The Art of Business Travel

We Review BA’s Club Suite En Route to London

Nick Walton — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 01:52:18 +0000

Nick Walton discovers elegance, functionality and a distinct sense of place with British Airways’ Club Suite on a recent flight from Hong Kong to London.

British Airways introduced its Club Suite product in 2020 with the arrival of the airline’s A350-1000 aircraft. The product is a revolution on the carrier’s former business class, the controversial ‘ring ‘n’ yang’, and firmly places British Airways’ Club World product at the forefront of the business class market.

Check-In

I checked in using the British Airways app, which is easy enough although there are restrictions on when you can choose your seat based on your status with the airline’s Executive Club loyalty programme – non-members can choose a seat within 24 hours of departure. As British Airways is a member of the oneworld Alliance, at Hong Kong International, after passing through security I made for Cathay Pacific’s The Wing lounge, which is always a rather ho-hum space with equally forgettable service. However, it was closest to my departing gate, number 26 (if you don’t fancy the lounge, there’s a great new spot that recently opened at HKIA). At the gate, the slightly chaotic boarding process was conducted on time and I was soon seated in 16A, a window seat on the port side of the smaller of the two business class cabins, which were 80% full.

The Seat

Dark, contemporary, and elegant, the British Airways Club Suite is a thoroughly modern business class seat, and one that finally offers all passengers direct aisle access. The A350-1000 Club World cabin features 56 Club Suites, each with a width of 27-inches and a pitch of 79-inches, set across two sections in a 1-2-1 configuration. Designed for maximum comfort and functionality, each 79-inch fully flat bed seat boasts 40 percent more storage than its predecessor, as well as all the elements you would expect from a market leader, including dual USB ports, an AC point, an 18.5-inch touch screen monitor with independent controller (with its own touchscreen), a sliding privacy door, and a bespoke table designed to make the transition between work and dining easier.

There are four storage spaces: an open sleeve at shin level, two housed within the ample armrest (inside one you’ll find the USB ports, headphone jack and entertainment remote), and one at shoulder level (similar to that found on Cathay Pacific), in which I find a bottle of water and a pair of British Airways headphones, although I never travel without my own Bose QC45s. A surprisingly large pillow and bedding was also already provided. At hip height is a built-in controller for the seat position.

A cheerful cabin attendant named Clara served glasses of watch and champagne (unfortunately the Club World amenity kits by The White Company were mistakenly unloaded at HKIA) and quickly we’re taxiing for an on-time departure on our 13-hour 35-minute journey.

When it came time to sleep, the seat converted into a bed in a matter of seconds and the over-sized pillow, also by The White Company, made sleep extremely easy. I’m always hot on flights so I didn’t use the provided duvet and instead simple laid out the mattress topper and was asleep in moments.

Dining

Although it took quite a while to begin, especially given the late hour (there is an express service for travellers looking to maximise sleep), when the meal service did commence, I started with a well-made Tanqueray gin and tonic (this is BA after all). However, the menu also offered some intriguing signature cocktails, including the refreshing sounding Gin Zing, gin with citrus and mineral water over ice; and the Johnnie Ginger, with whisky, ginger ale and orange juice, as well as mocktail options and a few beers, including the BrewDog Speedbird OG Transatlantic IPA, made specially for British Airways.

That said, you’ll also want to take a serious look at the wine list, which has been created by Master of Wine Tim Jackson, the first Master of Wine to be employed full time by an airline, and which includes the surprisingly superb Digby Fine English Brut NV, one of four English sparkling wines added to the airline’s revolving roster. Jackson has been tasked with selecting and tasting potential new wines, curating menu descriptions, developing the airline’s wider drinks strategy and sourcing a diverse range of wines from across the globe for customers both in-flight and in the lounges to enjoy. Our flight’s wine options included Heidsieck & Co Monopole Champagne; a J. Bouchon Reserva Sauvignon Blanc from Maule, Chile; an Opta Reserva from Portugal; and a Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Ruby port.

BA recently returned to full-service dining with a brasserie-style experience that showcases provenance and premium ingredients. For this evening flight west, dinner started with a couscous and cucumber salad, with mixed mesclun and cherry tomatoes; and a choice of poached prawn in a celeriac puree with red wine vinaigrette; or cream of mushroom soup with almonds. The prawn was fresh, juicy and zesty thanks to the vinegar.

