Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2025 i Business Traveller

THERE’S SOMETHING about celebrity-branded alcohol brands that peeves me. It just feels rather mercenary – or tacky, at best. From Dwayne Johnson’s tequila to Emma Watson’s gin, everyone who’s anyone seems to be slapping their name on a bottle. But surely the contents should be the star attraction, not its sleb-stamped packaging – and what sounds appealing about a Gary Barlow Malbec anyway? Then again, I had to eat my words at the Cellars in the Sky awards this year, when Sarah Jessica Parker’s Invivo X, SJP Sauvignon Blanc made its mark for Delta. That wasn’t the only surprise of the night – turn to page 52 to find the full list of winners, a mouthwatering showcase of the best wines served at 35,000 feet. (In fact, I might just…

AVIATION The world’s busiest routes HOTELS Four hot new openings TRAVEL Airport drop-off charges SUSTAINABILITY Eco-friendly tech from CES CHEMNITZ (pronounced kem-nitz) may not have been on your radar (most of our team had never heard of it!) – but things are about to change, as the east German city has been named a European Capital of Culture 2025. The city also goes by another name: ‘Saxon Manchester’. Chemnitz was a powerhouse during the industrial revolution, earning the city wealth, status and ornate architecture. Visit the grand Kaßberg district to see the legacy for yourself, or head to the Industriemuseum to learn about Saxon textile and manufacturing history. Under the tagline ‘C the Unseen’, Chemnitz is collaborating with its Saxon neighbours for a year-long programme of events, shining a light…

Air Canada will resume flights between Ottawa and Heathrow on 31 March after a four-year hiatus. The four-times-weekly seasonal service will run until 25 October. Virgin Atlantic will launch flights between Heathrow and Riyadh on 30 March, with a daily service operated by the carrier’s A330neo aircraft. It joins BA and Saudia on the route. easyJet will launch twice-weekly summer seasonal flights between Southampton and Paris Orly on 31 March, departing the UK airport on Monday and Friday evenings. Hainan Airlines will resume flights between Beijing and Oslo on 22 March. The thrice-weekly seasonal service will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until 25 October.…

Treehouse Hotels from SH Hotels & Resorts has made its stateside debut in Silicon Valley. The property has 111 rooms (with plans to expand to 252) and over 650 sqm of events space. As for food, there’s a beer garden serving 30 different craft beers and small bites, while Valley Goat restaurant offers a seasonally rotating menu of sharing plates, led by chef Stephanie Izard. Closer to home, Treehouse Hotels’ Manchester property also opens this month, featuring lowwaste restaurant Pip, with rooftop venue Sister Moon to follow.…

WHAT LIES AHEAD for the world of aviation? Delta is staking a claim in the future of flight, partnering with Airbus to develop solutions through innovation labs such as Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab and Airbus UpNext. The companies will explore everything from fuel efficiency and wing performance to superconductivity. Airbus is even taking inspiration from geese to create energy savings: the new “fello’fly” technique pairs aircraft in a bird-like V formation. Delta has also announced new partnerships with Uber, as well as Joby Aviation – a company focused on merging electric air taxis with ride-sharing tech. Plus, expect a new AI-powered digital tool, Delta Concierge, to improve the Fly Delta app and promote sustainable transport solutions.…

PALLADIUM HOTEL GROUP has introduced a range of industry-leading Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for 2025 as part of its Palladium Cares programme. First off, a new training and family support centre for employees in Mexico will partner with local organisation Fundación Origen to offer vocational training courses, sports activities and mental health support. The group has also announced a ‘Euro per stay’ programme, which allows guests to directly contribute to the work of local charities and NGOs. Plus, a new ‘Guest of the Month’ scheme, offers free hotel stays to families of the NGOs that work with the hotel group. The company is also committed to sustainable food management projects, energy efficiency and reducing water consumption.…

A reader of a frequent flyer blog exclaimed: “This feels like a death in my family.” “I’m actually still numb, I didn’t see this coming,” said another. “I’m profoundly in shock,” wrote a third. What drastic news are they referring to? A tragic air crash? A major cybersecurity breach? The outbreak of a new pandemic? In fact, it was the changes that BA is making to its Executive Club -or the newly named ‘The British Airways Club’. The main controversy that has frequent flyers apoplectic with rage seems to centre around how BA will award its much-coveted Silver and Gold card status in future. Put simply, from 1 April, it will move to a spendbased tier point system – BA will reward you based on what you spend rather than…

