Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2025 i Business Traveller

KARMA HAD ITS wicked way with me this month. An email arrived in my inbox, subject line dazzling with promise: “Invitation”… “new JW Marriott”… “Maldives”. The golden ticket of travel journalism. RSVP? Hell yes. Naturally, I bragged endlessly about my upcoming itinerary. But, as we all know, pride cometh before a fall… What you won’t read about on page 44 is the four days of relentless rain and thunderstorms that plagued my tropical getaway – freak weather for peak Maldives season. You could say it served me right for being an unbearable boast. But then again, it wasn’t really karma, was it? The Maldives isn’t the only victim of climate change, but the atoll-scattered nation is arguably facing a more urgent crisis than most, and my soggy sojourn served as…

AVIATION Is Boeing making a comeback? HOTELS Behind-the-scenes eco tours TRAVEL High-speed rail comparisons SUSTAINABILITY UK’s first vegan Michelin star VILNIUS HAS BEEN recognised as this year’s European Green Capital by the European Commission. The Lithuanian city aims to be climate neutral by 2030, with its efforts touching all aspects of city life. You’ll find a new and improved network of pedestrian paths, more cycling lanes and several low emission zones rolling out this year. Public transport vehicles are set to become 60% electric too, while the remainder will source clean alternative fuels. That’s not the only greenery the city has to offer either: more than 60% of Vilnius is made up of green space. The largest, Vingis Park, is positioned on a bend of the Neris River, and it’s…

LUXURY HOTEL BRAND Aman has opened its second property in Thailand, nestled in central Bangkok’s tropical Nai Lert Park. The urban hotel follows in the footsteps of boutique hotel Amanpuri in Phuket, which reopened in 2023, and features elegant design by Jean-Michel Gathy – the architect behind the brand’s properties in New York, Venice, Beijing and Turks and Caicos. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is home to 52 suites and several dining concepts including the brand’s signature Italian eatery, Japanese restaurant Sesui and teppanyaki experience, Hiori. For those wanting a wellness fix, the hotel also boasts a 1,500 sqm spa offering traditional Thai treatments.…

(SUSTAINABILITY ACRONYMS YOU NEED TO KNOW) SBTi: Science Based Targets initiative A global body helping companies set emissions targets that align with climate science. ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance A company’s commitment to ethical development, from reducing carbon footprint to supporting local communities, and the standards used to transparently measure and disclose its sustainability and societal impact, along with the strength of its governance. B Corp: Benefit Corporation A certification for companies who excel in social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. LCA: Life Cycle Assessment A method to assess the environmental impact of a product or service from production to disposal. LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design A set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings, homes, and neighbourhoods.…

PRODUCED IN THE Hepple hills of Northumberland National Park, Hepple Gin is marking its tenth anniversary with a new bottle made from locally sourced, recycled materials. The botanical-based gin is packaged in glassware made from 52% recycled material, complete with a recycled and lightweight stopper sourced from FSC-certified forests, and a label made from 100% cotton. Taste the spirit in cocktails at The Connaught and Maison François in London, or get your hands on a whole bottle for £39.99 at luxury stores Harrods and Fortnum & Mason.…

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YVR) A new Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First (PPF) opened last year. Decor is locally inspired, while facilities include a hot and cold buffet, complimentary drinks and murals by local artists. RIYADH KING KHALID INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (RUH) This new 24/7 lounge opened in December 2024 in Terminal 1, complete with shower facilities, prayer room and a buffet of local delicacies including vegetarian options. TAIPEI SONGSHAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TSA) Opened in January 2025 on the third floor of Terminal 1, the lounge features all-day dining with made-to-order dishes as well as a convenient to-go counter. An art gallery showcases works by local artisans. LONDON GATWICK AIRPORT (LGW) A new Plaza Express lounge opened in the North Terminal in July 2024. Amenities include a salad bar buffet,…

