Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific)
HKIA sees opening of two new lounges
CATHAY PACIFIC AND PLAZA PREMIUM have opened new lounge facilities at their home base in Hong Kong International Airport.
The new CX lounge, The Bridge – managed by Plaza Premium – is open to first and business passengers, Marco Polo diamond, silver and gold members, and Oneworld emerald and sapphire members.
Designed by London-based architectural firm Foster + Partners, the space is separated into two wings, each extending from either side of the 14-metre Carrara marble reception counter set against a luminous wall made of Venetian glass tiles by Fabbian of Italy.
On the right-hand side is the Long Bar, TV Lounge and The Bakery – a new feature unique to this lounge. The left-hand-side section features the Bistro, where the usual business class lounge food and drink offerings are served; the Coffee Loft with a stationed barista; the IT Zone with 12 workstations and six dualsystem iMacs; the main lounge with living room-style furnishing; and nine shower suites.
Meanwhile, Plaza Premium has opened its own new pay-in lounge that measures 1,394 sqm, making the facility the largest pay-in lounge in Asia.
The lounge is divided into several zones that aim to provide travellers with a diverse and immersive experience. For instance, the lounge and bar area feature soft lighting and subtle textures to provide a more intimate and private feel, while the dining area engages guests with its lively interactive open kitchen and food on display.
There is also a new dining concept at this Plaza Premium Lounge, The Market Place, with individual stalls including a Chinese milk tea station, a salad bar, and a noodle bar offering the lounge’s signature Hong Kong-style fish ball noodles.
A fun and unique feature is the wine dispenser machine available at the dining area. With a selection of 10 different complimentary wines (five reds and five whites), lounge customers can go on over and fill themselves a glass at will. www.cathaypacific.com and www.plaza-network.com