For refined dining, head to the 170-year-old brasserie Borchardt, which has served everyone from Prussian statesman Otto von Bismarck to German royalty, and still plates up Wiener schnitzel, Himalayan bitter oranges and ostrich eggs. BRLO Brwhouse (right) offers a more modern take on German cuisine, plus craft beer in an industrial space built from 38 shipping containers. If you’re after old-Berlin charm, then hit up Rogacki, a Charlottenburg deli and food hall featured in Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. Order trays of pork rimmed with crackling and boiled potatoes by the gram, or perch at the Schlemmerecke (“gourmet corner”) for sparkling wine and matjes herring.…

THOSE OF US who love cold water swimming know that the biggest faff is the speedy changing required to warm up afterwards. Enter the WYLDING boiler suit, invented by cold water swimmers, Daniela Bohling and Millie Dornan (wife of actor Jamie Dornan). The suit is light and flexible, so you can wear it over your swimmers en route to the shores, and its micro fleece lining means its cosy enough to pull on after a chilly dip. Plus, it’s surprisingly flattering to wear and a great addition to your cold swimming wardrobe. The WYLDING suit costs £160 and comes in three colours: Moss Green, Midnight Black and Marine Blue. Each year, the brand offers a guest colour -last year it was on-trend Burgundy combined with an ice-blue fleece, while this…

Located in the heart of London by Covent Garden. Surrounded by West End's theatres, exclusive boutiques, top sights and the best restaurants and bars, ME London is one of the leading luxury lifestyle hotels in the centre of London. It is contemporary and cutting edge in style, designed by the world-famous architects Foster + Partners, ME London offers 157 exquisitely designed, large and modern guestrooms including 16 suites. A place to enjoy New York restaurant STK London, lounge bar Marconi Lounge and award-winning Radio Rooftop with spectacular panoramic views of London (London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden), 7 meeting rooms with capacity for up to 300 people, a fully equipped gym, open 24 hours a day and complimentary high-speed WIFI. ME LONDON…

Makeup artists are also being welcomed into the hospitality sphere. At The Dorchester Collection’s Le Meurice (right) in Paris (see our review on page 78), a new partnership gives guests exclusive access to all the insider beauty tips and secrets – while also contributing to a worthy social cause. In January, the hotel launched a partnership with Olivier Echaudemaison – the former creative director of make-up at Guerlain. Guests can now book in for a personal consultation with the renowned make-up artist every Wednesday, with each session including practical tips and personalised recommendations using prestigious cosmetic brands. The price of a consultation starts from €450, with all proceeds going towards Maison des Femmes, an organisation dedicated to supporting women in vulnerable situations. Meanwhile, luxury London hotel Middle Eight (below) launched…

MATT POTTER Matt is a journalist, broadcaster, presenter, author and documentary maker whose work appears in the Washington Post, Independent, BBC, Time and others. On page 46, he explores Virginia’s fascinating tech scene, with a stop off at the US state’s vineyards. FREDDIE REIDY Freddie is a regular contributor to High Life and The Club (British Airways’ magazine for Executive Club Members), writing regularly about hotels and aviation and frequently found in the Southwest of France. On page 60, he charts the dramatic rise of Indian aviation. KATE BETTES Kate is an Australian journalist based in Berlin. Her writing has appeared in BBC Travel, Business Insider, Travel + Leisure, Grazia and more, and she loves to reveal the unexpected. In this issue, she takes us on an insider tour of…

IF YOU’RE LOOKING for idyllic island scenes and a little extra space, then the relaxing Raffles Sentosa Singapore has you covered. The hotel is the city-state’s first all-villa resort, boasting 62 villas each complete with a private pool, outdoor terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows. Set into the hillside with views over the South China Sea, villas range from 210 sqm for a one-bedroom pool option to 650 sqm for the fourbedroom Royal Villa. Take advantage of traditional healing treatments at the spa, improve your serve at one of the on-site golf courses, or make the most of the direct access to Tanjong Beach. There’s no shortage of dining options either, with five restaurants including an Italian grill and Cantonese cuisine.…

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HOW CAN TECHNOLOGY IMPROVE TRAVEL? Travel is inherently a physical experience – but technology can enhance it by seamlessly connecting services, creating multiple touchpoints, and eliminating common inconveniences. Each traveller has unique preferences, making personalisation key. A well-designed tech ecosystem should adapt to individual needs and optimise the journey. WHAT ARE THE TECH INNOVATIONS PRIORITY PASS IS FOCUSING ON AND WHY? Our proprietary Lounge Management System (LMS) enhances the guest experience while streamlining capacity management. It includes pre-book capabilities, a digital waitlist, and real-time flight tracking, giving travellers extra peace of mind. HOW ARE YOU UTILISING AI TECHNOLOGY? We’re piloting a Pre-book Assist function at select UK locations, a feature built into the Priority Pass app. Leveraging AI-driven insights, it predicts how busy a lounge will be on…

