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Tag: lounge

  • Emirates Unveils Exclusive Luxury Lounge Experience for Discerning Travelers

    Emirates Unveils Exclusive Luxury Lounge Experience for Discerning Travelers

    Dubai’s state-owned Emirates Airline has rolled out a new gem for its affluent travelers with the launch of the Emirates First Lounge in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Since mid-July, this luxurious haven has been welcoming well-heeled passengers, showcasing Emirates’ determination to maintain its edge amid rising competition in the Gulf region.

    The whispers of First Class’ demise during the pandemic seem to have been greatly exaggerated. Contrary to predictions, this lucrative segment is experiencing a resurgence—especially in the prosperous Gulf area, where Emirates stands at the forefront of this revival. The Emirates First Lounge promises its top-tier fliers, as well as Platinum members of its Skywards frequent flyer program, an exceptional airport experience that begins well before takeoff.

    A Luxurious Departure Experience

    With an upgraded check-in area featuring elegant private seating and an exclusive check-in process, the Emirates First Lounge sets a new standard for luxury travel. This is complemented by the airline’s 43 exclusive lounges worldwide, designed for those traveling on premium tickets. Rolex clocks adorn the walls, ensuring that affluent passengers can keep time—though, given that DXB operates as a “silent airport,” they may find themselves enjoying the lull rather than rushing for their gates.

    Charting a Unique Course

    While other airlines may be trending away from First Class, Emirates is carving its own path. Aviation analysts at Cirium report a dramatic reduction in global First-Class seats, dropping to 12.6 million in 2024—a staggering 40% decrease from 21.05 million in 2019. Despite this, overall airline capacity across all classes has risen slightly from 5.7 billion to 5.9 billion seats.

    “Our customers can now enjoy a comfortable ride to the airport with our chauffeur service, check in quickly in the exclusive Emirates First area, relax in a premium lounge before their flight, and then experience our award-winning in-flight service,” shared Adel Al Redha, Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer of Emirates. He also announced a new daily flight to Zurich starting February 1, 2026, employing the Airbus A380 superjumbo to replace the Boeing 777 currently in use.

    Facing New Competition

    Marking a timely investment in luxury, Emirates is now bracing for competition from the upstart Riyadh Air, set to launch in 2025 as Saudi Arabia’s new state airline. Equipped with petrodollars and a mission to cater to an upscale clientele, Riyadh Air has already placed substantial orders for Boeing 787 Dreamliners, transforming the air travel landscape. Its CEO, Tony Douglas, formerly of Etihad Airways, is clearly signaling that Riyadh aims to compete aggressively in the premium sector.

    Alongside these developments, the Maldivian airline BeOnd has also taken flight in 2023, enhancing travel connections between Zurich and the Gulf through charming stopovers, ensuring that competition in the Middle Eastern skies remains vibrant and relentless. A game of high stakes is unfolding, and it’s clear that the first-class cabin remains a coveted and competitive space.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the Emirates First Lounge at Dubai International Airport?
    The Emirates First Lounge enhances the travel experience for premium customers, offering exclusive check-in, luxurious amenities, and a tranquil atmosphere, reflecting Emirates’ commitment to maintaining its excellence amid growing competition.

    How does the current landscape of First Class travel compare to pre-pandemic levels?
    The global number of First-Class seats has significantly decreased by 40% since 2019, yet Emirates is bucking this trend, bolstering its services and further investing in luxury travel as others scale back.

    What competition is Emirates facing in the luxury travel market?
    Emirates is now competing with the newly announced Riyadh Air, which plans to launch in 2025 and aims to attract high-end travelers with upscale offerings, as well as the Maldivian airline BeOnd, which facilitates luxury connections in the region.

  • Sony to kill off Xperia Lounge app by the end of this month

    Sony to kill off Xperia Lounge app by the end of this month

    Sad news for Xperia fans, as Sony has just confirmed plans to shut down one of its older smartphone apps – Xperia Lounge. This isn’t the first nor the last app designed for Xperia phones that Sony kills off, but that’s no surprise since the Japanese company doesn’t seem to be able to make money out of its mobile business any longer.

