Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2025 i Business Traveller

SO, WE'RE ALL agreed we'd stay in a presidential suite in a heartbeat, yes? (In which case, turn to our cover feature on page 44 for some serious inspiration with our pick of fabulous suites around the world.) But what about a windowless hotel room? It's a slightly harder sell, I'll admit. But I can see the pros: jet-lagged travellers can achieve instant blackout bliss with no pesky daylight creeping in to interfere with your circadian rhythms. You won't be disturbed by street noise and you'll save a few pennies on your stay. Intrigued? Turn to page 16 to explore a new breed of subterranean sanctuaries around the world. Another thing I might be rethinking: cruising. Forget three weeks of buffets and bingo, today's cruises offer tattoo parlours, immersive theatre…

TRAVEL Borders and security updates HOTELS Would you stay in a windowless room? SUSTAINABILITY Airports get in touch with nature SUN-DRENCHED SHORES, turquoise seas and now an even easier way to get there. Virgin Atlantic relaunches flights to Cancun this month, after a six-year hiatus, whisking travellers directly to Mexico's Caribbean coast. From 19 October, three flights will depart London Heathrow every week, served by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. You'll be touching down in shoulder season – giving you a chance to explore before the winter sun-seekers descend. Sip mezcal, slip into a shaded cenote, or explore ancient Mayan ruins – the UNESCO World Heritage site Chichén Itza is just a two-hour drive away. There's no shortage of luxe retreats to unwind in, from sleek adult-only resorts to eco-chic hideaways…

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LONGEVITY CLINICS Living well is one thing, but for the uber rich it's about living longer, too. A new crop of cutting-edge clinics offer all kinds of medical treatments to extend your years, from cryotherapy to IV drips – all in a five-star setting with fine dining and first-rate facilities. PRIVATE SANCTUARY In an increasingly busy world, achieving true privacy and solitude is a highly prized commodity. Secluded villas, yacht charters and private jets are all rising in popularity, as the one percent splash out to gain some peace and quiet. RESPONSIBLE LUXURY Ultra luxury travellers increasingly want to “give back”, prompting a rise in experiences tied to a worthy cause. For example, the Rise for Rhinos expedition from Journeys With Purpose costs US$17, 926 (the price…

Old Town Kraków's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites visitors to explore its cobbled streets and timeless charm. At its heart lies Rynek Główny, one of Europe's most beautiful market squares, where the majestic Cloth Hall stands proudly among elegant townhouses and buzzing cafés. Across the square, you'll find another one of the city's treasures: the magnificent lateGothic altarpiece in St. Mary's Basilica, crafted by German sculptor Veit Stoss. After years of meticulous restoration, it can now be seen in all its glory. Don't miss the daily ritual at 11.45am, when the carved wings of the altarpiece dramatically open to reveal the full masterpiece. Cichowscy Patisserie Time seems to have stood still in Cichowscy Patisserie, an 80-year-old pastry shop that has been run by five generations of bakers…

Q&A WHEN NAT PIEPER stepped into the role of oneworld CEO in 2024, he did so with one clear goal: to steer the world's smallest global airline alliance into a bold new era defined by premium service, digital sophistication and collaborative scale. Now, over a year into the role, Pieper is reshaping how the alliance's 15 member airlines work together to offer travellers a seamless, elevated experience across both continents and time zones. “My first 60 days were a sprint,” Pieper told Business Traveller in Delhi during the IATA AGM 2025, where oneworld's governing board of airline CEOs was set to convene and lay the groundwork for the upcoming year. “When we met in Dubai last year, I had to present to the CEOs of our 13 members. That was…

THE recent rise of neurodivergence has been dizzying. Today, one in seven people in the UK is in some way neurodivergent – a figure widely reflected worldwide. Last year in Britain, eight times more people were diagnosed with autism than in 2004, while ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) diagnoses have also seen a 5,500% increase. While the reasons for the heady rise in diagnoses are nuanced, much of the increase lies in the realisation that behaviours which in the past would not have been ascribed to autism – differences in social interactions, the processing of sensory or emotional stimuli – are in fact closely associated with the condition. It is, simply, a far more common state than we once believed. Alongside that has come the realisation by businesses that –…

