The Most Luxurious Airport Experiences In The World

More often than not, airports are places where time slows down, money magically drains from your credit card and small children suddenly decide to start playing up. Put simply, they’re one of the most stressful places in the world. However, if you have the funds and the inclination, there are places dotted around the world that can transform airports into hushed pockets of relaxation and pampering. Here are the best places to chill before a flight…

Cathay Pacific’s lounges at Hong Kong airport

Cathay’s flagship lounge, The Wing, is often spoken about by travellers in reverent tones; however, there are five other Cathay lounges to choose from. Want a shower? There are 24 stone and bamboo-lined suites to choose from, replete with luxury cosmetics. If you’re peckish, there’s a self-service buffet with a range of cusines available, and of course, the drinks are all complimentary. If you’re feeling a bit woozy and don’t want a cheeky tipple, make your way to the Coffee Loft, which serves handcrafted beverages and freshly-baked pastries. Even the furniture is geared towards hard-working travellers; the Solus Chair, which was designed by Foster + Partners, is a small, rounded ‘cabin’ designed to give travellers privacy and the space to work without being claustrophobic.

Priority Pass lounges around the world

Loved by upmarket travelers or over 20 years, Priority Pass is the original and largest independent airport lounge membership program. Members have access to over 700 airport VIP lounges worldwide; they’re quiet, comfortable places that offer complimentary drinks and snacks, free WiFI, and a place to relax between flights. Some of the lounges even offer a free massage, so if you’ve just spent half a day having your arms and legs knocked around by a trolley, take advantage of the treatments on offer . The best part is guests can join you, so there’ll be no awkwardness if you’re travelling with someone who isn’t a member.

Qatar Airways lounge at London Heathrow

If there’s one way to soothe the horror of the Heathrow Express, it’s a trip to the Qatar lounge. Boasting ‘true five star service’, from the minute you walk in, you’re treated like some kind of celebrity. Arabian water fountains, gourmet dining and the Delicatessen, which serves fresh food in a flash if you’re pushed for time. The shower suites have heated floors (now you’re talking), heated towel rails, free cosmetics and the fluffiest towels known to man. If you have the time to eat here, make sure that you do; the open theatre-style kitchen allows you to watch your meal being created. Plane food will never look more unappetising after a trip to the jewel in Terminal 4’s crown.

Turkish Airways lounge at Istanbul airport

While the rest of the world frets in duty free, this is the place that the rich and famous come to forget that they’re about to spend ten hours trapped on a flight. Not only is there a grand piano to tinkle around on, there are pool tables, a library, extra-large TVs to watch (with every channel you could possibly want) and plush sleeping suites. Oh, and in case you were wondering, freshly-made hot and cold mezzes are also available (hummus! Hummus for all!), along with an olive bar, a grilled meats bar, a fruit section and our favourite, a Turkish pizza station. There’s never been such a good excuse to miss your flight.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at JFK airport:

Let’s be honest – when Virgin do something, they do it well. Not only do they have a spa that specialises in night-time treatments to help passengers sleep, the entire space is modelled on an upmarket bar; shimmering golden lighting will soothe your frazzled nerves, and ‘soft decadent textures’ will be sure to delight you.

It’s always inadvisable to drink before a flight, but the cocktail bar, with its range of complimentary free tipples, is not one to miss. The best part? There are small wool-lined pods lining the walls, so if you want a nap, get changed into your ‘sleep suit’, hang your clothes up, and catch 50 winks. The food on offer is suitably lush; breakfast dishes include homemade churros, Eggs Benedict and The Clubhouse British breakfast. If your bed head’s causing you grief, make sure you pop in to see the Bumble & Bumble hairstyling team, who operate out of the spa.

Etihad Premium Lounge at Abu Dhabi airport

From the minute you arrive at the airport, the pampering starts. You’ll be greeted curbside by a porter and a concierge, and from then on, you’ll be praying for your flight to be delayed. The Six Senses Spa allows you to freshen up, and they also offer 15-minute mini treatments. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t worry – there’s a playroom for families, so you can spend some quality time together, and even a personal nannying service, so you can have your offspring whisked away while you drink a glass of fizz at the Champagne bar. Smokers can even indulge their nasty little habit; there’s a Cigar Lounge, where the best tobacco products from around the world are flown in. You can even have your shoes shined and your spare clothes ironed while you’re enjoying a bite from the a-la-carte menu.

Contributed by Vicky Anscombe, Editor-in-Chief at Columbus Direct. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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10 Of The Most Luxurious London Experiences

Ah, London. One of the world’s most exciting, cosmopolitan, culture-rich and diverse cities. If you've never been, this sprawling mass of fun, fashion, food and high living should definitely be on your bucket list. But what to do when you arrive? Well, luckily for you, there are plenty of luxurious experiences to immerse yourself in. Here’s our pick of the finest…

1. Shopping at Harrods

Based in the heart of Knightsbridge and oozing class, the world’s most famous (and largest) department store has a wealth to offer well-heeled shoppers. Here’s where you can stock up on lush designer clothes, hard-to-find perfumes and high-end cosmetics – and don’t forget to visit the Food Hall. If you could spend all day grazing at deli counters, be prepared to part with a small fortune here. Founded in 1834, the store has stood the test of time, and up to 300,000 people visit during peak shopping times. There are 330 departments to peruse and a number of haute services on offer, including a to-die-for personal shopping service called ‘By Appointment’, a tailor, a wine steward and a watch repair service. You can even buy gold bars off the shelf at Harrods Bank. Don’t worry if you regret your purchase, though – you can always sell your bar back to Harrods at a later date.

