Vegas, NYC, HK, Bali, Philippines - (OZ F/J, CX F/J, Amankila, Chedi)
Feb 5, 2016, 3:34 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 343
Asiana OZ 221 JFK-ICN First Class
Sorry for the delay. Just getting around to loading pics and putting this together. Hope you enjoy the rest.
Asiana First Class
OZ 221 JFK-ICN
January 16, 2016
It was a beautiful and clear day to fly and we were looking forward to experiencing Asiana's First Class service aboard the A380. Check-in at Terminal 4 was deserted and we walked right up to the First Class counter. The agent presented us with a seat map and asked if we wanted to switch our current seats to any others. This got me excited, thinking that the cabin would be empty. It ended up being 4/12, which was a lovely ratio and the service excelled.
We were invited to the lounge which is operated by SwissAir. It was pleasant and quiet, with good coffee and some light snacks. Not very crowded and had nice views of the tarmac.
We were able to see our bird taxi in after it landed from it's journey from ICN.
The quiet room at the Swiss Lounge.
We were departing from Gate A6. I heard my name called to approach the gate area. The Asiana staff informed us that one of the originally assigned seats had a malfunction and we would need to switch from row 3 to row 2, which was not a problem with us.
Original boarding pass
We were escorted to our seats and offered a drink (no champagne as Asiana does not serve it on the ground)
Amenity Kit, duvet, headphones, and pajamas were provided.
I really like the color scheme Asiana uses. I know a lot of people find it quite putrid but I enjoy the calming colors, warm wood tones, and mood lighting.
The large 32" tv was a nice touch, however, as reported, the IFE is limited and we mainly watched the camera and airshow.
This was my first flight on an A380 and all I can say is "WOW" Love the bathroom space, love the quiet cabin, love the amount of space available to walk around and literally go for a stroll.
Never have I stood comfortably upright with room to spare in a plane bathroom. This one was stocked with L'Occitane amenities, Evian mist, towels, combs, etc.
Stairs leading up to business class and economy level
Meal service started with hot towels and menu's being distributed.
Wine List
Two excellent champagnes were loaded
We both started with the caviar. I sampled both champagnes and after a few glasses of the complex Pol Roger, I switched over to the Piper Rare, which was more palate friendly to me.
Cheers to 14 hours of not thinking about the real world below us
Caviar was followed by a roast beef roll with chili sauce served inside the tomato
Next up was the soup course, which was a pumpkin soup. I'm pretty sure it was terrible but by then I was 6 glasses deep of bubbly and well, anything tastes good at that point
The main bibimbap was served on a tray with all of it's accoutrements
Cheese and fruit plate
My wife wanted some tea, so they brought out a full tea selection for her to choose from
Finished off the meal with some chocolate opera cake, which was delicious.
Settling in for a long rest
The pajamas were very comfortable and fit well, albeit, a touch snug
I'm pretending to sleep
she is passed out
Took a stroll around and went upstairs to the barren lounge area
Ordered a ramen snack, which was delicious and filling
Awake!
Scallop and smoked salmon starter for our 2nd meal
Chicken with macaroni and corn (not great)
Tart
Some final cabin shots
They really do kneel all the time
We enjoyed following the cabin stretching video
I really enjoyed this flight with Asiana. It was comfortable, food was excellent for the most part, and service was friendly and attentive. I would say they are more proactive then reactive, which is not a bad thing. The cabin temp was comfortable as I tend to run extremely hot. I remember actually feeling a bit chilly at some point. This flight was booked using United miles. Originally it was booked in J and then about 2 months out, noticed that they opened up to 2 F seats and I snagged them. United allows you to change the booking online and it was a fairly simple procedure. I wouldn't hesitate to fly Asiana again.
Asiana First Class
OZ 221 JFK-ICN
January 16, 2016
It was a beautiful and clear day to fly and we were looking forward to experiencing Asiana's First Class service aboard the A380. Check-in at Terminal 4 was deserted and we walked right up to the First Class counter. The agent presented us with a seat map and asked if we wanted to switch our current seats to any others. This got me excited, thinking that the cabin would be empty. It ended up being 4/12, which was a lovely ratio and the service excelled.