‘If you compare it to short-haul air travel in Europe, rail is superior’ Hannah Brandler meets Eurostar’s chief commercial officer to discuss the highspeed rail operator’s past, present and future Q &A Eurostar celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024. How has it evolved over the past three decades? When Eurostar started in November 1994 it was revolutionary technology. Travelling under the sea between London, Paris and Brussels seemed amazing to a lot of people, so there was plenty of curiosity. It was mainly air travel and ferry markets at the time, so Eurostar was the disruptor – the new mode of transport. There were a lot of cheeky campaigns, which were quite tongue-in-cheek and irreverent in tone. The brand played a lot on the banter between the UK and the…

Q&A How did you get into the stunt world? I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a stunt woman. I saw the Indiana Jones stunt show at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and immediately decided that was what I wanted to do when I grew up. I was sporty and already training for about 25 hours a week in gymnastics. Then, at the age of 16, I got an opportunity to work on the film Kick-Ass 2, where I doubled as Hit-Girl – a kid ninja who fights crime with her dad. I’m only 5ft, so my niche is playing younger characters. It’s whoever I fit size- and looks-wise. Since kids are always growing, they tend to outgrow me and then they need a new…

SMART MIRRORS go beyond providing a simple reflection. Using AI, sensors and digital displays they are able to offer personal health and beauty insights. The futuristic Withings Omnia mirror and scales caused a stir at the trade show. Users step on the scale and 360-degree body scanners measure their weight and both metabolic and heart health, while an AI voice assistant offers friendly feedback. Omnia can also pull medical data collected from other trackers like your smartwatch or blood pressure monitor to provide recommendations. Given the interest at the trade fair, expect to see smart mirrors on the market soon The Omnia mirror is only at the concept stage (and too large for a conventional bathroom) but Withings is working on a smaller consumer version. Samsung also showcased its Micro…

DOMESTIC Edvard Munch Portraits, London 13 March-15 June Edvard Munch is considered one of the great artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, best known for his evocative oeuvre, The Scream. This exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery is dedicated exclusively to his portraits and includes some pieces never before shown in the UK. Look out for his vivid depiction of German physicist Felix Auerbach (pictured). SHORT-HAUL Tulip Festival, Amsterdam 20 March-11 May This spring, the annual festival celebrates the capital’s 750th anniversary, with displays at 85 points across the city, including floating tulips in Vondelpark pond. Keukenhof Gardens, just outside Amsterdam, is a must see -boasting seven million spring-flowering bulbs. LONG-HAUL Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Houston 4-23 March Saddle up and put on your cowboy boots! The 2025…

THE ILLUSTRIOUS Cellars in the Sky awards were initially known as the less catchy ‘Business Class Wine Survey’. There was no mention of first class, and categories were limited to white and red wines. Today the gamut extends to rosé, sparkling, fortified and dessert wines – plus we acknowledge the best overall cellar, and the alliance whose member carriers scored best. (Turn to page 52 for the full results.) Former editor Graham Boynton first launched the survey “in answer to complaints from numerous travellers about the quality of the wine they were being served when travelling in business class”. The initial event didn’t get off to the merriest of starts, with one judge going so far as describing the 1985 tasting as a “depressing event”. The follow-up report was even…

GOLDEN AGE Thirty years ago, when Eurostar first launched, I travelled regularly to Paris and Lille in first class. The carriages were rarely full, but it was the start of a new adventure, although in the beginning, many were frightened of taking this new mode of transport. They did not want to risk travelling ‘sous La Manche’ (under the Channel). In first class, bottles of Champagne were served galore with the meals! The journey was longer than it is now and there was time to make new friends. It was very convivial and sometimes we wished that we did not have to get off the train when we arrived at our destination. They were happy days! Anne Ivers, London, UK BT REPLIES: It’s always great to hear about our readers’…