LUXURY SUITES Regent Seven Seas’ Skyview Regent Suite is the largest all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise suite in history. Launching in late 2026 on the Seven Seas Prestige (from £20,000 per night), it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, private in-suite elevator, gym and sauna, a floating natural stone staircase and dining area with glass-enclosed bar. MIGHTY MIXOLOGY Oceania Cruises’ ships Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura showcase the latest cocktail trends and techniques – think flavoured smoke bubbles and beverage carts like the Bubbly Bar and Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar. Guests can also sign up to Moët & Chandon or Dom Pérignon wine and dining experiences. CAMPING Adventurous types should check out HX Expeditions’ new Antarctica camping and kayaking programme in the White Continent. There's a 188% increase in kayaking capacity on industry…

THE OLYMPIC CAULDRON Designed for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Heatherwick's 204 copper petals, carried by the competing nations, came together to form a single central cauldron. THE ROLLING BRIDGE Completed in 2004, this kinetic sculpture at London's Grand Union Canal development furls and unfurls across a span of 39 feet. Making use of hydraulic cylinders, it theoretically allows both boat and pedestrian traffic. NEW ROUTEMASTER Launched in 2012 as the first London bus to be designed in 50 years, the Routemaster featured asymmetric panels, rounded lines, enhanced city views and a sweeping spiral staircase to provide riders with a feeling of theatricality.…

MATT POTTER WRITER Matt is a journalist, broadcaster, presenter, author and documentary maker whose work appears in the Washington Post, Independent, Literary Review, Time, BBC and others. On page 50, he explores how travel is finally starting to accommodate neurodivergent people. REBECCA BARNES WRITER Rebecca has sailed to all corners of the world – including Antarctica and the Arctic – and written cruise-related content for titles including The Telegraph, National Geographic Traveller and Cruise Critic. On page 56, she reveals how cruising is upping its game for modern travellers. GILBERT OTT WRITER Gilbert is the founder of travel blog God Save The Points and director of point.me, a points redemption platform. Obsessed with deals, destinations and luxury travel, he is an expert in savvy travel. This issue, he explains how…

AIRPORT SECURITY IS arguably the most painful part of a traveller's journey, with long queues and ever-changing decisions on whether to remove laptops and liquids. In the US, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a PreCheck programme to expedite security screenings at over 200 airports. It costs US$76 to enrol for five years and means members don't have to remove jackets, shoes or belts, can leave electronics and liquids in their bags and – in theory – can enjoy a faster screening experience. The TSA claims 99% of PreCheck travellers will experience a wait time of ten minutes or less – compared to 30 minutes or less in standard lanes. In July, however, the TSA ruled that all travellers can keep their shoes on in standard screening lanes, raising the…

THE RULE GOES: the better the view, the more expensive the rate. But who needs a view when you're touching down after a red-eye flight, or getting up at the crack of dawn? For most business travellers, features like quality sleep, convenience and value for money are arguably far more important. If that's the case, perhaps it's worth considering a windowless room. Lying somewhere between a capsule and budget hotel, this category of compact spaces has started appearing in cities. London, in particular, has seen a rise of such offerings, with hotels exploiting internal or basement spaces to cater to short-stay business travellers or cost-conscious tourists. While some might consider these rooms soulless, others may say sleep friendly, with no disruptive street noise or pesky light creeping in through curtain…

WHAT'S HOT Personalisation: authentic experiences tailored to the individual Informal and down-to-earth vibes: ties are out and trainers are in Intangible value: time, freedom, privacy and wellbeing Meaningful experiences: sustainable, socially conscious escapes WHAT'S NOT Social hierarchy: being seen just to be seen Generic greetings: forget ‘sir’ or ‘madam’, modern luxury means knowing your name Materialism: gold taps, designer goods and bling no longer cut it Rigid service: politeness without personality…

Wyndham Grand Opened in 2023, the hotel occupies one of Old Town's Baroque city palaces. There are 60 spacious rooms and suites, plus a wellness area in the vaulted cellar. Modern cuisine is served at Unique Taste Restaurant, but it's the pizza at Trattoria Degusti that keeps locals coming back. Rooms from €185. H15 Palace Formerly the Lubomirski Palace, this property sets the luxury standard in Kraków, with exquisite architecture and design. The hotel offers 70 rooms and suites, plus gourmet restaurant Artesse. Next door is the Czartoryski Museum, home to Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine. Rooms from €206. Hotel Indigo Krakow Wawel Castle Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, this hotel is housed in a charming 19th-century building on the outskirts of Kraków's Old Town. It features…

