Editor’s Letter.

ON one of my first business trips, I flew to Melbourne and stayed in a poky room in a bland hotel in a nondescript part of town. Not an auspicious introduction to business travel.

These days, many companies recognise that travelling for business should involve a little pleasure, too, mostly in recognition of the fact that it takes their employees away from their regular lives.

I travel interstate at least once a month (or more often). Fortunately, our Melbourne office is next to The Langham, a little piece of luxury that always offers a seamless experience. Yes, we cram as many meetings as possible into the schedule but we try to have at least one over lunch or dinner to experience some of Melbourne’s charms. My usual haunts? Tipo 00 on Little Bourke Street or anywhere on Flinders Lane (yes, Chin Chin, I’m talking about you). Next stop: Embla.

The point is that doing business has become a lot more interesting. Hotels now offer everything from airport transfers by Tesla to separate floors for solo women travellers. Restaurants are catering to the corporate crowd with private dining rooms and secluded spots where it’s okay to pull out a tablet while you’re tucking into tiramisù. Corporate retreats know that unique teambuilding options in a luxurious setting work for the top end of town.

And it’s worth their while. According to Austrade’s Tourism Research Australia, last year, Australians spent a staggering $17.4 billion on domestic business travel.

Of course, we recommend you spend on the best. Our inaugural Business Travel Awards (page 109), in association with Acer, celebrate the country’s most exceptional hotels, venues and dining experiences for the executive traveller. It’s about that perfect balance of work and play. I hope you get to do some of both this month.

Kirsten Galliott Editor-in-Chief