This was followed by a choice of grilled beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes, carrots, broccoli, courgettes, and mustard thyme gravy; pan-seared salmon with roasted peppers and potatoes and a paprika cream sauce; or satay stir-fried vegetable udon noodles with egg julienne, sauteed mushrooms, choy sum and red peppers. I opted for the beef which, while as little tough for the teethless knives used onboard, was still juicy and packed with flavour.

For dessert we were offered the choice of a cheese plate consisting of edam, blue stilton, and goat’s cheese, served with grapes, pecans, and quince; cheesecake with strawberry and raspberry sauce; fresh seasonal fruit; or an apple, raspberry, and almond Napoleon with vanilla sauce. Cheese and crackers are an indulgence I reserve only for flights and the selection was perfectly contrasting, especially when paired with that Graham’s reserve.

As we soared over the German countryside hours later, breakfast was served, with Club World passengers given a choice of a full breakfast, with scrambled eggs, back bacon, pork sausages, grilled tomato, button mushrooms, and hash brown potatoes; a mushroom omelette with sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, baked beans, and hash browns; or Belgian waffles with maple syrup and a vanilla sauce. I had slept well so decided to start my day right with the full breakfast, which was served with fresh orange juice, seasonal fruit and blueberry yoghurt with muesli, raisins, and almonds, and was as good as anything you’re likely to find on terra firma.

Entertainment

The airline’s High Life entertainment system, enjoyed through that crystal clear 18-5-inch monitor, was great, with a comprehensive range of programming, including plenty of classics (I watched The Fugitive with dinner). The remote can be used to control the entertainment system or independently, which meant that I could watch my movie on the big screen and monitor our progress on the air map on the remote’s screen. Best of all, BA offers gate-to-gate programming, which is perfect for those long taxis and wait times on the apron.

British Airways also offers a range of wifi options ranging from £2.99 (US$3.80) for messaging on Whatsapp and other message services (but no photos or video) to £14.99 (US$19) for full wifi throughout the flight, and I found the system to be consistent and speedy.

Service

Throughout the flight, the cabin crew were cheerful and attentive, offering a warm and personalised service level that’s rarely seen on Asian carriers today. While the meal service took quite a long time to start, once it did, the service was efficient and proactive, as was breakfast. Clara even checked with passengers in her section if they would like to be woken for breakfast or if they would preferr to remain asleep, a nice touch on a flight that arrives in London at 6am.

Arrival

At Heathrow, after passing through immigration I made for the British Airways arrival lounge, which offers a hot and cold breakfast buffet, as well as ranks of shower suites, and makes for an ideal pit stop before heading into the city.

Summary

While previous versions of the British Airways business class product were unpopular, the Club Suite thrusts BA into the ranks of leading global carriers. Couple that with a renewed focus on dining, provenance, and service, and you have a truly regal flying experience.

For more Reviews click here.

The post We Review BA’s Club Suite En Route to London appeared first on The Art of Business Travel.

Intervals Launches at Hong Kong International Airport’s Skybridge

Staff Writer — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 06:10:51 +0000

A first-of-its kind airport bar concept, Intervals brings an exceptional cocktail experience to global travellers passing through HKIA.

Travellers now have a new reference for world-class cocktails with the launch of Intervals at Hong Kong International Airport. A destination in its own right, this first-of-its-kind concept aims to reinvent the airport experience with an elevated drink and food programme set amongst the exceptional vantage point of the newly opened Skybridge.

Intervals has been developed by Mei Mei Song, Director of Global Brands and Transformation of airport hospitality company Plaza Premium Group, together with creative director Victoria Chow, founder of acclaimed Hong Kong bar The Woods.

The concept and the name ‘Intervals’ is inspired by the idea that the time of day becomes fluid while travelling, and that instead key actions are measured in intervals of time – whether it’s how long it takes to clear security, the transit time, the time it takes to get to the gate, or the time between boarding time and final call.

Intervals is a comprehensive dining concept purposefully designed for the airport setting: from the F&B offerings to interactive and engaging experiences, everything from the menu design to a dedicated Intervals app that provides knowledge about the drinks alongside beverage-focused travel inspirations, coupled with immersive interior design and the unbeatable Skybridge view.

“To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we wanted to create something unique with Intervals that makes the airport experience a part of the journey that travellers look forward to,” says Mei Mei Song. “Airports have transformed their retail and meal offerings tremendously over the years – and yet a sophisticated cocktail bar that is a destination in and of itself has not been done yet. This project takes a different spin from anything we’ve done before, and bringing on Victoria means we are creating a category-defining experience that is beyond drinks, driven by her creative vision.”