    So, the best way to cut costs is to start killing apps that were designed for the Xperia ecosystem. The Xperia Lounge is just another app from a long list of apps that Sony has been discontinued in the last couple of years.

    The Xperia Lounge app was meant to provide loyal fans with various rewards for their Xperia smartphones, such as exclusive Xperia Themes and wallpapers, as well as competitions. Unfortunately, Xperia Lounge will be no more by the end of August 2019.

    If you open the app right now, there’s an important announcement that mentions Xperia Lounge will be “decommissioned” by the end of August 2019, so there’s no doubt that the information is accurate.

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  • The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga opens at HKIA

    The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga opens at HKIA

    A visit to Cathay Pacific’s Business Class lounge at The Pier in Hong Kong has just become even more beneficial for mind, body and soul following the opening of The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga. Designed in partnership with the Pure Group, The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga is a 700 square-foot area divided into two zones – The Body Sanctuary, which is dedicated to yoga, and The Mind Sanctuary, where travellers can meditate to focus and calm the mind.

    Cathay Pacific General Manager Customer Experience and Design, Vivian Lo said: “Wellness is becoming increasingly important to our customers and The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga in our Pier Business Class lounge is the perfect place for to relax before the flight. We listen to the needs of our customers and continuously evolve to improve their experience with us.

    “Whether it’s dining at our popular Noodle Bar, catching up with some work, or enjoying a drink at the bar or at the Teahouse, there are myriad ways for our customers to spend time at the lounge. Now they’ll also be encouraged to meditate and practice yoga before flying with us.”

    The Body Sanctuary

    Among the wellness offerings, The Body Sanctuary provides travellers with a space for gentle yoga with guided videos led by Pure Yoga teachers. There’s also a secluded space for self-practice. Seated stretching is an alternative option; chairs overlook instructions on how to stretch different parts of the body whilst seated. The exercises are designed to improve circulation, enhance joint mobility, and relax the mind for a comfortable and restful journey.

    The Mind Sanctuary

    Within The Mind Sanctuary there are two types of meditation on offer. The first is audio meditation: four cushioned pods are equipped with noise-cancelling headphones and iPads, and customers can listen to guided meditation sessions narrated by Pure Yoga’s expert teachers. The second is gazing meditation: comfortable cushions overlook graphics placed on the wall ahead and facilitate Trataka yoga practice.

    These practices help to improve focus, memory and visualisation skills, as well as centring the mind in a state of awareness and attention.

    Wellness on the ground and in the air

    The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga is the latest collaboration between Cathay Pacific and the Hong Kong-headquartered Pure Group following the January 2018 launch of ‘Travel Well with Yoga’, a series of inflight videos to help passengers ease into their journeys with meditation and yoga.

    Additionally, Diamond and Gold Marco Polo Club members arriving in Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon flights are given complimentary one-day access to any Pure Fitness centre or a choice of any Pure Yoga class up to 12 times a year.

    Pure Group Regional Marketing Director Gary Wise said: “We’re delighted to extend this fantastic partnership between Pure Yoga and Cathay Pacific, giving people even more chance to feel the benefits of yoga and meditation on their travels. No matter how rushed the trip is, just a few minutes of calm can make all the difference.”

    The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga is open to travellers who have access to Cathay Pacific The Pier Business Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, as well as Diamond, Gold and Silver Marco Polo Club members. Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon First and Business Class passengers will also be able to enjoy the new offering.

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  • BMW Luxury Lounge Showcases Future Products

    BMW Luxury Lounge Showcases Future Products

    In the midst of a product offensive that will see many new and refreshed models join its lineup in the coming months, BMW recently staged a limited-run brand experience in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood to showcase two forthcoming models. The display, which has a pop-up feel to it, is known as the BMW Luxury Lounge, a venue open to the public during the day and invite-only events in the evening. As its name would suggest, the point is to generate interest in the brand and get attendees excited for a slew of new BMWs on deck.