Q&A How did you become a polar explorer? My father captained large fishing vessels and I’ve always had an adventurous spirit. Growing up in Sweden, I’ve always been drawn to colder climates, and this led to working on Swedish icebreakers. In 2008, I got an opportunity to work on a passenger ship for the Antarctic season, and I got a crush on the first iceberg I saw. That sparked a passion for ice navigation. What are some of the most amazing things you’ve seen? I could talk about some of the close encounters with polar bears… but for me, it has to be witnessing Arctic ice in the special autumn light. The dark and powerful red evening light illuminates the ice in otherworldly blue hues – it’s breathtaking. I also…

AT HONG KONG International Airport, Cathay Pacific has collaborated with the city’s homegrown restaurant success Mott 32 to offer contemporary takes on classic Chinese cuisine. At the airline’s super-sleek first class lounge The Pier, Cantonese and regional Chinese flavours come to the fore in rotating specials. Highlights include free-range chicken with numbing Sichuan peppercorns and chilli sauce, and crispy black cod featuring the robust flavours of Hong Kong-style ‘typhoon shelter’ cooking with bursts of garlic and heat. Business class customers onboard Emirates this summer will be able to choose from 18 dishes designed by Moët & Chandon’s head chef Jean Michel Bardet, all of which are paired with an exclusive Champagne. The sky-high collab will feature starters such as poached scallops with green melon, kumquat, lemon gel and roasted almonds,…

1 UNLOCK THE PUBLIC ART SCENE Arlington puts art in the heart of Northern Virginia. Since 1979, various artworks have been commissioned by the Arlington Public Art Program to help reflect the personality of the place, reeling in both locals and tourists to explore the county’s most creative pursuits. Work your way through unique pieces like ‘Queen City’ (above) as part of the Arlington Public Art Walking Tour. You can find a map online and walk, ride, or drive yourself round the neighbourhood’s best bits. If you’re due a dose of culture, this is the best place to find it. 2 EXPLORE AMERICA’S PAST Northern Virginia’s home to countless historical sites that are ingrained in the nation’s identity. Take Arlington National Cemetery, the US’ most famous military burial ground. This…

GEMMA GREENWOOD Gemma is a seasoned journalist and editor with 25-plus years covering travel. A former editor of Business Traveller Middle East, she has lived and worked in Dubai, Australia and London – three of her favourite places. On page 48, she discovers why Finns have the most fun. SIOBHAN GROGAN Siobhan is a travel, music and lifestyle writer. She began her career at NME, interviewing everyone from Paul McCartney to Amy Winehouse, and has written for National Geographic Traveller, The Telegraph, The Times, Harper’s Bazaar and Mail on Sunday. See her pick of wellness retreats on page 42. EDWARD RUSSELL Edward is an aviation and transport journalist based in Washington, DC. Formerly the editor of industry newsletter, Airline Weekly, his work has appeared in The Washington Post, CNN Travel,…

HOTELS ONCE got kudos for stocking guest rooms with recycling bins and paraben-free toiletries. But as interest in sustainability increases, travellers are savvy to sham claims about eco-friendliness. A few brands are putting their money where their mouth is, by inviting guests behind the scenes to tour compost piles, organic gardens, desalination plants and employee-only spaces. Jeff Smith, vice president of sustainability at Six Senses, says sustainability tours are standard at its properties. “We want to be as transparent as possible and offer opportunities to participate,” he says. At Six Senses Vana in India, guests can tour The Village, where a wastewater treatment plant hums continuously and employees fill hundreds of glass bottles with filtered water from a nearby river. The water-bottling plant, meanwhile, has eliminated over 100,000 single-use plastic…

ACCOR HAS FINALLY debuted its Orient Express Hotels brand, with the revival having been in the works since 2017 – when Accor acquired a stake in Orient Express alongside rail provider SNCF. Orient Express La Minerva is housed within a 17th-century building that was once home to the aristocratic Portuguese Fonseca family, and offers 93 rooms and suites. Historic features have been restored, with interior design by Hugo Toro – the ballroom has 12 marble statues and Murano glass chandeliers, for one. Head to the rooftop bar for cocktails and views of the Pantheon and Saint Peter’s Basilica.…