Intervals’ drinks programme showcases a series of miniature sips, known appropriately as a ‘flight of cocktails’, that have been tailored to how much time a guest has to spare before their flight. The flights range from a 15-minute to a 45-minute experience.

The shortest ‘flight of cocktails’ is the 15-minute experience which offers two beverages including To Dream, made with Tequila, chamomile-vanilla tea, bianco vermouth, and sparkling wine; and To Wake, a blend of nitro-brewed coffee, Cognac, and topped with a tofu-hazelnut cream.

For those with 30 minutes to spare, a longer experience includes a four-cocktail ‘flight,’ while those with 45 minutes may want to experience a flight of six, which include To Begin, a frozen cocktail made with Nigori sake, honeydew, and galangal, and To Maturity, featuring a Calvados, sweet wine, and topped with wheat beer.

Intervals will also offer a non-alcoholic ‘flight’ that riffs on the seasons. To Spring is a refreshing combination of garden-y Seedlip, lacto-fermented cucumbers and non-alcoholic vermouth. To Summer is a warm-weather refreshment of a non-alcoholic aperitif, coconut and compressed watermelon, while To Autumn channels cooler weather through zero-alcohol red wine, blackberry, lemon, and plum bitters.

“We are so thrilled to be able to bring a world-class beverage programme to Hong Kong International Airport, as well as something exciting and interactive to the international bar scene,” says Victoria Chow. “We want travellers to come to Intervals with a sense of wonder and discovery, and perhaps even choose to check in early so that they can have some fun and experience our ‘flights of cocktails!’”

Intervals’ food experiences are also tailored to travellers’ available interval of time. The offering of an elevated and global take on “pinchos” (tapas-style bar snacks) allows guests the flexibility of picking just one or as many pieces as they desire from an ever-changing rotation of eight types from a roving custom-made trolley. These include a special take on the classic Hong Kong Prawn Toast with Sakura Shrimp; Fig and Goat cheese on Rye with Honeycomb Crumbs; and Mini Taco with Glazed Turkey Meatballs, amongst others.

For travellers who have the shortest available interval of time and are unable to sit down for an experience, Intervals has also created custom takeaway boxes of cocktails and pinchos perfect for on-board dining.

Designed by Australian architect Mitchel Squires of AVT Studios, Intervals is located on the Skybridge at HKIA. The space has been designed to host different travel profiles; whether travelling solo, with a partner or in a group, there is a seat for everyone. Designed to accentuate its unique location and allow unobstructed front-row views of Hong Kong International Airport’s runways, the space also includes references to traditional time-keeping devices such as pendulums, sundials, and hourglasses.

As with all Plaza Premium Group ventures, a sense of place has been created by partnering with homegrown Hong Kong brands including Plantation Tea, Loveramics and Young Master Brewery.

For more Airline & Airport stories click here.

STAY IN THE KNOW BY FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN

The post Intervals Launches at Hong Kong International Airport’s Skybridge appeared first on The Art of Business Travel.

BA to Open Whispering Angel Bar at Heathrow

Staff Writer — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 06:08:27 +0000

British Airways has announced plans for an exclusive Whispering Angel lounge bar, becoming the first airline to have a bespoke bar dedicated to the famed rosé wine.

The bespoke bar, which will exclusively offer Caves d’Esclans’ Whispering Angel rosé, will be located in the airline’s lounge at Terminal 5 B at London Heathrow, often referred to as one of Heathrow’s best-kept secrets.

The bar, coloured pale pink to emulate the light tones of the rosé served, is expected to open this summer. The opening will coincide with a refresh of the airline’s B gates lounge which will include new and reupholstered furniture, as well as a refreshed layout.

Across the rest of the airline’s Club (business class) lounges at Heathrow and Gatwick, eligible British Airways customers can enjoy The Pale rosé, which is produced by the same winemakers as Whispering Angel. Whispering Angel is currently available in British Airways’ First and Club (business class) lounges.

Château d’Esclans’ Whispering Angel boasts a delicate Provençal pink hue, spoiling customers with sun-kissed creamy flavours of peach and raspberries, with refreshing citrus undertones and a smooth, dry finish.

