It’s just lunch: at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

We were tootling around in the mountains north of Nizwa, and lunchtime was soon approaching, and the initial plan was to go to Alila Jabal Akhdar for lunch, the hotel I was originally considering to stay in Oman. Mohamed “The Guide” mentioned a new 5-star hotel that just opened, and … Read More

Al Bustan Palace Muscat – Ritz-Carlton

My first time to Oman, and good friend THE LADY BANKER informed me that the only real choice for one’s first time to Muscat is Al Bustan Palace. And having returned from the trip, I fully agree. I would go back to Al Bustan Palace anytime, though I wouldn’t mind … Read More

The Virgin America Loft – LAX Los Angeles – Terminal 3

Update 2017: Sadly, this lounge (and airline) are no longer with us. With Delta moving into Terminal 3, This is now a Delta Sky Club, and with luck will get a major overhaul in the next few years. A pleasant lounge with a great view of the runways. No shower, … Read More

HKG Hong Kong International Airport (coming soon)

I must admit that I am quite happy (a bit giddy, maybe) to be going back to Hong Kong. The last time was when Kai Tak was still open (closed in 1998) and standing on the tarmac waiting for a bus to take you to the terminal while a 747 … Read More

The Old Clare Hotel – Sydney

Another great Design Hotels property. A beautifully refurbished space, they kept a lot of the old and added just the right amount of modern. Funky, chic and class, that whole old and new mixture. A fun staff. A comfortable, attractive room and a great looking bathroom… all you need for … Read More

Virgin Atlantic VS007 – LHR Heathrow ✈ LAX Los Angeles Upper Class

Flying Virgin Atlantic is always a pleasure, and I’ve flown this route in the 747-400, A340 and now finally the Dreamliner. So I was quite happy to try out the updated Virgin Pods. The Upper Class product holds up to it’s established standards… above the basic International Business Class but … Read More

Lufthansa LH456 / LH457 – LAX ✈ FRA ✈ LAX

I will admit I love flying Lufthansa, just about any class. And I have flown this route a few times in all classes except Business. This route used to be flown on the 747-400 but is currently serviced by the A380. JANUARY 2017 LAX – FRA Upper Deck: 97G Economy … Read More

CSX Changsha Huangha – VIP Lounge

This is one of the saddest lounges I have ever been to. The gentleman at the front desk was quite nice, but beyond that, the only kind thing to say is that it was clean. After about 15 minutes had to leave, and spent the time exploring the terminal, which … Read More

Ten Bompas – Johannesburg

Again, another great little gem of a hotel from the Design Hotels. So glad they are part of the SPG Program. All the rooms I believe are basically Suites with a separate Bedroom and Living room, with Balconies facing to the Gardens. The restaurant was exceptional and also had a … Read More

Great Fosters – Egham, Surrey

Great Fosters is my favorite stop over hotel ever. If I only have one or two nights in London, this is the place we go. 15 minute drive from Heathrow, and it is a quiet and restful proper English Hotel. All the rooms in the main house are quite cozy … Read More

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – LAX Los Angeles – Terminal 2

Quite a large and spacious lounge, it used to be the Air New Zealand lounge, and the overall arrangement is pretty much the same. A good variety of easy to eats, and a nice selelction of beverages. A pleasant place to park for a bit. And quite good plane spotting … Read More

Alaska Airlines Lounge – LAX Los Angeles – Terminal 6

A good solid lounge in T6, and feels a bit like a Pacific Northwest living room… the interior design is a bit home brewed. But for snacks and a drinks it makes a good place to park for 45 minutes before a flight. A more in depth Lounge Report will … Read More