Welcome Aboard Qatar Airways Business Class

Its arguably one of the best business class products on the market and perhaps for good reason; a number of its characteristics and offerings mimic more of a First Class product vs your standard business class affair. 

In addition to roomy seats that transform into fully flat beds, some of these suites come fully enclosed with sliding doors. Plus, on select flights, patrons are treated to caviar service, pajamas + slippers, an amuse bouche, and course meals. 

⚠️Fair warning though. Not all seats are created equal. Perhaps sometimes one of the baffling things about the airline - the lack of consistency. For its flagship product, QSuites (fully enclosed suites) you’d want to be on the lookout for this designation when booking your flight. Typically these can be found on the carrier’s A350-1000s and select B777-300ER and A350-900 aircraft. A nearly identical product also exists on their B787-9s. 

Overall top notch service and crew (albeit if some were not quite as enthusiastic as others). Well done. 

For attentive, trusted, and customized travel itineraries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Sonder Business Bay: A Decent Option in Dubai

The property is well located in Business Bay, just on the outskirts of the main downtown loop (the Burj Khalifa complex is roughly a 15-20 minute or so walk away). The staff were quite friendly, efficient, and accommodating. Plus, I found the room and general accommodations to adequate and comfortable. I stayed in a studio apartment which was just sufficient for one and might be a little tighter for 2 - though overall spacious enough. It also had a decent sized balcony, which was nice.

There’s an outdoor pool present, plus fitness studio and adjoining spa. To note for general awareness that as these properties are more designed for longer stays, housekeeping isn’t included as a standard offering; it is upon request and carries and additional cost. 

A Tranquil Oasis in Zanzibar

What a simply delightful oasis in the Paje region of Zanzibar. The staff, in particular the attendants at the front desk, are so courteous and welcoming. Israel, Amani, Kadogo, Abdullah, Edwina, the list goes (sure there are several others I’m missing); the wait/cleaning staff and Chef at the onsite restaurant, were all brilliant.

The property itself is also quite appealing. It’s a beautifully designed space that I found to be quite tranquil and relaxing. In addition, I appreciated the generously sized rooms (more than adequate for 2), dual sinks, indoor/outdoor shower, and the expertly orchestrated turndown service. Shout out to the cleaning staff. Well done. 

As an area of opportunity, I’d encourage the establishment to offer more plant-based choices on the restaurant menu and perhaps, for convenience, include food/beverage menus poolside. Overall, quite well done.

For more on Zanzibar, be on the lookout for our upcoming full-feature. And for bespoke itineraries to Tanzania and other destinations around the world, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

American Airlines - Premium Economy: New York to Madrid

Cabin Class: Premium Economy

Route: New York to Madrid   

Meal: Special - Vegan (VGML) 

Aircraft: Boeing 777-200ER

It’s been a few years since first trialing American Airlines’ version of Premium Economy. This mini cabin between Business and Economy, a segment that’s grown in popularity in the last several years (though to be fair, it’s been 32 years since its debut on Virgin Atlantic), has become commonplace on most long haul carriers. In fact, those who’ve historically shied away from it are jumping onboard, capitalizing on its lucrative revenue generation. For instance, we’ve recently seen the likes of Emirates introduce—and arguably perfect it; and continue to roll it out to its fleet, while others follow suit, bolstering their respective offerings.

Recently we had the opportunity to pop back on American, from New York to Madrid, to see if we could spot any material updates. After all, they were the first US-based carrier to introduce the product in 2017. All told, things largely remain the same (which isn’t a bad thing per se). Some of our observations:

🧳: The Cabin: We were delighted to see a refreshed cabin featuring a modern, updated space complete with mood lighting, refurbished seat coverings, updated amenity kits, etc.
🧳: In-flight Entertainment (IFE): Though still functional and easy to navigate with more than plenty of options to keep one entertained, the apparatus itself and interface could use a refresh. It’s starting to show its age. This is an offering wide observation, so not necessarily only applicable to this cabin.
🧳: WiFi Connectivity: This is an area American could use a strategy change - the hefty $35 flight duration charge, with no access to complimentary messaging, is increasingly becoming an archaic notion.
🧳: Food and Beverage: A couple choices for Premium Economy, plus plentiful alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage selections. The pre-ordered special meal (Vegan) was surprisingly good and a welcome departure from what can sometimes be uninspiring selections.

Overall, a mostly pleasant ride with some less competitive offerings though a pretty solid ride for the transatlantic hop.

Ibiza, Island of Beaty; A brief memo

Sure, Ibiza, one of the islands in the Balearic sea, has long been synonymous with hedonism and debauchery of all manner, and to be sure, it wears this designation well. But, did you know that it’s also a place of immense natural beauty, lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and immaculate sunsets? If you’re looking for an alternative, a place to simply relax and chill, eat delicious food, take in the bountifulness of nature, it’s certainly an excellent option. 

For bespoke itineraries, do not hesitate to get in touch. We’re at your service. 

Eleventh Fl. Suites: A Remarkable Stay in Cagliari, Sardinia

I had a most remarkable experience staying at the delightful B&B, Eleventh Floor Suites, in Cagliari. Roberta, its host, is quite a gem. She's one of those people whom one immediately feels connected to. She's a nurturer at heart, and this innate ability shines through in the way she's crafted a most comfortable and inspiring space. The B&B feels like home away from home owning to her care, its comfortability, and the delicious breakfast spread served daily. It was truly a blissful experience. 