“Our customers are already telling us how much they enjoy the Whispering Angel rosé we are serving in our lounges, so we are thrilled to be opening an exclusive Whispering Angel bar,” says Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer. “We truly believe this will be a massive hit with customers and we are excited that its introduction will coincide with a newly refurbished lounge in the satellite at London Heathrow Terminal 5 B gates.”

The bar is part of British Airways’ continued elevation of its drinks offering, following the appointment of a full-time Master of Wine – one of only 415 Masters of Wine in the world and believed to be the only one appointed by an airline. Earlier this year the airline introduction of four new English sparkling wines served on board. The four English Sparkling wine options are available on a quarterly rotation, changing every three months. Rich in variety, customers will be able to choose from two sparkling options when travelling in Club World, including the current Champagne resident Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Silver Top Non-Vintage Champagne, and now an exclusive English Sparkling wine option.

On board, the current English Sparkling is Digby Fine English Brut NV, and from this month the airline will serve the Balfour Rosé de Noirs, grown on the Balfour Hush Heath Estate in Kent, and made only from red grapes. This lighter rosé sparkling wine is an exclusive blend for British Airways, making it only available at 35,000ft for customers in the airline’s Club World cabin.

From October, Simpsons Chalklands Cuvee Brut NV, also from Kent will be available for three months, so customers can end the year with a toast. Looking to the new year, from January 2024, customers can try Wiston Estate Brut NV from the South Downs, which is refreshing in flavour, with citrus and toasty notes

For more Airline & Airport stories click here.

STAY IN THE KNOW BY FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN

The post BA to Open Whispering Angel Bar at Heathrow appeared first on The Art of Business Travel.

Hong Kong Airlines Reintroduces A330 Aircraft

Staff Writer — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 08:21:50 +0000

Hong Kong Airlines is introducing additional Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft to serve its route network and expedite business recovery.

The first newly added A330 widebody aircraft has made its first flight to Bangkok, arriving just in time to accommodate the unprecedented pent-up summer travel demand. Additionally, the carrier is excited to announce the addition of two more A330s this summer, further enhancing its capacity to deliver the best possible service to customers and support its expanding route network.

With a total of three additional A330 widebody aircraft joining the fleet, the company is confident in its ability to meet passengers’ needs and drive business recovery.

“During the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday, our ticket sales were strong, reaching a peak since the pandemic began,” says Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Hou Wei. “The load factor even exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 7%, the result is quite encouraging, as our profitability has significantly improved, and it also demonstrates our flight resumption efforts this year continue to gain traction. We will accelerate the recovery of flights and expand the coverage of our flight destination network.”

The fuel-efficient A330 widebody aircraft has been a mainstay of the aviation industry for many years. Featuring a total of 292 seats, with 32 in Business Class and 260 in Economy Class, the new A330 is refurbished with Hong Kong Airlines’ classic seat covers. Its spacious cabin and comfortable seating make it the ideal aircraft to provide passengers with a delightful flying experience. The aircraft also features ample overhead storage space, which is essential to ensure travellers’ comfort.

Hong Kong Airlines is delighted to reintroduce suitably aged A330 widebody aircraft and steadily expand its team in an effort to rebuild the network and deliver reliable service to customers. Following the launch of a new service to Phuket, the airline will resume services to Sanya next month and inaugurate a brand-new service to Nagoya, also in July. With more A330s in place, the carrier is going to upgrade its flight operations to destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Bangkok, Taipei, and Shanghai with widebody aircraft, and increase frequencies in July and August to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable summer travel experience

For more Airline & Airport stories click here.

STAY IN THE KNOW BY FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN

The post Hong Kong Airlines Reintroduces A330 Aircraft appeared first on The Art of Business Travel.

New Look for Suites at Marina Bay Sands

Staff Writer — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 01:42:03 +0000

Marina Bay Sands ushers in a new era of luxury hospitality with distinctively designed newly renovated rooms.

Marina Bay Sands’ US$1 billion reinvestment programme – its most ambitious to date since opening in 2010 – has reached a critical milestone with the completion of over 850 hotel rooms that are setting the tone for a new era of luxury hospitality.

New Look Rooms

The rooms – located in Towers 1 and 2 of the iconic hotel – represent the first wave of exquisitely designed luxury accommodation that draws inspiration from Singapore’s multicultural environment.

The newly configured rooms and suites, which convey a sense of space amid intricate details, offer a preview of the multi-year transformation that had its roots in late 2021, when the integrated resort started to reimagine the future of luxury hospitality and travel.