2. Picnic in Hyde Park

We’re not talking about a rug laid on the ground and a hastily-assembled selection of sandwiches bought from a supermarket. Oh, no. To picnic in style, indulge in a Fortnum & Mason hamper and feast in style. The Belgravia Hamper will set you back a cool £500, but when it includes foods like wild Scottish smoked salmon, venison salami, organic Stilton, and a suitably outsized tin of Chocolossus Biscuits, not to mention vintage Champagne, how can you argue? If money’s no object and you fancy delighting someone you love during the festive season, for a cool £1,000 you can get your hands on The Windsor Hamper. It includes triple-smoked ham, salmon, preserves, a magnum of vintage Champagne, rich Christmas puddings and whiskies. We’d recommend picking a day when it’s fairly dry and wrapping up warmly if you’re going to enjoy a winter picnic, but they’re just as romantic as summer ones, if not more so.

3. Stay at Claridge’s

This hotel is, quite simply, the best place to stay in London. Frequented by the creme de la creme of London society, referenced in American Psycho and the hotel of choice for honeymooning A-listers, this is the place where your every whim will be catered for. Expect unparalleled service and the softest bed you’ve ever encountered. If you’re feeling lazy, you don’t even have to leave the hotel to be entertained – there’s a state-of-the-art gym to enjoy, and there’s even a spa. If you fancy really pushing the boat out, book the Deluxe King room; it’s 50 sq. m of unrivalled decadence. There’s a king sized bed, a marble en-suite bathroom and flatscreen TVs in each room. Fera, the hotel’s new restaurant, is run by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, who offers a ‘creative and natural take on modern British cuisine’.

4. See opera at the Royal Opera House

From Madame Butterfly to La Bohème, the Royal Opera House is the only place to watch world-renowned performances. The best bit? It’s located in the heart of Covent Garden, so you’ll be in the heart of the West End when the performance is over. Current performances include Don Quixote, Tristan und Isolde, and Swan Lake. A seat in the orchestera stalls will set you back around £115. Don’t forget to watch out for the ‘phantom’ that supposedly stalks the building – in 1999, workmen on the site reported being hit by flying objects.

5. Enjoy a tipple at Kettner’s

This Soho restaurant boasts a Champagne bar that can obliterate any hangover in the blink of an eye. This stylish 1920s-themed bar will transport you back to a bygone age when glamour ruled, so make sure you dress appropriately. Don’t be fooled into thinking Kettner’s is a one-trick pony; their traditional Sunday roast is spectacular (the saddle of Welsh lamb is especially good) and their afternoon tea is a wonderful post-shopping treat. Traditional finger sandwiches, homemade scones and a mouthwatering selection of sweet treats, including lemon meringue pie and coconut parfait, are on offer.

6. Make time for a spa

The Agua Spa at Sanderson, tucked away in the heart of Fitzrovia, is the last word in decadent relaxation – and provides ‘pampering, spiritual relief, and tranquility to all who enter’. Sounds good to us. This 10,000 square-foot idyll has 14 all-white treatment rooms, a chill-out zone and meditation beds. Their specialities are their facials and massages – bliss. A 75-minute hot stone massage will set you back £135, and the Eve Lom Signature Facial, which lasts two hours, costs £270.

7. Enjoy Dinner with Heston Blumenthal

Dinner is Heston’s London offering, and while the Fat Duck celebrates flamboyant, hi-tech dishes, the meals on offer here are historic dishes with a professional twist. Crowd-pleasing favourites include roast marrowbone, cod in cider and Hereford ribeye steak – and don’t miss the brown bread ice cream. If you’re looking to impress, book a seat at the Chef’s Table, where you and up to five of your dining companions can observe Dinner’s ‘inner sanctum’ and watch the chefs at work. They’ll even explain to you the methods they’re using and how each dish is created, so if you’re looking to improve your culinary flair, pay close attention.

8. Leave the Tube for everyone else

Public transport can be a nightmare in London, and taxis nearly always have the aroma of boozy businessmen. Splash out and book yourself a chauffeur-driven car for the length of your stay – and don’t forget to order some Champagne for the drive. Hic.

9. Shop till someone else drops

If your retail therapy is taking it out of you, you can hire personal shoppers to do the hard work for you. Harvey Nichols and Selfridges both offer this service – as do Westfield – so if you’re looking for that perfect outfit for the opera, someone is sure to be able to help you. If you’d like the man in your life to smarten up his act, Daniel Johnson, who has worked with Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Gerard Butler, works exclusively with men. Expect your other half to arrive back at the hotel looking totally transformed.