TODAY'S WELLNESS SEEKERS don't stop at smelling the roses. They drink tea made from the plant and swear by roseinfused water to improve skin tone and minimise sun damage – then head back to the garden to harvest more healing blossoms. Around the world, guides are helping travellers reap the benefits of native blooms. I was lucky to learn all about this field during a “wildcrafting” class with a natural herbalist in Canada's spruce-dotted Yukon territory. For more than a decade, Jacqueline Clancy, a gardener and educator in Dawson City, has taught the art of wildcrafting to locals and travellers. The practice is part foraging, part healing. Wildcrafters collect plants to make tinctures and essential oils that offer multiple benefits, from minimising scarring to curbing headaches. During my visit, we…

15TH MEMBER Oman Air joined oneworld in June, establishing Muscat as the alliance's second Gulf hub after Doha. In July, Oman Air enhanced its European network with a service to Amsterdam. DFW BASE Oneworld relocated its global headquarters from New York to Dallas, joining its founding member, American Airlines, on its 121-hectare Robert L. Crandall Campus adjacent to DFW. HAWAIIAN Following its merger with Alaska, Hawaiian will join oneworld in 2026. Its members are able to gain elite benefits on oneworld airlines by status matching to Alaska's Mileage Plan.…

HYATT HOTELS Hyatt Hotels undertook a survey with KultureCity to develop new initiatives, such as 3D virtual tours and expanding the “Hyatt Has It” list of amenities to include weighted blankets and noise-cancelling headphones. VIRGIN HOTELS In 2024, Virgin Hotels partnered with Autism Double-Checked to roll out new initiatives – from staff training to improve empathy to creating inclusive rooms with blackout curtains and adjustable lighting. KARISMA HOTELS & RESORTS The US brand partnered with Autism Double-Checked to introduce an Autism Concierge. Guests or parents of those with neurodiverse needs can email the concierge to discuss any special needs with someone trained to help.…

CELESTYAL CRUISES’ 5-NIGHT DESERT DAYS & ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX SAIL AND STAY ITINERARY This cruise includes full access to the final F1 Grand Prix weekend – with former F1 driver David Coulthard onboard as a guest speaker. The package includes flights, transfers, two nights in a hotel in Abu Dhabi Marina, a private beach party at Sir Bani Yas Island, tickets to F1 practice sessions, qualifying and race day, meals and soft drinks, wifi, fees and gratuities, plus €50 of F&B spend. Departing 4 December, 2025; from £2,375pp. SEABOURN'S 16-DAY REMOTE INDONESIA & PAPUA NEW GUINEA ITINERARY This journey from Lautoka (Fiji) to Darwin will take guests to places virtually untouched by modern tourism – including Agats (a village built on stilts) in the Indonesian province of West Papua.…

AIRLINE REVIEW Etihad's first class on a narrowbody HOTEL REVIEW The Savoy London + more RESTAURANT REVIEW Permit Room, London CAR REVIEW Ford Mustang Mach-E Background Etihad has always known how to make a statement. Its A380 First Apartments and Residence once set the benchmark for airborne indulgence, while the airline's Business Studio remains one of the best business class seats in the sky. With the arrival of its Airbus A321LRs, the carrier has delivered another world first: installing two first class suites on a narrowbody aircraft. At a time when many airlines are phasing out first class, Etihad is doubling down on the lure of exclusivity. On a recent flight to Phuket (the launch destination), I had the chance to experience the product, from lounge to landing, to see…

LESS IS MORE I work as cabin crew for a UK airline. We sell alcohol to passengers and in some cabins they get drinks for free. But it can be problematic when people drink too much and become an issue to the crew, to passengers and to the pilots who have to deviate from their duties when it's reported to them. Passengers should remember that in an emergency evacuation we need people to be coherent and able to get themselves off an aircraft quickly without becoming a hazard to others. The crew have to nip excessive drinking in the bud before it becomes difficult to manage. I have no issue with people drinking “sensibly” but some people just do not know when to stop. Some people can drink for hours…