Airports Council International has released a new report on anticipated air traffic growth over the next three decades. Here’s what to expect: The number of global air passengers is set to reach 17.7 billion by 2043, and 22.3 billion by 2053 (up from 9.5 billion in 2024) Aircraft movements (take-offs and landings) are predicted to reach 149 million by 2043, and 176 million by 2053 Drivers of growth include rising demand in emerging markets, investment in airport infrastructure and strengthened international travel…

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CLUB SFO, SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT The Club SFO has achieved a prestigious LEED Gold certification, by covering multiple sustainability and efficiency measures. This includes the use of energy-efficient systems and technologies, recycling and composting, use of biophilia, and water-efficient systems. KYRA LOUNGE, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Innovative solar fins on the windows help to regulate the temperature and reduce air conditioning, while a ‘daylight harvesting’ system adjusts artificial light intensity based on the natural light available. The statement central bar was also made from reclaimed typhoon-damaged wood. AMAE LOUNGES, ARGENTINA The B Corp certified lounge operator was named a Pioneer of the Year in the Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2024 for its support of local communities. Lounges work with students from vulnerable communities to provide…

VEGANS, LISTEN UP! Plates in east London has become the UK’s first plant-based restaurant to earn a Michelin star, less than a year after opening its doors. Headed up by siblings Kirk and Keeley Haworth, the restaurant transforms delicious organic fare and local produce into seven-and eight-course tasting menus (£75-£90). We won’t spoil the surprise, but expect ingredients such as barbecued Maitake mushroom, lasagna crafted from mung and urad beans, and cakes made from raw cacao. The earthy dining room also nods to the plant ecosystem, featuring a dried seaweed installation and a bar crafted from felled London trees. Keeley commented: “This achievement proves that plant-based dining can stand proudly at the highest level of gastronomy.” Next up for the duo is Plates Farm and Retreat, which will offer four-night…

BEYOND GREEN HAS surpassed the 50 member milestone, expanding its portfolio of sustainable hotels, resorts and lodges across 22 countries. New recruits include eight &Beyond lodges in South Africa as well as safari camp ENVI Sisini Serengeti in Tanzania. To make the cut, properties must engage in eco-friendly practices that go beyond the basics, protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage, and enhance social and economic wellbeing in local communities. CEO Lindsey Ueberroth commented: “Each property in our portfolio offers travellers the assurance that their choices support meaningful change, all while providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences.” Owned by Preferred Travel Group, Beyond Green participates in the I Prefer Hotel Rewards loyalty scheme. HOW DOES IT WORK? Properties undergo a rigorous vetting process based on more than 50 sustainability indicators…

ONE OF THE most common questions people ask regarding their points and miles is the classic: “Is this redemption worth it?” Trust me, I get it. We spend a lot of time, energy and money accruing our coveted points and miles, and we should make sure we are smart in the way we use them. To understand how to answer this question, we first have to establish the fact that we always have two options when it comes to booking a flight: we can pay with cash, or with miles. When we pay with the latter, it’s not that we’re getting the flight for free, it’s just that we’re not using the cash in our bank account to pay for it. Points and miles inherently hold a degree of monetary…

KNOWN FOR BEING the sunniest city in Australia, Perth offers year-round appeal with a blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. The cosmopolitan CBD hugs the Swan River, with Kings Park offering plenty of respite. Just 30 minutes east of the city lies the state’s oldest wine region in the Swan Valley, while the port of Fremantle resembles a Mediterranean coastal town, primed for epic sunsets. Elizabeth Quay Set on a circular inlet between the CBD and Swan River, Elizabeth Quay is the city’s modern entertainment precinct, which takes full advantage of its riverside location. A stroll along the quay’s curvaceous bridge presents beautiful views of the evolving city skyline, while visitors can discover bars and restaurants, public artworks and swanky accommodation. From here, venture into Perth’s urban heart, with…