10. Get a sugar high on the London Eye

If you’d like to indulge your love of fine chocolates, delight someone special and enjoy a few glasses of fizz, you can hire one of the London Eye’s pods for a chocolate-tasting tour. You’ll even be given a luxury goody bag to take home. If you’re after something a little more intimate, book the Cupid’s Capsule. For £350, you can enjoy priority boarding, a 30-minute trip on the London Eye, a bottle of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne and a luxury box of Hotel Chocolat Pink Champagne Truffles.

Contributed by Vicky Anscombe, Editor-in-Chief at Columbus Direct. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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5 Of The Most Luxurious Boutique Hotels In Southeast Asia

Travelling to Southeast Asia offers the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best boutique hotels on offer in the region, with everything from spa retreats, luxury beach resorts and eco-friendly private havens offering the perfect escape from the busy streets, hectic traffic and chaotic cities. These resorts, built with relaxation, luxury and pure, unadulterated bliss in mind, provide guests with a place to enjoy the best of what the region has to offer, including white-sand beaches, lush rain forests and serene ocean views are just some of the attractive features.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway such as a honeymoon or anniversary, an indulgent break for yourself and some friends, or an unwinding and relaxing treat, there is an amazing selection of boutique hotels across Southeast Asia that will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and regenerated.

So, let’s take a look at our pick of the top 5 boutique hotels in Southeast Asia …

Best for romantic hideaway: Six Senses, Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam

The beautiful, Zen-inspired design and naturalistic atmosphere around the Six Senses Villas evokes visions of romantic, quiet nights and relaxing, indulgent days.

Like something straight out of a postcard, the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Resort is hugged by the calm and clear blue ocean, while gigantic boulders and white-sand beaches put the finishing touches to this romantic and glamorous setting.

The airy, open-plan interiors ooze modern elegance with an eco-friendly touch, blending seamlessly into the stunning natural environment around it.

Priding itself on its luxurious, private location, only accessible by boat, the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Resort is nothing short of spectacular, for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or an anniversary break in the tropic.

Best for luxurious spa treat: Fusion Maia Danang in Vietnam

The Fusion Maia Danang resort heralds itself as ‘Asia’s first all-spa inclusive resort’, with two daily spa treatments included in your stay. Top that off with a ‘breakfast anytime, anywhere’ policy and we’ve got ourselves a winner for the ‘Luxurious Spa Break’ category.

Couples on honeymoon or a romantic break will love the ‘breakfast anytime, anywhere’ policy, allowing time to lie-in and embrace each others company in the morning, without rushing to breakfast.

The beautifully tropical and serene surroundings are the perfect backdrop for a regenerating vacation, where ‘the art of relaxation’ is at the forefront of the experience.

With one, two or three-bedroom villas available, this modern resort is ideal for families or couples,while the private pools, ocean view from the infinity pool and airy bright interiors add to the laid-back, luxurious atmosphere.

Best for luxury tropical escape – The Sarojin in Thailand

The Sarojin resort is what happens when you dream up the perfect luxury tropical escape. Situated on a stunning beach at KhaoLak, the Sarojin is a picture-perfect resort that stands out from the crowd with its amazing location and beautiful, natural surroundings.

Enjoy a candlelit dinner by a cascading waterfall, chow down on mouth-watering fresh food at a barbecue on the beach or relax in a pool surrounded by beautiful and ancient fiscus trees; it’s the little details at Sarojin that ensure to make a big impression on guests.

The focus at the Sarojin is on pure relaxation, world-class services and providing an unforgettable experience; perfect for young couples looking to enjoy a honeymoon or anniversary together.

Best for indulgent bliss – Spa Village Resort Tembok in Bali

The harmonious design of the Spa Village Resort Tembok in Bali is all about making guests feel like they are in a true haven for the body and soul.

One of the best aspects of the Spa Village Resort Tembok is the amazing range of creative activities and classes available to guests, including Balinese dance classes, Lontar drawing, art volalge tours and more. If you want to get out of the hotel (and frankly, we wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t), there are lots of great tours and excursions available too, including diving and snorkelling, romantic sunrise and sunset cruises and more.

Not forgetting that the incredible Spa treatments on offer are the resorts’ main attraction, the Spa Village Resort manages to perfectly balance relaxation with fun activities for an enjoyable vacation for all the family.

Best for luxury beach getaway – Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia

The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in Malaysia is the ideal location to experience all of the joys of a tropical beach holiday, complete with the luxurious little touches we have come to expect from a Four Seasons Resort.

Facing the best of Malaysia’s stunning white-sand beaches, the resort provides classic luxury and simple elegance that effortlessly caters to everyone. Families, couples and solo business travellers will love the great range of activities available and the resorts convenient location for exploring other parts of the area.

From tennis courts, water-sports and jungle treks, the fun and action-packed activities available at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi are plentiful. However there are also lots of relaxing and indulgent experiences on offer to keep those looking for a quieter time happy, such as spa treatments and fine dining in the world-class restaurants.

Contributed by Paul Shipway, Business Development Director at Simply Luxury Holidays. www.aluxuryblog.com

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