We were invited to the lounge which is operated by SwissAir. It was pleasant and quiet, with good coffee and some light snacks. Not very crowded and had nice views of the tarmac.
We were able to see our bird taxi in after it landed from it's journey from ICN.
The quiet room at the Swiss Lounge.
We were departing from Gate A6. I heard my name called to approach the gate area. The Asiana staff informed us that one of the originally assigned seats had a malfunction and we would need to switch from row 3 to row 2, which was not a problem with us.
Original boarding pass
We were escorted to our seats and offered a drink (no champagne as Asiana does not serve it on the ground)
Amenity Kit, duvet, headphones, and pajamas were provided.
I really like the color scheme Asiana uses. I know a lot of people find it quite putrid but I enjoy the calming colors, warm wood tones, and mood lighting.
The large 32" tv was a nice touch, however, as reported, the IFE is limited and we mainly watched the camera and airshow.
This was my first flight on an A380 and all I can say is "WOW" Love the bathroom space, love the quiet cabin, love the amount of space available to walk around and literally go for a stroll.
Never have I stood comfortably upright with room to spare in a plane bathroom. This one was stocked with L'Occitane amenities, Evian mist, towels, combs, etc.
Stairs leading up to business class and economy level
Meal service started with hot towels and menu's being distributed.
Wine List
Two excellent champagnes were loaded
We both started with the caviar. I sampled both champagnes and after a few glasses of the complex Pol Roger, I switched over to the Piper Rare, which was more palate friendly to me.
Cheers to 14 hours of not thinking about the real world below us
Caviar was followed by a roast beef roll with chili sauce served inside the tomato
Next up was the soup course, which was a pumpkin soup. I'm pretty sure it was terrible but by then I was 6 glasses deep of bubbly and well, anything tastes good at that point
The main bibimbap was served on a tray with all of it's accoutrements
Cheese and fruit plate
My wife wanted some tea, so they brought out a full tea selection for her to choose from
Finished off the meal with some chocolate opera cake, which was delicious.
Settling in for a long rest
The pajamas were very comfortable and fit well, albeit, a touch snug
I'm pretending to sleep
she is passed outTook a stroll around and went upstairs to the barren lounge area
Ordered a ramen snack, which was delicious and filling
Awake!
Scallop and smoked salmon starter for our 2nd meal
Chicken with macaroni and corn (not great)
Tart
Some final cabin shots
They really do kneel all the time
We enjoyed following the cabin stretching video
I really enjoyed this flight with Asiana. It was comfortable, food was excellent for the most part, and service was friendly and attentive. I would say they are more proactive then reactive, which is not a bad thing. The cabin temp was comfortable as I tend to run extremely hot. I remember actually feeling a bit chilly at some point. This flight was booked using United miles. Originally it was booked in J and then about 2 months out, noticed that they opened up to 2 F seats and I snagged them. United allows you to change the booking online and it was a fairly simple procedure. I wouldn't hesitate to fly Asiana again.
. I'm looking forward to the rest, especially Cebu pics!
Feb 5, 2016, 6:13 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 343
^milesinthemiddleeast thanks! working on it as we speak
HangukStyle enjoy the recent Asiana part, i'm working on getting the J class review up in a few hours. It was really an amazing flight and I would love to fly with them again
Feb 5, 2016, 6:15 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 343
Thanks Madone59 working on the rest right now. If you want Cebu Pacific, I got that coming up, Cebu itself is in my other TR, we only made it to Boracay and Manila this time around. Highly recommend Cebu(Oslob) and Palawan if you're heading to the PH. ^
Feb 11, 2016, 3:30 pm
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 343
Asiana OZ 745 ICN-HKG Business Class
Asiana Business Class
OZ 745
ICN-HKG
We landed in ICN and headed for the Asiana Business Class Lounge. I was surprised to find that we were only issued a Business Class Lounge invite and not First and I didn't think much of it, until we entered the madness that is the Asiana Business Class Lounge. It was pretty much terrible. Hot, crowded, poor food selections and just overall madness.
