meeting venue and the iconic Bimasena Health Club which includes a modern fitness centre, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and squash and tennis courts. the-dharmawangsa.com…

T here have been some, shall we say, colourful contributions to the ongoing debate regarding remote work, revealing some rather entrenched views. Here, for example, is JPMorgan Chase chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon at a recent town hall event in the States, in response to a petition signed by 950 company staff requesting more flexible working arrangements. “Don’t give me this s**t that work-from-home-Friday works. I call a lot of people on Fridays and there’s not a goddamn person you can get hold of. It simply doesn’t work. It doesn’t work for creativity. It slows down decision-making. I’ve had it with this kind of stuff. I don’t care how many people sign that f***ing petition.” The issue of flexible work, then, continues to be highly contested territory. Not so much…

JEEP, BRONCO, LAND Rover – the current crop of off-road SUVs is a drive down a very bumpy memory lane. All rely heavily on retro styling and nostalgia, so it’s no surprise that Toyota has just brought back the legendary Land Cruiser. The Japanese marque withdrew its go-anywhere V-8 4x4 from the US in 2021 after 60 years (earlier than 2021 in some markets). This new model looks every inch as desirable as a Land Rover Defender or Jeep Wrangler, with all the hallmarks of a proper dirt-track icon. While the old, hardcore Land Cruiser proved its mettle with the United Nations in trouble hotspots, the 2025 version also targets the needs of the modern motorist. Drive modes, an infotainment system and creature comforts are all part of the package.…