MAPS.ME Download detailed maps for offline use, bookmark your favourite locations and plan routes in advance. A search function helps discover nearby points of interest, and Maps.me also lets you contribute to its open-source map data. WIFI MAP Stay connected while travelling with the world’s largest wifi community, providing access to millions of free wifi hotspots around the world. WiFi Map’s speed test feature lets you check the quality of networks, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience. FLUSH The app you didn’t know you needed but won’t be able to live without. Flush quickly locates public toilets wherever you are, with user reviews, accessibility information, and real-time availability updates. PRIORITY PASS Gain access to over 1,700 airport lounges and travel experiences across 725 airports in 145 countries with the Priority…

SINGAPORE STARTUP Flint has unveiled a biodegradable paper battery, offering a ‘revolutionary’ energy solution. The technology works by using a ring of hydrogel within a piece of paper that serves as an electrolyte and a separator. It offers a comparable lifespan to lithiumion batteries and is lighter, cheaper, safer and versatile enough for everyday devices. By using renewable materials, it can biodegrade in six weeks when buried in soil. Flint claims this is the world’s most sustainable battery, capable of addressing the environmental challenges of current energy storage systems. The company plans to begin mass production this year.…

Checking out of a hotel in Kiel, Germany, I was surprised to find an additional amount on my bill under the title ‘Übernachtungssteuer’. Was this the ubiquitous ‘resort fee’ in another guise? Indeed it was. I reeled with shock at the fact that resort fees had migrated across the Atlantic and struck at the heart of the Bundesrepublik. Here it was in black and white, another example of hoteliers’ drip pricing. It’s difficult to ascertain when this sly practice began, but it seems to have originated from that sinful city of Las Vegas and been quickly adopted by the hotel sprawl of both Miami and Orlando. In 2012, the US Federal Trade Commission wrote to 22 hotels warning them that their fees were not clear on websites promoting the property,…

FROM ITS war-torn scars to its underground art scene, Berlin is a living testament to transformation. It has been divided, torn down, rebuilt and torn down again – but always lands on its feet. Trace your fingers along bullet-riddled facades, dine like old Prussian royalty, or lose yourself in a club where you dance alone yet completely at one with the crowd. This is a city in constant collision with itself – so hold your breath and dive right in. HISTORIC STAYS First things first, check in to historic grandeur at the Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel. This five-star hotel is located within the 19th-century former Dresden Bank in Berlin’s central Mitte district. It’s just off the main Unter den Linden boulevard, and a short walk from Brandenburg…

NOBLE ROT, LONDON A stalwart with three central London locations, bar and restaurant Noble Rot is adored by oenophiles and calls itself ‘a shrine to the vine’ with very good reason. VIVANT, PARIS Intimate and charming, Vivant is the perfect escape for a glass or two of something suitably French, all served up by a friendly and hugely knowledgeable team. ANGELITA, MADRID Named on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, Angelita is both a wine bar celebrating the likes of Rioja and Tempranillo and a speakeasy-style hidden lounge serving up crafty cocktails. ENOTECA PITTI GOLA E CANTINA, FLORENCE Three qualified sommeliers guide locals and visitors alike through a brilliant collection of Italian vintages, with a choice of wine flights for everyone, from novices to experts.…

WINNERS SPARKLING BUSINESS CLASS GOLD Korean Air Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimé, 2013, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France 95.5 points “Elegance and complexity, with a smooth texture and great length on the palate” SILVER EVA Air Champagne Castelnau Brut Millésimé, 2006, Champagne, France 95 points “Wonderful grilled and toasted notes with an intense aromatic harmony. Citrus notes bring a superb freshness” BRONZE Lufthansa Taittinger Champagne Brut Millésimé, Vintage 2016, Champagne, France 94 points “Floral aromas of hawthorn and pleasant notes of pear, kumquat, verbena, gingerbread and white flowers, underpinned by a subtle minty note” FIRST CLASS GOLD Singapore Airlines Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, 2012, Champagne, France 96 points “Sweet orchard fruit, buttery croissants, peach and hazelnuts” SILVER Cathay Pacific Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, 2007, Champagne,…

Partnerships with celebrity chefs, international designers and starchitects is nothing new in the hospitality world. But a new crop of creatives are finding themselves setting up shop in luxurious suites, as hotels seek to foster inspirational environments. The trend is being driven by changing consumer demands. Travellers no longer just want a room with a view: they want a portal into the local culture. A hotel shouldn’t just be a transient stop, but part of an enriching, authentic travel experience. Hotels have responded enthusiastically, with guided neighbourhood tours, local cookery classes and lively event schedules all becoming commonplace. But some properties are taking things a step further, merging the world of arts into the hotel sphere by inviting artists and professionals to take up residency and share their talents with…