With such perfection, it's really hard to fault it. In the spirit of having something constructive to add however, perhaps kettles for tea in the bedrooms could be just be a tad more convenient (note: this is present in the common lounge area as is coffee - espresso or drip, and ample snacks for those peckish moments).

When in Cagliari, there couldn’t be a better place to stay. For bespoke itineraries to Sardinia, do not hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to help. Also check-out the full Sardinia feature in the On Location section.

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Coast-to-Coast on American Airlines’ A321T

Welcome drink served on AA’s flagship service from JFK to SNA

Cabin Class: Flagship Business Outbound; Main Cabin Extra (more legroom economy) Inbound

Route: New York to Orange County, CA. Return.

Aircraft: Airbus A321T 

These unique transcontinental (signifying the ‘T’ designation in the aircraft type) configurations in the American Airlines fleet will soon be a thing of the past. The stretched narrow bodies are configured with a 3-class layout, First: lie-flat suites akin to what one would find on the airline’s international Flagship Business class, Business (pictured): arranged in a 2-by-2 configuration, also with lie-flat beds though not in single suite form (as in the former, First), and Economy (including Main Cabin Extra, the more legroom seats towards the front of this cabin). You’ll find these solely on coast to coast flights usually flying from NY - JFK to LAX/SFO/SNA and Boston & Miami to LAX. 

Why I’ve enjoyed flying these planes: Being a premium-heavy configuration it means they’re far fewer passengers onboard so boarding’s quite swift no matter what cabin you’re in, and service tends to be more attentive, oftentimes. Light fare (as opposed to the terribly uninspiring pretzels) is also offered in Economy - as of this writing - and of course full course meals are served in First and Business. 

What’s changing? American is debuting new ‘Flagship Suite’s on new, upcoming aircraft. These will essentially eliminate First, as we know it, combining both classes, First and Business, into a single premium experience. On the one hand, logically it makes sense, as often the feedback’s been there isn’t that much of a distinction between the customer experience in First vs. Business—oftentimes folks in the former cabin getting the shorter end of the stick in my opinion. So, yes, a unified experience would make sense. Plus it’s the only one of the ‘Big 3’ to still offer an arguably differentiated First cabin. 

Bottomline: Somewhat of a bummer to see the elimination of a true First cabin but excited to see what the unified ‘Flagship Suite’ experience brings. 

Iberia Business Class: New York - JFK to Madrid Barajas - MAD

What’s it like to fly @iberia Business Class transatlantic? Overall, a decent option. No particular standouts and on the other hand not necessarily at the bottom of the pack either.

The hard product: This particular flight was operated with their flagship A350-900 aircraft (note, the other option would typically be the older A330), so it was a quieter and generally more comfortable ride, owing to nextgen technology on these aircraft series.

The soft product: While ironically I’ve had much better, more personable service on previous flights, in Economy, the crew on this flight seemed mostly disinterested—performing their duties adequately though somewhat remotely.
In the same vein, meal and beverage offerings were mostly fine though nothing terribly earth shattering. Once again, ironically, I’ve had just as good in the back of the plane.

Overall, a decent option especially if priced right. At times discounted upgrades are offered close to departure. It could be well worth it if for nothing else at least, the chance to have a sleeper suite.

Aeromexico: The Better Option to/from Mexico

Aeromexico Meal Service: MEX —> JFK, Economy.

Given the choice, and supposing schedules align w/ your preferences, I would suggest electing to fly Aeromexico to Mexico and vice versa (at least from and to NY) over Delta or for that matter, any major American carrier. Their jets tend to be in much better shape (read typically newer and much more pleasant—flew a #787 Dreamliner on the outbound leg, and returned on a #737 Max jet—fully appreciate of course the precarious nature of the latter), hot meals are served from nose to tail (as pictured), and service is personable and friendly (if a tab bit not as enthusiastic on the return leg).

From a US carrier perspective, I can never understand why these flights are treated as ‘domestic’ executions. On a ~5-hr duration it’s the standard snacks and uninspiring offerings for purchase in the back (even on codeshare flights). Typically a fan of Delta’s though this is an area improvements can be made.

For bespoke itineraries to Mexico, please do not hesitate to get in touch. And check-out our full feature on Oaxaca City in our On Location section.

Virgin Atlantic: Special Meal Service - LHR to JFK

Tasty and enjoyable plant-based meals from Virgin Atlantic — likely the best I’ve had in any cabin.

Pictured: The vegan veggie curry (the curry itself is nestled beneath the rice, in case you’re wondering ☺️), and prior to landing, the vegan afternoon tea which included a delicious chickpea wrap, an apple and elderflower bar, and a chocolate brownie; both gluten-free as well (just really thoughtful catering). And all served by some truly friendly flight attendants (makes quite the difference).
Plus, extra marks for having oat milk! onboard (again, a good example of keeping one’s finger on the pulse of changing attitudes). 🙌🏿

[Honorable mention to KLM who also had a decent offering on a flight I took last summer].

For bespoke itineraries to the UK, please do not hesitate to get in touch. And check-out our Brighton and Hove feature in the On Location Section.