SUPPER CLUBS ARE the hottest tables in town. These dinner parties with a twist are now popping up in cities across the globe. Chefs and home cooks are serving curated menus to strangers in pop-up venues or even their own home. For the adventurous business traveller, not only will it beat room service, but you can get an insight into the city and its people at the same time. Here are six to whet your appetite. IMAGES SEBASTIAN GARCIA PHOTOGRAPHY; PHOTOSBYAVANI; ELEVEN98; TUCKER IMAGES; KUV'S SECRET SUPPER CLUB; HAAWM ROSALYNN SUPPER CLUB, LOS ANGELES Ex-tech professional Jasper Lynn loved to host friends for dinner. A pandemic passion project with chef friends turned into the Rosalynn Supper Club. The supper club became so popular he now runs events up to four…

THE BEAUMONT MAYFAIR has been charming Londoners with its Art Deco style and five-star service for over a decade – and now there's another reason to visit the hotel. Modern British restaurant, Rosi, opened on 1 October, replacing The Colony Grill. The new venue, led by acclaimed chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, is rooted in seasonality and British provenance. Expect classic dishes with theatrical twists, from showstopping signature pies to a flaming sponge cake. Plus, the space has been given a vibrant design refresh, with colourful murals to offer a warm, relaxed welcome to all guests. thebeaumont.com…

DOMESTIC Cliveden Literary Festival, Taplow, Berkshire 11-12 October Taking place in the storied Cliveden House, the eighth edition of this literary festival brings together a host of brilliant minds for 2025. Programme highlights include an exclusive conversation between MP Alex Burghart and journalist Emily Maitlis, plus appearances from esteemed authors including Ian Rankin, Elif Shafak and Anthony Horowitz. SHORT-HAUL Walking Football World Nations Cup, Torrevieja, Spain 21-31 October After its 2023 debut, the World Nations Cup for Walking Football is back – this time in Torrevieja, Spain. As the name suggests, there's strictly no running allowed, so it's perfect for an older cohort – including a new over- 70s category this year. Women's teams for over 40s, 50s and 60s have also been added, with more than 70 teams from 30 countries…

FOR an industry that took a hammering during Covid, cruising has made a monumental comeback. Cruise holidays are more popular than ever, with people from the UK and Ireland taking 2.4 million cruises last year, and an increasingly diverse demographic considering a holiday on the water. The latest stats also indicate that cruising is no longer strictly retiree territory: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently revealed that the average age of UK and Ireland cruisers has decreased again – down to an average of 54 in 2024, compared to 55 in 2023 and 57 in 2019. With onboard tattoo parlours and Instagrammable spaces, some may credit industry disruptor Virgin Voyages as leading the charge. Its launch strategy in 2020 promised to deliver an “epic sea change” and do things differently. “We…

When is an architect not an architect? Thomas Heatherwick has designed Azabudai Hills in Tokyo, the Bund Finance Centre in Shanghai, the Google offices in King's Cross in London, and Little Island in New York's Hudson River Park, and is now reconfiguring London's BT Tower – an iconic 1960s landmark – into a luxury hotel. His studio is also working with architecture firm SPPARC on the £1.3 billion regeneration of Olympia, transforming the west London district into a destination brimming with restaurants, hotels, offices, live music venues and a theatre – while also restoring the 140-year-old exhibition venue for which the area is best known. The 55-year-old designer is behind some of the most talkedabout buildings of the past 20 years, but significantly and legally isn't an architect himself. He…

Background Ford's first purpose-built EV is an accomplished electric vehicle that bears little resemblance to a Mustang muscle car from the ‘60s blockbuster Bullitt. Features Readers of a certain age will lament the Mach-E's lack of combustion burble from a V-8 engine, as well as the driving thrills exploited by the king of cool – Steve McQueen. Instead, the electrified Mach-E offers EV efficiency and SUV practicality, neatly wrapped in a distinctly stylish package. Buyers can also up the excitement with the sportier GT or Rally versions. Those two models increase performance to 480 hp and reduce the zero-to-60-mph getaway dash to less than four seconds. However fast from a standing start, the Mach-E runs out of puff at higher speeds. Range anxiety shouldn't be too much of an issue…