Fancy An Airport Bath? Wing First Class Lounge – Hong Kong

A few months back I was travelling around Asia quite a bit and in a short space of time, took over a dozen flights. In this instance I was flying from Hong Kong to Tokyo. I have already reviewed the oasis that is the Pier First class lounge also in Hong Kong international. This review looks at the amazing Wing First Class lounge where I had just under 3 hours to spare.

Access

Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon First Class passengers are invited to use this lounge along with the Pier First Class. Marco Polo Diamond/OneWorld Emerald members also can get in provided they are travelling on a OneWorld carrier on the day.

A bit of walking is required to get to the lounge if you are not departing/arriving on the south departures area.

The Wing First Class lounge is in the same compounds as the Wing Business Class lounge (also a marvellous lounge on its own right!). Therefore, the both First and Business guests will find themselves going through the same entrance before a separate entry into the First lounge within.

The Wing First Class Lounge Spaces

Most of the seating spaces of the lounge are in the large mezzanine area overlooking the runways. There are various canapes/snack food options as well refreshments spread throughout the space. The leather seats are large and comfortable, with minimalist lighting creating a soft ambience.

My primary goal was to check out the famous cabanas and take a bath, because, if I can take a fancy bath in an airport, why shouldn’t you? 🙂

Therefore upon entering, with just over 2 hours on hand, I went straight to the cabana reception to enquire.

As expected, all were occupied at that time, so I got put in waiting and handed a buzzer.

Time to explore abit more!

I proceeded to check out the food options, which mostly consisted of cold cuts, canapes and snack, though was not hungry to try anything so saved myself for dining at the Haven later.

I was rather impressed with the tea selection they had on offer..

What is not immediately apparent is though this can all be self service. There are staff around who occasionally come to assist, as well as offering to make you any drinks and bring it to you.

The Cabana

About 30 minutes later my cabana was ready! I took some drinks with me.

As I went through a very hotel like corridor I entered into what felt like a hotel room that has a bath as a centre piece!

There are in total 5 such cabanas. Unfortunately some of my pictures came out rather over-exposed.

A large connected desk provides a perfect place to work in total privacy, should you need too. Beside the table, was a full sized closet containing some essentials.

Another very useful feature was a shirt press service, where each guest can have up to 2 items pressed.

I got out a shirt from my suitcase that had really been squashed in and tossed about a few times…

Once your items are placed in you shut the door and press a service buzzer and its taken care off.

Meanwhile I had the bath running. Something lacking that I did notice was any specific bath salts or bath bubbles, other than the standard bath & shower gels. Not sure if this was ever provided.

So I wont share any pics of me in the bath here, but to almost state the obvious, it was superb! I’m not even normally a bath person, but it sure helps de-stress you, you almost forget that you are still on the road!

Serviced Shower Suites

For completeness (for those that do not use the Cabanas) I should note this lounge also provides luxurious shower suites, which also has the shirt press service at the touch of a button.

The Champagne Bar

There are a few areas with bar service in this lounge, that do not stand out as so, because they blend into the deco. I decided to have another drink after my bath and enjoy the views outside.

 

The Haven

About 2 hours in, I felt peckish enough to have a meal at the designated restaurant inside.

There were a few guest dining at the point. Its roughly the same size as the restaurant in the Pier though not as busy.

I was asked where I wanted to sit, and handed a menu..

Minutes later however, the lady came back to say they had actually now switched to an evening menu.

I ordered something along the lines of a Shanghai style chicken (but can no longer remember and nor did I take a picture of the evening menu sadly).

It was more of  a quick bite, as I did not have much time left. This was washed down with a famous Cathay delight!

I recall quite a few things in the menu that sounded great, but either had bacon/pork which I dont eat, therefore felt more limited with some of my choices that will not apply to most others I guess. Nonetheless this was a great meal, served very attentively.

And all too soon, it was time to board my flight!

Overall thoughts

I have used this lounge over 4 times now, over the last 5 years! It felt every bit as plush and exclusive as you may wish a First Class lounge to be.

Even though the Cabana is now a few years old, I would say its still the show stopping feature here. A very peaceful place, which ever area you are in. Staff seem to appear out of nowhere when it looks like you might need something, yet they disappear into the space, just like the bar. The lounge in general however does not feel as cosy and warm like the Pier First Class. The result and pros & cons of providing expansive glass views out! The cabana however more than makes up for that.

Can it get any better? Well yes. But only so far as add to the experience rather than addressing a flaw. Providing some form of room service or even something like hatches in the cabana would help with providing any drinks tops up or quick bites while you are relaxing in the day bed or having a bath. On another thought, bringing spa services within this compound would really take this lounge to a whole new level.

What really makes this a First Class experience, and sets it apart than say the BA Concorde room is the crowd & service. This in no doubt is probably helped by the fact that there are two First Class lounges (perhaps of equal finesse and quality) for guests to choose from.