    The site of the Luxury Lounge – Bloor St. W. near Avenue Rd. – is fertile ground not only for luxury automotive manufacturers but makers of other luxury goods as well, which is why BMW is partnering with Hugo Boss, Montblanc and Roche Bobois. These brands, along with Samsung Canada and art gallery LUMAS Canada have also contributed to furnishing the space which, with its black and glass walls, wood grain floors and leather sofa, has the feel of modern, minimalist luxury.

    “We’ve taken on this initiative because we believe customers’ expectations of luxury are evolving,” said Sebastian Beuchel, director, BMW brand management, said in a statement. “This beautifully designed space is a showcase for our interpretation of modern, contemporary luxury.”

    Last October, BMW hosted a similar limited engagement exhibit known as the Luxury Excellence Pavilion on Bay St. in the heart of Toronto’s financial district that not only showcased the Munich-based carmaker’s wares, but also those of other several other luxury brands. The feature attraction was the BMW X7 iPerformance, a concept vehicle first shown about a month earlier at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

    Fast forward a year, and it’s time for the Luxury Lounge, a similar exhibit but with some noteworthy differences.

    Whereas the Luxury Excellence Pavilion ran for almost two weeks (Oct. 16-29), the Luxury Lounge was around for just six days (Oct. 10-16) and there were no test drives from the BMW fleet available.

    In its place are two main attractions that represent the future of BMW and are bound to cause a bit of a stir.

    First up is a vehicle that can’t be discussed in detail but was available for viewing so long as visitors surrendered their mobile phones before entering the curtained-off backroom where it was being shown. A strict no-photo policy was in effect.

    I’m talking about the full-size, three-row 2019 X7 SUV, a vehicle BMW and its dealers are very excited about. The production X7 will make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month and will go on sale early next year. The one being shown in Toronto was an uncamouflaged pre-production copy. Getting it to Toronto took some doing, but its presence made a visit to the Luxury Lounge even more worthwhile.

    Now, in accordance with the wishes of BMW Canada’s communications team, I’ll move along… to the 8-Series coupe which is returning to the lineup after a 20-year hiatus. I have clearance to talk about this one freely.

    Centred in the middle of the Luxury Lounge floor plan was a Dravit (metallic) grey 2019 850i xDrive, trimmed in factory option carbon fibre accents (roof, mirror caps, lip spoiler, rear diffuser, etc.) and optional M Performance 20-inch wheels finished in a metallic gold tint.

    Conceived as a flagship model, the 8 Series is a design and technology carrier and, as such, has features that will eventually spread across the BMW family.

    On this front, a few things stand out. The first thing that caught my eye are the new LED headlights the 8 Series is wearing, which feature standard high beam LaserLight technology (to comply with North American laws they’ll only work at speeds above 60 km/h) along with a more angular shape with two separate elements that still look like BMW headlights when viewed from a distance. Clever.

    Other new design elements include a revised kidney grille that is attached at the centre, a callback to the grilles of 1970s-era BMWs. Also, a BMW rep told me that customized paintwork will be offered on the 8 Series though the company’s Individual program. While they can’t guarantee they’ll be able to match every paint chip or swatch a customer has, BMW aims to make the 8 Series available in more exciting colours than those offered on a traditional list of set finishes.

    Inside, the cabin receives some noteworthy advances headlined by the company’s all-new Operating system 7.0 software, which powers the infotainment and instrument cluster screens. My eye was also drawn to the available glass crystal shift knob and iDrive controller.

    Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the powertrain. The 8 is being offered with an overhauled variant of BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which packs 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque that is mated to a standard 8-speed automatic and xDrive AWD system.

    Fast? You bet. BMW has the 8 Series’ 0-100 km/h time pegged at 3.7 seconds.

    The best part for consumers and interested auto journalists alike is the wait for the 8 Series arrival won’t last much longer. Customer orders begin on December 8, with deliveries likely to begin in the new year. Pricing info hasn’t been released but will be announced closer to on-sale.

