Qatar Airways Business Class: World’s Best?
Flying Qatar Airways’ Business Class cabin both in the carrier’s signature Qsuite, as well as the standard open sleeper pods. Overall, a very pleasant experience.
What’s it like flying Qatar Airways up-front, in its award winning Business Class cabin? Check-out our latest vlog for more.
Hint: Overall top notch service and crew (albeit if some were not quite as enthusiastic as others). 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
For attentive, trusted, and customized travel itineraries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Up-front: First Class on Emirates - New York to Dubai.
Experiencing some of the finest luxuries in the skies. My trip on Emirates, in its First Class cabin, from New York to Dubai.
Welcome aboard Emirates’ First Class offering on the upper deck of the carrier’s A380 aircraft.
In an era where most US (and indeed some other international) carriers have ditched a dedicated international First Class cabin in favor of expanded offerings in Business (to be fair, some of these are quite impressive and nearly mimic a true first class offering), having a proper First class cabin certainly stands out.
In the case of Emirates, these fully enclosed suites, 14 in total, are located on the forward upper deck of the enormous A380 (there are fewer on its 777s), while Business occupies the mid to rear section, with onboard lounge/bar rounding out the the very rear.
First passengers - not unexpectedly - are treated to some of the finest luxuries in the skies. In addition to your personal, fully enclosed, spacious suite, you’re welcomed onboard with Dom Perignon (the 2015 vintage) as a pre-departure beverage, and through your journey, comprehensive dine on demand course options (complete with caviar service), premium alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, premium snacks, lounge wear, designer amenity kit and cosmetics; and the kicker, the well appointed onboard shower spa (a personal bucket list item).
Admittedly, these aren’t the largest suites flying today. In fact its own so called ‘game changer’ suite on some refurbished 777s offer more room. Still, it’s more than generous, and the transformed bed quite comfortable. A wholly indulgent way to pass 14 hours.
As one would expect, these come with pretty impressive, eye popping, price tags. Strategic points/miles award redemptions are however possible with some schedule flexibility. At the time of booking: 163,000 Skywards miles + roughly $800 or so in fees (USD).
For customized travel itineraries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Welcome Aboard Qatar Airways Business Class
Up front with Qatar Airways, experiencing its business class offering. First on the the B787-8, and next on the flagship Qsuite, on the carrier’s A350-900.
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.
A Tranquil Oasis in Zanzibar
The delightful Samawa Living, Paje, Zanzibar. An excellent accommodation option 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.
