Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2025 i Business Traveller

THERE WAS SOME internal debate about whether we should include a story on the LGBTQ+ travel experience and a feature about Riyadh in the same issue. Some felt it could come across as tone-deaf or even hypocritical. But I'd argue stories about LGBTQ+ travellers are especially relevant in the context of places where rights and freedoms are still limited. For straight travellers, something as simple as checking into a hotel with a partner is routine; for many of my LGBTQ+ friends and colleagues, it's a potential point of stress – or worse (turn to page 48). Destinations such as Saudi Arabia highlight the ongoing challenges faced by many in the community – and that's exactly why these conversations matter. It's vital we continue to call out repressive laws where they…

AVIATION Etihad's new first class offerings HOTELS Top hotels for your next event TRAVEL Surprising contraband SUSTAINABILITY Supporting wildlife conservation LISBON IS PUTTING on a month-long programme of celebrations this month for its annual Festas de Lisboa. In honour of Saint Anthony, streets across the city come to life with folk and fado music (traditional Portuguese music played with 12-string guitars), dancing, performances and colourful parades. Partying peaks on 12 June, the eve of Saint Anthony's Day, when different neighbourhoods across Lisbon parade down the Avenida da Liberdade to compete with one another via choreography, costumes and music. The night culminates with an enormous street party, complete with up-tempo music and dancing until the early hours. Other highlights include the Procession of Saint Anthony through the historic Alfama quarter on…

A HERD OF 100 life-sized Indian elephant sculptures is making its way across the United States, with the art installation popping up in Wyoming, Montana and California until July. The Great Elephant Migration is part of Elephant Family USA's global fundraising initiative to highlight wildlife conservation, with each sculpture crafted by The Coexistence Collective – a community of Indigenous artisans in India's Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu. Luxury British beachwear brand LOVE BRAND & Co has partnered with the charity for its Great Elephant Migration capsule collection, featuring linen wear, quilted clutches and canvas bags adorned with wildlife patterns. A pop-up shop will join the herd at each location, while those who aren't Stateside can buy the wares at lovebrand.com – half of all proceeds from the collection will…

IF THERE'S ONE thing travellers dislike, it's uncertainty. Accor CEO, Sébastien Bazin, revealed in a recent interview that the hotel group was expecting a dramatic downturn in European bookings for the US this summer: a reduction of 25% (compared to a global increase in bookings of 3-5%) with travellers instead choosing destinations like Canada, South America and the Middle East. There are at least three possible reasons for this: traveller anxiety about not being allowed to enter the US; the disruption of global trade, and a general disapproval of the recent turn of events in US politics. All of them are related to the ‘Trump Slump’. Barrier to entry Several European governments, including the UK, Germany and Denmark, have issued travel advisories for their citizens visiting the United States, following…

AMSTERDAM NEEDS LITTLE introduction, but it does deserve a special toast. The Dutch city is celebrating its 750th anniversary this year, with festivities leading up to its official birthday on 27 October. From cultural cocktails to glittering diamonds – get ready to celebrate! Super Lyan The cutting-edge cocktail bar created by Mr Lyan (aka Ryan Chetiyawardana), is celebrating the city's milestone with eight cocktails based on chapters of Amsterdam's history – from The Great Fire in 1452 to the dawn of computer science in the 1980s. Even the pigeons that swarm Dam Square are recognised in the Pigeon Fizz cocktail, which pays tribute to the building of the famous square in 1250. These scientific concoctions taste great and tell fascinating stories. The North Sea Boulevardier, for instance, nods to the…

LUXURY COUNTRY HOUSE hotel Beaverbrook has partnered with Royal Ascot to bring its hot air balloon dining experience to the Royal Enclosure from 17-21 June. The Surrey-based estate launched the whimsical concept five years ago, but this marks the first time that the balloons are flying further afield. Ascot Racecourse's Royal Enclosure will be dotted with six pink-striped hot air balloons with quaint wicker baskets, transformed into highly Instagrammable private dining spaces by table dressers Summerill & Bishop – complete with dedicated waiting staff to regularly fill up Champagne flutes. The balloons might be grounded but the alfresco cuisine is certainly elevated – expect both brunch and lunch picnics crafted by Tom Shepherd of Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs, or an Ascotthemed afternoon tea by pastry chef Benoit Blin. Indulge in croque…