    As for the X7, look for more info when it’s revealed during the media preview days at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 28-29.

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  • Malaysia Airlines closes Kuala Lumpur lounges for upgrades

    Malaysia Airlines closes Kuala Lumpur lounges for upgrades

    Malaysia Airlines is temporarily closing two of its home hub lounges in Kuala Lumpur as it completes extensive refurbishment works to breathe new life into the spaces.

    MAS’ regional Golden Lounge in KLIA’s Main Terminal is up first – primarily used by passengers on shorter international flights such as to Singapore – closing its doors from May 12 until August 15 2017, with eligible passengers instead directed to the airport’s Satellite Terminal for lounge access.

    There, business class guests and Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald frequent flyers (including Qantas Gold and Platinum cardholders) can choose to visit either Malaysia Airlines’ international Golden Lounge (open 24 hours) or the Malaysia Airport CIP Lounge near gates 31-37 (open 6am-10am and then 6pm-10pm).

    Under Oneworld’s lounge access rules, a third option is also available in the Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge: again found in the Satellite Terminal, which is accessible from the Main Terminal via Aerotrain.

    Malaysia Airlines’ domestic Golden Lounge will also be shuttered from June 2 until August 15 2017, but as these passengers cannot access the airport’s international departures area where the other lounges are located, a temporary lounge space will be created at gate B3.

    There, lounge-eligible travellers will find light refreshments available along with dedicated seating, wireless Internet, newspapers, magazines and flight information screens.

    Toilets, showers and prayer rooms won’t be offered within this temporary space, although the nearest restrooms can be found just outside the gate area, with the closest prayer room aside the Malaysia Airlines Gate A transfer desk.

    Refurbishments to these lounges were originally due for completion by “late 2016”, being approximately eight months behind schedule.

    Qantas partner Malaysia Airlines will reinvigorate its business class and first class airport lounges in Kuala Lumpur and at London’s Heathrow Airport over the coming year with an all-new design and premium amenities for business and high-end leisure travellers.

    Central to the Golden Lounge upgrades are new demonstration kitchens, where chefs will whip up Malaysian and international gourmet dishes while interacting with guests and customising meals to their personal tastes.

    Joining that is a “bistro service” in the business lounges and a revamped fine dining experience in the Kuala Lumpur first class lounge, with all locations also receiving faster wireless Internet and additional universal power sockets, allowing visitors to easily recharge their devices without an adaptor.

    Adopting a design created by internationally-renowned firm Duoz – the same company behind the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur and the Marriott Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay – guests will notice patches of greenery for a touch of colour throughout.

    “Delivering a holistic experience for our guests which starts from the lounge lies at the heart of the redesign,” said Malaysia Airlines’ CCO Paul Simmons.

    “We want the space to encapsulate the richness of travel with the airline, a luxurious contemporary Malaysian style that our guests will be able to experience when they enter any Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge around the world,” Simmons added.

    Malaysia Airlines’ regional and domestic lounges at Kuala Lumpur will be first with the new design and amenities by late 2016, followed by the international business and first class lounges in the KLIA Satellite terminal and also the airline’s London Heathrow lounge in mid-2017.

    The carrier’s ambitious lounge overhaul follows the debut of all-new business class seats on Malaysia Airlines’ Airbus A330 flights between Australia and Kuala Lumpur, with the fully-flat seats fitted to all MH A330s by late September this year.

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  • House of Chivas pours Regal Ultis to Qantas First Class customers

    House of Chivas pours Regal Ultis to Qantas First Class customers

    To celebrate the launch of Chivas Regal Ultis, Pernod Ricard Travel Retail Asia Pacific is offering the blended malt Scotch whisky to Qantas First Class customers until March.

    Chivas Regal Ultis features on the summer menu in the Sydney and Melbourne First Lounges and in a bespoke cocktail called ‘Fine St Blend’. First Class Qantas passengers will also be offered the spirit onboard and can buy it through Qantas epiQure and Qantas inSky shopping pre-order sites.