“This extensive design transformation of our iconic Hotel is a leap forward in our commitment to set new benchmarks for ourselves and the industry,” says Paul Town, Marina Bay Sands’ Chief Operating Officer. “And the transformation doesn’t just stop at our new rooms, as this is only the beginning. Over the next few years, guests will witness luxury at every corner of our property. From the arrival experience at the Lobby to new concepts on Sands SkyPark, every guest touchpoint is being reviewed and transformed, at a scale unprecedented in our 13 years of operations.”

Currently, over 850 rooms have been completed, nearly two-thirds of the 1,282 rooms that will result from the renovation at Towers 1 and 2. The next phase of renovation will focus on the ultra-luxe suites. All in, the hotel renewal will see more suites being created at Marina Bay Sands within these two towers – from 137 previously to around 422 – to cater to the rising demand for luxury travel.

With the transformation in Towers 1 and 2 expected to be completed by the end of 2023, the renewal will continue into Tower 3, the Hotel Lobby and Sands SkyPark, details of which will be announced at a later date. The integrated resort’s suite of world-class experiences will also encompass a revamped Executive Club lounge, new premium fine dining options, and health and wellness offerings. These new signature experiences will set a fresh benchmark for the landmark, ensuring it remains a prominent destination synonymous with the epitome of Asian hospitality.

New Partnerships for the Bay

The integrated resort is also making headway with the launch of its Bay Precinct Strategy, positioning Marina Bay Sands and the Bay area as the epicentre for hosting international business events.

The Bay Precinct Strategy is a first-of-its-kind approach that combines the forces of different hospitality players, attractions, service providers and restaurants from the Marina Bay area, playing to their strengths in an enlarged MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences & exhibitions) ecosystem.

Partnerships across 10 hotels, including the Fullerton Hotel and Fullerton Bay Hotel, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, The Westin Singapore, Swissotel The Stamford, Fairmont Singapore, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Pan Pacific Singapore and Ritz Carlton, have been inked so far. The close collaboration enables Marina Bay Sands and the respective partner hotels to leverage each other’s strengths and assets to offer an expanded offering for international event organisers looking to host their events in Singapore.

For more Hotel coverage click here.

STAY IN THE KNOW BY FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN

The post New Look for Suites at Marina Bay Sands appeared first on The Art of Business Travel.

China Airlines to Introduce One A350-900 Passenger Aircraft This Year

Staff Writer — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 22:46:25 +0000

China Airlines, the Taiwan-based carrier, will introduce one A350-900 leased aircraft this year, to be delivered at the end of 2023, and enter service in Q1 2024.

The new arrival will join the existing fleets of fourteen A350-900 and ten 777-300ER passenger aircraft as the mainstays of the North American and European networks in preparation for the vibrant post-Covid travel market.

An extraordinary meeting of the China Airlines Board of Directors approved leasing two Airbus A350-900 aircraft. One aircraft is already confirmed while the other is under active consideration and will depend on the state of the aircraft leasing market. Their acquisition serves to strengthen the China Airlines fleet further.

China Airlines currently operates 87 passenger and cargo aircraft including 66 passenger aircraft (A321neo, A350-900, 777-300ER, A330-300, 737-800, and 737-800), and 21 freighters (777F and 747-400F). A further twenty-four 787 passenger aircraft are now on order with deliveries to commence in 2025. The new aircraft will allow for more flexible and agile aircraft dispatching in the future.

The next-generation long-haul fleets of A350-900 and 777-300ER are configured for three cabin classes, Premium Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Travellers can choose from the range of product options for a comfortable and high-quality flying experience.

China Airlines is committed to the development of ESG (Environment, Society, Corporate Governance) and has introduced a new generation of green aircraft in recent years. New, more energy-efficient aerospace technology, combined with lightweight materials creates significant improvements in fuel efficiency reducing carbon emissions.

For more Airline & Airport stories click here.

STAY IN THE KNOW BY FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN

The post China Airlines to Introduce One A350-900 Passenger Aircraft This Year appeared first on The Art of Business Travel.

Qantas Returns to the Big Apple

Staff Writer — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 02:23:21 +0000

Qantas has resumed flights to New York, with services from Sydney taking off to the Big Apple for the first time in more than three years.