DOMESTIC SXSW London 2–7 June, London South by Southwest (SXSW) is coming to London for the first time this month. Usually held in Austin, Texas, the event straddles the worlds of tech, culture and entertainment with networking events, keynote sessions, comedy shows, film screenings and concerts. The UK edition takes place in Shoreditch and includes talks from the actor Idris Elba and British Airways chairman and CEO, Sean Doyle. SHORT-HAUL Rien ne nous y préparait − Tout nous y préparait, Paris 13 June – 22 September As its last hurrah before closing for a renovation, the Centre Pompidou has given German photographer Wolfgang Tillmans free rein to decorate the space that usually houses the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information. The exhibition will include portraiture, documentary and abstract photography, plus music and animations. LONG-HAUL…

AETHER, MANCHESTER AIRPORT WORDS ALICE HENDERSON What's it like? Opened at the end of 2024, (in the former PremiAir VIP terminal space), aether is a private terminal open to all. Operated by CAVU, a subsidiary of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the terminal is a five-minute drive from the airport's main terminals, next to the Runway Visitor Park. Guests can arrive by taxi or private car (aether also offers a Meet & Greet valet service). A neatly kept lawn and covered walkways lead up to the main entrance, with a separate discreet side entrance for VIPs. The main lounge is a bright, open-plan space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the airfield (peak activity is around 2pm for planespotting enthusiasts). Furnishings are neutral and chic, with wood beams used throughout and artwork by…

AIRLINE REVIEW Air India A350-900 business LOUNGE REVIEW Virgin Atlantic Los Angeles Clubhouse HOTEL REVIEWS Park Hyatt London River Thames + more CAR REVIEW Range Rover Sport ‘The suite-like design includes a sliding door and very high walls, which creates a sense of privacy’ Background Under government ownership for almost 70 years, Air India was reprivatised in 2022 (see our feature ‘India Skies Expand’ online). A five-year transformation programme named Vihaan.AI (meaning ‘dawn of a new era’) is in its third and final “climb” phase. So far, the airline has debuted a striking new livery, cabin designs, lounges and tech upgrades including a new website and app. It also announced the world's largest single order of aircraft – a whopping 470 aircraft in 2023, which was topped up by a…

JOSH MCKENNA ILLUSTRATOR Josh is a queer British illustrator and designer known for his bold, tonguein-cheek style that celebrates diversity and body positivity. His work spans digital art, murals and graphic design, with notable projects including the iconic Instagram Pride sticker. Discover his work on page 48. SUSIE HARWOOD WRITER Susie is a freelance journalist specialising in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry. Her work appears on leading event industry platform micebook as well as other outlets. See her pick of inspirational hotels for MICE on page 16. CALUM MCSWIGGAN WRITER Calum is an award-winning travel writer, author and content creator with over 250,000 followers on social media. With a passion for LGBTQ+ travel, he's been to Pride events all over the world. On page 48, he shares…

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CORAL FINEST BUSINESS CLASS LOUNGE (COCOON) Where: International Concourse C, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand Why visit: Coral-flavoured coffee, onsite mixologists, complimentary 15-minute massages and a cinema. PGA MSP LOUNGE Where: Terminal 1, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, US Why visit: This golf-inspired lounge is complete with putting green, golf simulators and more. VIP LOUNGE PUNTA CANA Where: Terminal B2 Domestic, Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic Why visit: Take a dip in the outdoor pool with views over the airfield, before relaxing on a sun lounger. PRIMECLASS LOUNGE Where: Muscat International Airport, Oman Why visit: Facilities include a pool table, sport screens showing live matches, a childrens play area and family rooms. BEYOND THE LOUNGE What services are travellers most keen for? 53% Entertainment 50% Family zones…

Q &A Let's start with the orange elephant in the room. How are the global tariff wars affecting Delta? We entered the year in a very strong position, we delivered US$13 billion of revenue, which was over 3% higher than last year and set ourselves up for the best ever year at Delta, which was our ambition for the centenary. But what we're looking at in terms of the future is really uncertain at this point. We've seen some slowing down in corporate domestic travel, as this uncertainty has made people say: “OK, let me sit at home and see what's going on.” We've also seen more resilience in premium leisure traffic, so it's difficult to draw a full picture. We were expected to grow in the 4% range this…

Set sail with Those Dam Boat Guys, a witty tour company that hosts 90-minute English-speaking tours of Amsterdam's dreamy canals – three of which wrap around the city like a horseshoe. The rides take place no matter the weather (fret not, there's a cover during adverse weather) and you have the choice of a public or private tour. Before you set off, grab some craft beers, wines or soft drinks along with salty snacks at the company's HQ on Prinsenstraat 13 (or BYOB) and then head to the Café de Knoop four doors down to commence the tour, which departs from the Prinsengracht (or Prince's Canal). The company also runs bike and walking tours. Boat tours start from €36.50. To see our extra day in action, visit the Business Traveller…

