the review 53
Checking out...
BY ALAN ORBELL THE BACKGROUND: Air New Zealand operates a daily Boeing 777-300 service – NZ1 departing Heathrow at 16.15 – to Auckland (arriving at 05.45 two days later) via Los Angeles. This year is the airline’s 75th anniversary. CHECK-IN: This is fully automated but at the bag drop a friendly woman escorted me to the normal check-in “so that for next time you’ll know that it might be quieter”. However, the automated check-in was fast, effi cient and very easy to follow. Passport and security was also pleasantly speedy. THE SEAT: A window Spaceseat, 28A in premium economy. The leather pod-like seat is spacious and closer in style to a business class seat than an economy seat. Anyone up to around 6ft could fully stretch out their legs which, on a 24-hour fl ight, is a huge bonus. A video shows how to make the most of the seat from recline to (good
HOTELS / RESORTS / TRAIN JOURNEYS / CRUISES /
AIRLINES / AIRPORT REVIEWS
FLIGHT: AIR NEW ZEALAND - London Heathrow/Los Angeles/Auckland THE VERDICT
quality) headphones. A small amenity kit contains the essentials and there is also storage space, sockets for laptops, a headrest and a foot bean bag. SERVICE: Before take-off a menu is delivered with an offer to hang up my jacket or to provide any other information. Orange juice or sparkling wine is offered some 30 minutes after take-off and a crew member delivers
US documentation and is very aware of where each passenger is going, in my case to Rotorua in New Zealand’s North Island for the TRENZ trade show. The meal service has many of the trappings of business class, linen tablecloth, good food with a choice of three main courses, decent glassware, frequent wine top-ups, etc.
airnewzealand.co.uk
S TAY: MÖVENPICK JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS - Dubai, UAE
BY LISA MERRIGAN THE BACKGROUND: Minutes from the Palm Jumeirah, the 168-room fi ve-star Mövenpick Jumeirah Lakes Towers is close to Dubai’s key business districts and the city’s most iconic attractions. THE LOCATION: The Jumeirah Lakes Towers district is just 20 minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo 2020 site – where the recent
Arabian Travel Mart was held (see page 47). It is also just 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport and close by is the JLT Metro station, a real bonus as the fully air-conditioned metro is so cheap to ride. THE ROOM: On arrival at reception I was greeted by an immaculate and welcoming member of staff, who kindly upgraded me to the Laguna Suite, giving me more than 82sqm of space, including a living room and a connecting bedroom. It also came with a balcony overlooking the lakes and marina. The décor was stylish and contemporary with lovely touches such as candles, lit in the evenings. I loved the standalone bath where I could lie overlooking the marina from the fl oor-to-ceiling windows (which did have blinds, may I add!). KEY FACILITIES: The Wellness Centre has an infi nity lap pool, Techno Gym-
equipped fi tness club, sauna and sun lounge zone. Within the Wellness Centre there is the Hush Salon & Spa, with both male and female hair salons. The spa menu looked very affordable! Guests can also enjoy the RIVA beach club on the Palm Jumeirah. RESTAURANTS/BARS: The main dining restaurant, Nosh, offers a delicious international fusion menu and an inviting open kitchen and alfresco terrace with lake and walkway views. Then there is the Urban Bar & Kitchen which has a warm fun-loving ambience, serving grills, roasts and classic comfort food from lunch until the early hours. On top of this is Crema, the ideal place to meet friends or colleagues for a delicious snack or relax with a newspaper and coffee. Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster A, Building 2 - Jumeirah Lake Towers, UAE T: +971 4 438 0000 W:
movenpick-hotels.com
THE VERDICT
Mövenpick Jumeirah Lakes Towers is set in a great location and makes the perfect escape for a stay in Dubai. The hotel is an ideal base for couples, business travellers and families.
RATES: Rates start from as little as 450 dirhams (approx. £80) per room, per night. Note that there are special rates for summer with savings of up to 30%.
In the words of Air New Zealand’s CEO, Christopher Luxon, other airlines can copy everything Air NZ does except the quality of its staff. This is apparent in all passenger/personnel transactions when there is unfailing courtesy and friendliness. A flight with Air NZ clearly shows why the airline has enjoyed consistent success as Airline of the Year.
RATES: Return fares from Heathrow to Auckland range from around £800 return and to Los Angeles from around £475 return.
sellingtravel.co.uk
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