The launch of QF3 also marks a new route for the national carrier with flights to New York operating via Auckland instead of Los Angeles. Flights will initially operate three days per week with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, increasing to four in October, offering more than 1,800 seats on the route each week.

“While the world has changed dramatically since the start of Covid, one thing that hasn’t changed is the lure of New York City,” says Alan Joyce, Qantas Group CEO. “Since international borders re-opened, New York has been one of the most popular destinations for our customers who have been connecting on our partners from Qantas flights arriving into Los Angeles and Dallas, so it’s not surprising that we’ve seen very strong demand since our New York flights went on sale. The launch of the route has been made possible by the delivery of new 787 aircraft in recent weeks and brings us closer to returning our international capacity to what it was before Covid.”

READ: Qantas Reveals Business & First Cabins for Ultra-Long-Haul A350 Aircraft

The Qantas Group is expected to return to around 100 per cent of its international network pre-Covid capacity by March 2024, up from around 85 per cent of pre-Covid levels today. This is a significant increase from just 45 per cent 12 months ago.

“Flying via Auckland makes it easier for travellers from all parts of Australia to access New York, with the choice of 11 daily flights across the Tasman from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne,” says Joyce. “Offering more room and fewer seats than most of our competitors, the cabins onboard these aircraft have been designed with long-haul travel in mind.”

Qantas now operates three of the top five longest flights in the world, including Perth-London and Dallas-Melbourne, as it increases its focus on direct routes that are also among its most popular. The airline’s Perth-London service has the highest customer satisfaction rating on its international network.

Teams across Qantas have been preparing for the launch, with an advanced cloud-based flight planning system that models flights paths, measuring flight times and winds, to determine the optimal route.

READ: IHG Debuts Voco Brand in Vietnam

To celebrate the launch of the new route, Qantas has introduced a number of customer initiatives onboard QF3 and QF4, including limited edition pyjamas and amenity kits designed by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance for Business Class passengers and New York-inspired menu items throughout the aircraft.

Qantas is also progressing plans for a major overhaul of its Auckland International Lounge as part of a $100 million investment in new and upgraded lounges. The lounge will offer more space and feature the best of local design, food and wine when it opens in mid-2024

For more Airline & Airport stories click here.

STAY IN THE KNOW BY FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN

The post Qantas Returns to the Big Apple appeared first on The Art of Business Travel.

IHG Debuts Voco Brand in Vietnam

Staff Writer — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:28:14 +0000

IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened voco Ma Belle Danang, the first voco hotel in Vietnam and 50th opening globally, in partnership with Tuyet Lien Son Co Ltd.

Danang is one of the largest cities in Vietnam, known for its sandy beaches and showcases history, traditional and modern culture. Located on Vo Nguyen Giap Street and surrounded by the iconic attractions of downtown Danang, voco Ma Belle Danang is a 27-storey hotel within IHG’s premium collection, offering spectacular views of the coastline and cityscape, and is just steps from the soft sands of My Khe Beach.

“Weaving elements of Vietnamese culture and local hospitality, voco Ma Belle Danang will introduce a reliable but different stay experience to the market, bringing to life the brand’s charming personality, hosted service with a focus on sustainability,” says Daniel Solombrino, General Manager, voco Ma Belle Danang. “With great accessibility to the downtown area, spectacular views, a wide variety of activities tailored for guests of all ages, Danang is the perfect destination for us to mark the brand’s debut in Vietnam.”

Designed by Vietnam-based design studio, dwp, the hotel interior depicts a sense of femininity – curved walls and a combination of teal, yellow and grey colour palette, create a sense of fluidity and sophistication. Upon entering the lobby, a spiral sculpture takes centre stage and handpicked artworks are thoughtfully placed throughout the space, much akin to a gallery setup. The rooms and suites comprise of timber, teal and grey finishes accentuated with bright pops of voco hotels’ signature yellow through upholstery and artwork, offering tranquillity, perfect for unwinding.

Guests are welcome to ‘come on in’ and are greeted with a locally-inspired welcome treat (a voco signature hallmark) – complimentary mango macarons and a swift check-in. ‘Me time’ beckons in guestrooms, featuring signature voco hotels’ touches that show, step by step, the brand is working towards a more sustainable future, such as indulgent beds with pillow- and duvet-fillings made from 100 per cent recycled materials and refillable bathroom bulk amenities from Apotheke, a plant-based organic skincare company introduced in Vietnam for the first time.