ONE&ONLY RESORTS has launched a rental programme, giving guests the opportunity to hire ultra-luxe residences across Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Greece and Dubai – plus the One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana once it opens in November. The Private Homes Rental Program is aimed at luxury-seeking customers, particularly those planning multi-generational trips, and comes with privileges such as daily housekeeping and a personal host to take care of everything from pre-arrival admin to booking experiences, in-villa dining, laundry and transport services upon request. Exclusive cultural experiences are also on offer – enjoy Mauritian cooking lessons and local market trips at One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius, or dive into the Aegean Sea's secret coves and wrecks at One&Only Kéa Island.…

I reach for a pair of Pride-themed socks at the bottom of my bag and hesitate. I'd worn them for the Pride parade in Thailand – one of the more progressive countries in the world – but having now travelled south across the border to Malaysia, I'm very aware that my identity is now considered criminal. My laundry is being picked up in an hour, and I wonder if it's safe to include them. Ultimately, I decide it's fine. The police are unlikely to come banging on my door because of rainbow socks in my laundry. It is, after all, the act of homosexuality that's considered criminal here – not the iconography that surrounds it. Even so, it's an example of the kind of calculation LGBTQ+ travellers regularly have to…

I'M STANDING IN A CLOUD OF FREEZING MIST, watching the timer count down from 180 seconds as the temperature correspondingly plunges to -180 degrees Celsius. It sounds torturous, but the cryotherapy chamber offers a cold therapy treatment that promises anti-inflammatory returns (it's not, as my friends thought, a place for sobbing). Minutes later (three, to be exact), I'm wrapped in a fluffy robe and whisked to a neighbouring room for a warming dose of infrared rays. This was my introduction to the Longevity Method at Clinique La Prairie (CLP), a world-renowned health resort (and skincare brand) in the Swiss town of Montreux, with a magical mountainous setting on Lake Geneva. The concept of ‘longevity’, aimed at extending our lifespan, has become a marketing buzzword in recent years, with every spa…

VIRGIN ATLANTIC launched daily flights to Riyadh on 30 March on one of its five new A330neo aircraft featuring a roomy 6ft 7inch flat bed with 22-inch width. Features include Bluetooth connectivity, a 17.3-inch IFE screen and wireless charging. The Retreat Suite, at the front of the cabin, can be turned into a dining space for four – or even a private interview cubicle for two. CEO Richard Branson said there is a “strong chance” of launching routes to Jeddah in the future – along with the “definite” debut of Virgin Hotels and the “possible” launch of Virgin Cruises. SAUDIA is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia and a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Based in Jeddah, it currently operates 142 aircraft. In April, it signed a further order for…

Background More athletic than a full-size Range Rover, the dynamically designed Sport version is a hugely desirable SUV – with a premium price to match. What's it like? Civilised on the inside and brutishly quick when required, Land Rover's compact all-wheel drive offers a youthful alternative to its larger sibling. Key to that fresh-faced appeal is a line-up of exciting engines. The entry-level P360 six-cylinder has 355 horsepower on tap, while the plug-in hybrid P550e is even punchier and enjoys an estimated 51 miles of electric-only range – perfect for city commutes. This may be a sporty SUV but comfort isn't compromised, thanks mainly to adjustable air suspension. Range Rover Sport will happily rise up and plough across a dirt field, then go down and provide confidence-inspiring handling on the…

ALL THAT GLITTERS After ten years of holding BA Gold status, I've noticed something peculiar in how I am treated by British Airways when flying in economy class, compared to the treatment by other oneworld carriers. With BA, while I get my benefits (such as fast track, extra baggage and seat selection), the onboard experience is as if I had never travelled with the airline before (and they couldn't care less whether I did again). My experience with partner oneworld airlines is almost night and day. Qantas is probably the best example – I've travelled on numerous long-haul flights over the past six years and the cabin crew always know who you are. They consistently make the effort to come and check on you, and go out of their way…

CBD oil Used to soothe anxiety, pain and inflammation, CBD oil is legal in many countries when derived from hemp (as opposed to cannabis) and the THC percentage is less than 0.2%. But leave your CBD oil at home if your European travels take you to Albania, Andorra, Belarus or Russia. In Asia, CBD products are banned in places like Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Elsewhere CBD is banned in Cuba, Haiti, Bolivia and strictly forbidden in many African countries. Vapes Laws around vaping continue to evolve. Disposable vapes have been banned in the UK this month, for instance. Several countries have a blanket ban on vaping – India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Qatar, Thailand and the Philippines are among the strictest. Vapes carried in checked bags or hand…

