Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition April 2017

“Where’s the best place to see the Hong Kong skyline?”It’s a common question from visiting friends, but my answer often catches them off guard.“Not on Hong Kong Island,” I say,“because the island is what you want to see. Head over to Tsim Sha Tsui on the Star Ferry, and walk along the Kowloon Promenade, especially in the evening.” It’s a walk I’ve made on numerous occasions, and it never ceases to thrill. Kowloon gets a bad rap at times, especially from Hong Kongers.“The Dark Side”we call it in jest, hinting at nefarious goings-on and overcrowded chaos. The reality of course is very different; many of Hong Kong’s most vibrant markets are here, along with some of its top hotels and museums – mostly located on or near the Victoria Harbour shoreline. In…

As business travellers know, life on the road can take its toll. Restless sleep, poor diet, no time for exercise and missing the comforts of home are common gripes for road warriors. It was with these issues in mind that Oasia was conceived. Launched in 2011 by Far East Hospitality, the brand is dedicated to giving corporate travellers a rejuvenating stay that encompasses the holistic aspirations of a balanced lifestyle. Three pillars of wellness lie at the core of this philosophy: Refresh, Refuel and Recharge. Refresh epitomises quality rest in a comfortable and peaceful environment; Refuel symbolises nourishment through quality sustenance; and Recharge presents guests with opportunities to invigorate the mind and body. With these central principles, combined with the best of Asian hospitality, Oasia has established itself as the destination of choice…

JENNY SOUTHAN is the features editor of Business Traveller UK. Whilst visiting Havana (Revolutionary road”, page 28) she was astounded to catch one of the last public sightings of Fidel Castro before his death on November 25, 2016. “Although wifi is a rare luxury, flagging down a vintage Cadillac is much more fun than ordering an Uber,”she says. “Sometimes frustrating, sometimes enthralling, there is a thirst for change in this country stuck in the past.” HELEN DALLEY is a freelance writer based in Hong Kong for more than a decade. A regular contributor to this magazine, as well as the SCMP, Travel + Leisure, Tatler and many other publications, she was more than happy to take on the research for this issue’s feature on craft beers (“Something’s brewing”, page 62).“From hoppy…

A waterfront development whose architecture combines both the historical and contemporary, The Fullerton Heritage comprises a myriad of dining, hospitality and lifestyle establishments across The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Waterboat House, One Fullerton, The Fullerton Pavilion, Clifford Pier and Customs House. Together with the two hotels’ nine dining destinations, an array of 29 restaurants, bars and cafés in the precinct make it a vibrant focal point of lifestyle offerings for both hotel and city guests to enjoy. The precinct is strategically positioned in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, minutes from the city’s iconic cultural landmarks and close to the main shopping belts of Suntec City and Orchard Road. It is also well linked to various transportation hubs, with Changi International Airport less than half…

Qatar Airways reveals new business class product QATAR Airways has unveiled its highly anticipated new business class seat. The Q Suite offers the first-ever double bed offering in business class, with a privacy door that“completely encloses you”and a Do Not Disturb sign. Additionally, adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the centre four seats allow passengers travelling together to create a collective private suite, ideal for family set-ups or business meetings. The new product will be installed on all newly delivered B777 and A350 aircraft, with existing models set to be retrofitted. A similar product is being developed for the airline’s B787 and A380 aircraft. qatarairways.com Oakwood debuts new brand in Singapore AFTER launching its new Oakwood Suites brand in Jakarta in December 2016, Oakwood Asia Pacific has now debuted another new concept, the Oakwood…

ANA will give its first Airbus A380 a special “sea turtle” livery to commemorate the aircraft’s deployment on the Japanese carrier’s Tokyo-Honolulu route. The design was chosen as part of a competition that included more than 2,000 submissions from members of the public. ASIANA AIRLINES will introduce a new Economy Smartium class of seats on its A350 aircraft starting May 15. Offering more seat pitch than standard economy but featuring the same width, recline and screen size, Economy Smartium will also include access to priority boarding and entry to the Asiana Business Class Lounge at Incheon International Airport for long-haul travellers. CATHAY PACIFIC will increase flight frequencies on select routes to the UK, US, France, Spain and Australia starting from June. These will include its services to Manchester, Gatwick, Madrid, Paris, San…