Outstanding dining experiences offer a taste of the ‘voco life’ at the hotel’s three dynamic restaurants and bars, including Lyla, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, and the Lobby Lounge. The rooftop pool, and Ciela Skybar and Dining offer sundown aficionados breathtaking views of the Danang seafront and accord an upbeat vibe for that perfect Instagrammable moment.

Additional amenities for guests include a luxurious spa, 24-hour gym as well as over 521 sqm of flexible meeting and social event space.

First launched in 2018, voco hotels is one of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fastest-growing brands with 100 properties signed and opened globally. voco hotels continues to evolve as part of its global ambition to reach 200 properties in leading urban and leisure locations by 2028. In Asia, the brand is present in key cities including voco Orchard Singapore, voco Seoul Gangnam, voco Hangzhou Binjiang Minghao and the newly opened, voco Osaka Central

For more Hotel coverage click here.

STAY IN THE KNOW BY FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN

The post IHG Debuts Voco Brand in Vietnam appeared first on The Art of Business Travel.

Hong Kong Airlines to Step up Services in China

Staff Writer — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 01:00:49 +0000

As regional and international travel picks up, Hong Kong Airlines ramps up its flight operations to Mainland China to meet the growing demand.

Hong Kong Airlines is committed to serving as a major regional airline, enabling easy connections to other international markets and Mainland China from its hub in Hong Kong.

Starting in June, the carrier will increase connections between Hong Kong and key destinations in Mainland China. Daily services to Chongqing (June 15) and Sanya (July 1) will be resumed, offering convenient flight options for both business and leisure travellers. In addition, flights to Hangzhou will become 10 times weekly with a convenient travel schedule.

The airline currently operates services to seven destinations in Mainland China, including Beijing (Capital), Beijing (Daxing), Haikou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai (Hongqiao) and Shanghai (Pudong). It strives to resume service to more destinations by the end of this year.

Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. The airline flies to 25 destinations across the Asia Pacific and currently maintains 90 interline and 16 codeshares with multiple airline partners and ferry service providers. Hong Kong Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet. It has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011.

For more Airline & Airport stories click here.

STAY IN THE KNOW BY FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN

The post Hong Kong Airlines to Step up Services in China appeared first on The Art of Business Travel.

Ibis Styles Opens in Tokyo

Staff Writer — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:35:42 +0000

Accor has opened its 8th ibis Styles hotel in Japan with the opening of ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza East.

With its playful design developed under the theme of “traditional Japanese games and Matsuri festivals”, as well as its central location in the premier shopping and entertainment district of Tokyo, the hotel is an excellent addition to the Ginza East neighbourhood.

The hotel’s 135 guestrooms blend traditional and contemporary elements and include standout amenities, such as foot massagers, so guests can unwind in their room after a long day of sightseeing. Rooms also incorporate wall art featuring traditional Japanese games such as karuta (Japanese card game) and ohajiki (Japanese marble game), and some rooms offer Japanese tatami flooring. The restaurant “Anzu”, meaning apricot in Japanese, located on the 1st-floor lobby, offers floor-to-ceiling windows and an array of Japanese and Western dishes for breakfast.

Additionally, the new hotel‘s restaurant will become a complimentary lounge each afternoon and evening for members of Accor’s lifestyle program ALL – Accor Live Limitless. The lounge is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, a beverage station as well as open-air terrace seats, ideal for work or relaxation.

A rarity in Tokyo, the hotel also features indoor and open-air baths on the rooftop, the only hotel in Ginza to offer such facilities, providing guests with a place of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. An outdoor terrace on the top floor offers views of Tokyo’s cityscape and the symbolic Tokyo Skytree.

“After months of hard work from many talented individuals, we are proud to be able to open ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza East,” says Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Asia. “We look forward to welcoming domestic and international travellers alike to this sought-after destination. ibis Styles continues to be a key brand for Accor and we are excited to be able to expand the presence of this leading brand in Japan.”

The ibis Styles brand is dedicated to delivering a trendy and economical hotel experience with playful designs. With a passion for creative design and “Open to Creativity” philosophy, each ibis Styles hotel has a unique design concept built around a precise theme that offers fun, and surprising moments. It is an ideal spot for those seeking a creative space to be inspired

For more Hotel coverage click here.

STAY IN THE KNOW BY FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN

The post Ibis Styles Opens in Tokyo appeared first on The Art of Business Travel.