NO CONVERSATION about Finland would be complete without mentioning the beloved sauna. For most residents, it’s a second living room, and many Helsinki homes and apartment blocks are equipped with one. Locals often combine the hot, steamy sauna experience with ice bathing; a quintessentially Finnish tradition. The city’s public saunas offer visitors the chance to get in on this blissful ritual. A stand-out spot is Löyly, a stunning wooden structure on the Baltic Sea featuring three wood-fired saunas, a year-round outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant serving comforting classics like meatballs and creamy salmon soup. With more than 3.3 million saunas spread across a country of just 5.5 million people, there’s plenty of relaxation to go around.…

REPURPOSED RAIN Creative studio Bompas and Parr predicts that London’s eateries will one day serve jellies made from distilled rainwater sourced from across the city, fragranced with hydroponically grown herbs. FATTY BUT FAIR Australian cultured meat company Vow has launched ‘Forged Gras’, a lab-grown alternative to the ethically dubious foie gras delicacy. Crafted from cultured Japanese quail cells, it promises a fatty liver flavour profile and texture -without any animal intervention. A SPOONFUL OF ELECTRICITY This year’s CES saw the debut of Kirin’s Electric Salt Spoon, which uses a mild electrical current to enhance the salty and umami taste of low-sodium foods. The spoon went on sale with limited runs in Japan last year and plans to reach a million users by 2029.…

IT’S “THE END of an era”, lamented David Owen in Business Traveller’s November 1984 issue, reporting that the arrival of inflight telephones had “invaded another sanctuary”. The report details a flurry of US airlines that launched inflight telephone units towards the end of 1984, provided by Airfone. American Airlines opted for one phone box in first class, while United chose to have four telephone stations installed on its planes. The cordless handset was shared between passengers, who could call “from the wall unit or his seat, depending on the confidentiality of the call and the tolerance of his neighbour”. Owen noted the arrival of such technology would “appeal to some and appal others”, ruining “the cosseted privacy of the inveterate idler, the business traveller who believes that travel time is…

REST EASY You have a great magazine, which I always pick up when available. I want to share a good experience with American Airlines recently. My wife and I took our baby for his first birthday from London to Buenos Aires via JFK. He has grandparents in Argentina who don’t see him often enough. Business class was too costly on this occasion so we flew economy. Dreading the experience, we got lucky with a kind check-in attendant. She not only put us in a spacious area on a quiet LHR-JFK leg, so our boy could crawl around a bit, but secured the only free seat on the JFK-EZE route and put it between my wife and me on a row of three, meaning our boy got his own lie-flat bed…

Eco-friendly brand 1 Hotels is landing in Seattle this month, with a property in the city’s central South Lake Union neighbourhood. The 153 rooms and suites have natural wood finishes, moss-inspired art installations and plenty of natural light. There’s also a leafy feature wall in the entranceway and a landscaped outdoor terrace. In terms of facilities, expect a Mediterranean and Japanese-inspired restaurant led by chef Oscar Amador Edo, plus a lobby bar and lounge, events spaces and a fitness centre with Peloton bikes.…

‘We’re not just a lounge company – we do everything except duty free’ Tamsin Cocks meets Plaza Premium Group’s deputy CEO to discuss robotic chefs and coordinating airport services Q&A You joined Plaza Premium Group during Covid – how did you navigate the challenge? I remember sitting down with Mr Song, the founder and CEO of PPG, scratching our heads about how long Covid might last and what to do. That was the moment I believe PPG made a valuable decision. Most companies preferred to slow down and focus on how to protect resources and preserve cash. But we prepared a business plan and raised capital on the market with the purpose of expansion. Pre-pandemic, PPG had a presence in 18 countries at around 40 airports. Our plan was to…

THE CONCEPT OF carbon offsetting seems almost too good to be true. Here I was thinking that my globetrotting travel schedule was ethically dubious… but apparently all I need to do is pay a bit extra to offset my carbon footprint and wash away all my sins. An off-the-shelf carbon confessional that means I can circle the globe as many times as I like with no environmental hang-ups. How does it work? The premise of carbon offset schemes is that the traveller can pay a few more pounds and have those funds put towards an environmental initiative, such as tree planting, to cancel out the harm from the carbon emissions of their flight. The actual cost to offset emissions depends on several factors, including the distance of your flight, the…