    Pernod Ricard Travel Retail Asia Pacific Senior Brand Manager Katie Gee said: “We know our Chivas Regal drinker travels frequently and is always discovering and seeking out new experiences. Showcasing our new product, Chivas Regal Ultis, with Qantas is a fantastic platform to connect with whisky enthusiasts along their journey.”

    To further promote the Chivas Regal Ultis launch in the region, Pernod Ricard Travel Retail Asia Pacific has partnered with duty free retailers to create large scale promotions in airports. Tasting bars, ambassador appearances and gifts-with-purchase were featured in December and will continue in selected locations throughout January.

    Chivas Regal Ultis is available now in global travel retail and in selected domestic retailers. The Scotch is also available through Qantas epiQure and Qantas inSky shopping pre-order channels in Asia Pacific.

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  • ‘M’ Retaurant groups up the glam factor on the Shanghai Bund

    ‘M’ Retaurant groups up the glam factor on the Shanghai Bund

    ‘M’ Restaurant Group is pleased to announce the launch of Glam, a sophisticated new Shanghai dining lounge & bar at 5 on the Bund – the same address that has been home to Shanghai institution and Bund pioneer, M on the Bund restaurant.  

    ‘M’, spearheaded by Shanghai’s legendary entrepreneur Michelle Garnaut, is famed for setting new standards of dining in Asia. Her restaurant collection began with the opening of M at the Fringe in Hong Kong (1989), from which she went on to pioneer the revival of sophistication in Shanghai with world famous M on the Bund (1999), and then further enhance Shanghai’s glamorous nightlife scene with the launch of The Glamour Bar (2006).  From here, she brought fine dining to the heart of Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square, with the opening of Capital M, (2009).

    “We look forward to bringing renewed life and energy to the heart of The Bund with an intoxicating mix of innovative and contemporary sharing plates (different from M on the Bund), fabulous cocktails, and the most extensive selection of wines by the glass offered in Shanghai.  There’s something for everyone…over 18 years of age. It’s a fun place for grownups!” says Michelle Garnaut.

    The menu, created under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Hamish Pollitt offers a delicious array of modern food designed for sharing, at prices that will have guests coming back often. With each menu, he respects the seasons, highlights local ingredients and introduces something new every month.

    Depending on the size of their appetites, guests are advised to choose one or two items from each of the sections, where favourites include the Veggie Pakoras andSweet Eggplant Pickle (RMB 36), Smoking Salmon and Salmon Caviar (RMB 48), Chili Salt-Crusted Bean Curd & Black Beans (RMB 38), Thai Tah Tah (RMB 68), 18-hour Lamb Shoulder Rogan Josh (RMB 128), and Ginger-Glazed Duck Dome Pie (RMB 108).

    The playful ‘Folly Trolley’ is stacked with a revolving selection of desserts including sweet Verrines (RMB 42) served in M’s beautiful colourful cut glasses, Alfonso’s Exploding Mango Pannacotta, Carmen Miranda’s tres fash Iles Flotante, Josephine Baker’s Chocolat Mousse, and Pavlov’s Dog … in a glass.

    A selection of madly modernistic and dramatically eclectic cocktails are on offer alongside the classics. At the vintage bar experienced mixologists are busy concocting delicious creations, many showcasing Glam Manager David’s crafted bitters, such as Saffron & Spice, Fellini Martini, Evening Thyme, Fire & Ice, or Mrs Peacock’s Folly.

    Guests enter the sensuous space through a glittering crystal waterfall, revealing low tables and dark jewel tone interiors inspired by the feathery tail of a Peacock. Designers Duncan Miller Ullmann (DMU) have ultimately created a warm and alluring interior. A comfortable mix of bespoke furniture and dark mirrored ceilings emphasize a series of works exclusively designed for Glam by famed cinematographer / artist / writer Christopher Doyle. It’s Glam on the Bund!

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