World's nicest airport lounge? [Trip Report]

Descend into a world of wonder: The Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong (Chris McGinnis)

Descend into a world of wonder: The Pier First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International (Chris McGinnis)

Late last year I was in Hong Kong to check out the city’s most spectacular hotels. But while there, I stumbled on the most spectacular airport lounge in the world… at least in my world. It’s Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, which opened last June.

The 22,000-square-foot Pier is located near Gate 63 in the North West Concourse of the airport. (It’s a hike from airport security, but more interesting to walk there than to take the underground train.)

This is one of the few lounges in the world dedicated to first class passengers only–– sorry business class passengers, you have to relax elsewhere. For example, Lufthansa has a spiffy first class lounge in its first class terminal in Frankfurt. Emirates of course offers an over-the-top first class only lounge in Dubai. QANTAS has a gorgeous, modern one in Sydney. Air France has a super-chic La Premiere lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Who gets into Cathay’s gorgeous space at Hong Kong International? First Class passengers on Cathay and other Oneworld carriers, Marco Polo Club Diamond members, and Oneworld Emerald members. (Full admittance details here.)

When Cathay Pacific’s crack PR team found out I was in Hong Kong, they arranged for me to take a tour of their pride and joy. I jumped at the chance to get inside this exclusive space and here’s what I saw:

Once I descended the escalator into the lounge, Carol was there to show me around (Chris McGinnis)

Gorgeous understated furnishings like this table in the main hall made from reclaimed wood (Chris McGinnis)

There is room for 231 passengers in this warm, contemporary space that is designed to feel like an upscale apartment with various rooms connected by a bright central hallway. All finishes have a contemporary and warm Asian feel– such as green onyx walls, plenty of walnut, brass and bronze, splashes of color like the green leather banquets in the Dining Room, plus soothing lights and curated art.

A look from the main hallway into the classy onyx horseshoe bar where a mixologist stirs, shakes or pours anything you want (Chris McGinnis)

Here’s a full view of the central hallway which connects the lounge’s various rooms. (Chris McGinnis)

Carol told me that mornings are typically the busiest time in the lounges. I was there late at night, which was pretty quiet. Most of the lounge guests sounded like Australians– likely flying on Oneworld partner QANTAS to Australia.

Shhh. 8 private cabins or “day suites” along this hallway offer a place to sleep or meditate (Chris McGinnis)

The Pier offers a total of eight day suites, each with a comfortable daybed, a reading light, a mirror and blinds, and heavy curtain for added privacy– each is wrapped in walnut and with a view over the ramp.

Private cabins are warm, cozy and walnut-paneled with great views! I could SO cuddle up for a nap in there!(Chris McGinnis)

Entry into the cool and quiet dining room (Chris McGinnis)

Room for 100 in the Dining Room where a chef makes freshly prepared dishes (Chris McGinnis)

It’s necessary to make an appointment for spa treatments at The Retreat (Chris McGinnis)

Open air treatment cubbies where passengers get head, neck and foot massages (Chris McGinnis)

Therapist Amar was snatched from the Mandarin Oriental to staff Cathay’s Pier Retreat (Chris McGinnis)

Amar told me that therapists provide around 70 massages a day to those passing through and that about 90% of his clientele is male. How could anyone say no to a free massage? When I was there, I ducked in for a neck and shoulder massage, but since it was so quiet, and I was having such a fun conversation with Amar, he threw in a foot massage, too. 🙂

Dine lightly from this gorgeous buffet, or head to the Dining Room for a full sit-down meal (Chris McGinnis)

The Pantry is an ideal place for “grab and go” delicacies. The menu changes throughout the day; a wide selection of breakfast items is offered in the morning, followed by an all-day menu

A clever way to store small refrigerated bites at the self service buffet (Chris McGinnis)

A look at the main dinner courses in the Dining Room (Chris McGinnis)

Soup to start my meal in the Dining Room (Chris McGinnis)

My main course at the Dining Room: Barramundi, a sea-bass-like fish from Australia (Chris McGinnis)

Fresh fruits and veggies (Chris McGinnis)

Entry to the classy and quiet Library (Chris McGinnis)

Work carrels available for those who must tear themselves away from the Pier’s other cushy nooks (Chris McGinnis)

Not pictured are 14 showers trimmed in wood and limestone. And get this… the lounge has its own signature scent described as “a soothing blend of lavender, bamboo, green tea and jasmine.”