About 30 minutes east of the city lies the Swan Valley, the state’s oldest wine region. In addition to visiting the many wineries, breweries and distilleries, you can also cuddle a koala and join a kangaroo safari. Historic Guildford is the gateway to the Swan Valley, where you can browse the strip of antique shops, cafés and haunted pubs, or catch a live performance at the quaint Garrick Theatre. About 90 minutes north of Perth, within the Nambung National Park, lies the Pinnacles Desert, featuring thousands of limestone mounds in all shapes and sizes. No one is sure how they appeared, making the desert one of the most mysterious wonders in Western Australia. An idyllic island escape also awaits on the car-less Rottnest Island a short ferry ride away, which…

DOMESTIC S&DR200, County Durham and Tees Valley until November 2025 S&DR200 festival is commemorating 200 years since the birth of the modern railway. Celebrations are taking place across County Durham and Tees Valley in the form of immersive installations, outdoor performances (including a re-enactment of the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington railway), exhibitions and public art displays. SHORT-HAUL Ernst Billgren, Stockholm 10 April – 28 September 2025 For his exhibition at Nationalmuseum Sweden, renowned Swedish artist Ernst Billgren has created an entirely new suite of paintings. Pieces draw inspiration from animals, nature and still life paintings of the Baroque period, as well as artefacts already in the museum. Expect vivid colours, cinematic depth and a range of surprising motifs. LONG-HAUL Weird Sensation Feels Good: The World Of ASMR,…

FINLAND TOPPED THE charts with a score of 7.804. This score is based on the ‘life evaluation’ question in the Gallup World Poll. For this, participants are asked to rate their happiness via ‘The Cantril Ladder’, a method that asks respondents to think of a ladder, with the best possible life for them being a 10 and the worst possible life being a 0. They are then asked to rate their current lives on that 0 to 10 scale. Further analysis by the UN WHR body then seeks to understand these scores based on six key variables which include: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity and freedom from corruption.…

Many have their eye on the rapid emergence of electric aircraft, notably electric vertical take-off and landing – or eVTOL – planes, as a symbol of the industry’s greener future. These battery-powered craft made by companies such as Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation could begin carrying passengers in places like Dubai and New York in the next few years. But few in the industry expect the electric planes in development today to make a meaningful difference toward reducing emissions. The aircraft are too small – most seat just four passengers – and cannot fly far enough to alter existing travel patterns. “It’ll be like a bicycle with training wheels – it’s what you will learn on,” says Henry Harteveldt. The first generation of eVTOLs will likely serve niche markets. Delta…

Anker SOLIX PS30 Portable Solar Panel £69.99 Chinese electronics manufacturer Anker has become a leading brand when it comes to charging and power packs. Now, it’s letting users charge gadgets directly from the sun with this portable solar panel. Simply unfold the panel while outdoors, plug in your phone or other device via the USB-A and USB-C charging connectors, and watch them slowly recharge back to full health. It’s weather-resistant enough to be used in the rain, and designed so that you could attach it to a backpack while on a hike, for example. It isn’t the most glamorous-looking device, and needs a decent amount of sun to work effectively, but it folds flat for travel and is useful for those trips when you know you’re going to be away from power…

What’s it like? Restaurateur twins Ugo and Antoine Lecorché settled on the five-star The Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge for the first international outpost of La Môme, a buzzy Mediterranean restaurant inspired by 1920s socialite and billionaire Lucienne Suzanne Vreurick (nicknamed La Môme Moineau). It may not have the seaside breeze and reliable sunshine of Cannes, but La Môme’s infectious joie de vivre has been successfully transported to the English capital. A dazzling dining room designed by Cannes-based Samy Chams beckons with Art Deco details, marble tables with glazed crockery and logo-embossed napkins, and nods to the Côte d’Azur via Slim Aarons 1960s photography. Jazzy live music adds to the Gatsby-like glow. On our visit, a soulful singer brought a smile to our faces and a sway to our step –…