NUMEROUS AIRLINES NOW offer curated stopover packages to encourage visitors to explore their home cities. Finnair offers six, 12 and 24-hour adventures in Helsinki, from architectural tours to delving into the city's heavy metal scene. Stopover in Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and you'll get a free hotel stay with time to explore the city's sights. Emirates’ Dubai Connect service meanwhile comes with a free hotel, meals and airport transfer. Priority Pass members (who purchased via prioritypass.com) can access Destination Deals from Attraction World Group, with more than 25,000 experiences from Universal Studios to luxury yacht cruises.…

1925 Huff Daland Dusters launches the world's first crop-dusting company 1928 Company is renamed Delta Air Lines 1941 Company headquarters moves to Atlanta 1959 First airline to offer complimentary meals on economy flights 1992 First US airline to offer moving maps in the cabin 2000 Co-founded the SkyTeam alliance with Air France, Korean Air and Aeroméxico 2007 First US airline to offer a carbonoffset programme 2008 Merged with Northwest Airlines 2023 First US airline to offer fast, free wifi domestically…

What drew you to floral artistry? It was a beautiful accident. My family has plant-y roots – dad's a flower farmer, and my mum was a gardener – so my destiny was to work with plants and flowers. I studied plant microbiology at university and needed a part-time job, so I blagged my way into a flower shop in Manchester. I wasn't a florist when I started, but I was enthusiastic and curious. I'd stay behind after work and pick leftovers from the bin to experiment and teach myself. By the time I graduated, I was managing the flower shop. Then I was at a crossroads – do I carry on with plants as a science, or do I pursue plants as an art? That was answered for me when…

Each hammam has different clothing requirements, so it's best to phone ahead – although it's typically bikini bottoms or clothingoptional for women, while men wear a bathing suit or underwear. In addition to bathing garb, don't forget to bring these must-haves… Tekla x Auralee Terry Bath Towel Stylish and made from 100% organic cotton, these towels are part of a collection inspired by bathing rituals. Keep a cool head (literally) and place ice cubes in your wrap for added comfort in warm rooms. Most hammams have arctic rooms with ice cubes. Kessa Glove An exfoliating kessa glove is integral to the post-hammam glow. Try a vegan and eco-friendly Moroccan Kessa Glove from Natural Elephant. It helps clean away dry or dead skin and could even reduce cellulite. It's a top…

Bang & Olufsen has unveiled a beautiful limitededition collection of its Beosound 2 speaker (£4,700). The Beosound 2 Gradient Collection features ten colourways inspired by the emotions evoked by sound, with each speaker named after a musical term – from the lively pink-hued Pulse to the greentoned Tune. The speakers are part of Bang & Olufsen's Atelier Bespoke offering, which allows customers to personalise one of the brand's products to their choice of shade, material, finish and detail. So, if you don't get your hands on one of the Gradient pieces, have a go at fine-tuning your own!…

WHILE LONG CONSIDERED a niche demographic, LGBTQ+ travel now represents one of the most influential segments in tourism. The global LGBTQ+ market was valued at more than US$320 billion in 2024 and is forecast to exceed $630 billion by 2033. There's nothing uncertain about this segment's purchasing power, despite shifting political dynamics. In January, for instance, President Donald Trump signed an executive order demanding that federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes be shut down. Industry giants such as Amazon, McDonald's, Target and Walmart followed suit. Others, however, doubled down. During a recent earnings call, Delta Air Lines said it would not be scaling back its DEI efforts. And adventure-travel company Intrepid Travel announced in March that it would double its financial commitment to BIPOCowned businesses, diverse content creators and…

CLINIQUE LA PRAIRIE AROUND THE WORLD The clinic has longevity hubs in Dubai, Doha, Madrid and Bangkok, giving clients the opportunity to book consultations back home – a key draw for business travellers looking for consistent health advice. There are plans to grow the network, with a hub planned at One&Only's forthcoming property in New York's Hudson Valley in 2028. While these hubs are follow-up facilities, there are also plans for more full-scale health resorts. Clinique La Prairie Anji opened in China last year, while facilities are planned to launch in Phuket and Saudi Arabia's Amaala destination in the coming years. SHA WELLNESS MEXICO SHA paved the way for wellness clinics more than 15 years ago, but its healing powers were restricted to its clinic in Alicante, Spain. Last year,…

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft £269 from amazon.co.uk Sometimes, the only chance to catch up on reading is when you're travelling – or is that just me? The latest Kindle has a 7-inch display and it's in colour, which makes a big difference. The home screen with multiple colour book titles looks great, especially when it comes to recipe books or graphic novels. If you've downloaded a travel guide for your next business trip, this will also stand out on screen. The colours are subtle rather than bright – more pastel than saturated. Regular books appear in black-and-white as normal, with the resolution for text and images as sharp as ever. As colour content takes up more space, there's twice as much storage as on a regular Kindle, and the battery is…