Lounge Check in desk
We were lucky to find two seats together
After wasting away for an hour or so there, we headed to Gate 43 for our flight to HKG. The desk agents bowed and boarding was underway on time.
Love the gates at ICN, you get a nice glimpse of the beauty you will be flying
Asiana A380 Business Class cabin
Legroom is fine but I am glad I was able to get the upgrade in for F from JFK-ICN
Cattier Brut Champagne was offered for a PDB and we figured we would keep the party going. Cheers to two weeks of doing absolutely nothing!
Business Class menu
Prawn starter
I went with the Korean option, which was delicious. The bulgogi beef was tender and moist and matched perfectly with the lettuce wrap topped with bean paste.
Cheese and fruit plates
Service was attentive and warm. We landed in HKG and immediately grabbed our bags and met our driver who had a clean Tesla waiting for us.
Very quick trip to the Mira Hong Kong hotel. Apparently I didn't take any pics of check in, lobby, or the outside of the building. I should have some video and will put that together, along with pics of the room.
OZ 745
ICN-HKG
We landed in ICN and headed for the Asiana Business Class Lounge. I was surprised to find that we were only issued a Business Class Lounge invite and not First and I didn't think much of it, until we entered the madness that is the Asiana Business Class Lounge. It was pretty much terrible. Hot, crowded, poor food selections and just overall madness.
Lounge Check in desk
We were lucky to find two seats together
After wasting away for an hour or so there, we headed to Gate 43 for our flight to HKG. The desk agents bowed and boarding was underway on time.
Love the gates at ICN, you get a nice glimpse of the beauty you will be flying
Asiana A380 Business Class cabin
Legroom is fine but I am glad I was able to get the upgrade in for F from JFK-ICN
Cattier Brut Champagne was offered for a PDB and we figured we would keep the party going. Cheers to two weeks of doing absolutely nothing!
Business Class menu
Prawn starter
I went with the Korean option, which was delicious. The bulgogi beef was tender and moist and matched perfectly with the lettuce wrap topped with bean paste.
Cheese and fruit plates
Service was attentive and warm. We landed in HKG and immediately grabbed our bags and met our driver who had a clean Tesla waiting for us.
Very quick trip to the Mira Hong Kong hotel. Apparently I didn't take any pics of check in, lobby, or the outside of the building. I should have some video and will put that together, along with pics of the room.
Feb 12, 2016, 11:46 am
#24
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: IND, ORD
Programs: AA Platinum, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 134
Congrats and very nice report so far. Im interested in reading about your stop in Bali. I'm headed there this fall.
Last edited by mustang281man; Feb 15, 2016 at 11:06 am
Feb 16, 2016, 9:29 pm
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 343
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
We arrived at 11pm at the Mira Hong Kong hotel. The hotel has a quirky modern design theme and comes off, from afar, as somewhat sleek and new age, however, it seemed a bit dated to me. It didn't wow me.
Hallway at the Mira Hong Kong. The ceilings in the hallways were about 6'7'', so it felt a bit claustrophobic.
A nice welcome. Cheers.
Living Room of the Mira Suite 80
Bedroom: Felt cramped and the chairs seemed oversized.
Bathroom. Also cramped and the ceiling were low.
I couldn't sleep the first night, so headed down to the gym, which is accessible with a keycard between the hours of 11pm-6am. It was well equipped and met all my needs.
Woke up to a nice view of Kowloon Park
Headed up to the Mira Club Lounge for buffet breakfast. Decent spread but nothing out of the ordinary, other than the congee, which I assume is par for the course in HK. They had a la carte options, including pancakes, french toast, eggs benedict, etc.
We walked out of the lobby and headed to Central via the MTR which was located about a block away from the hotel. The location of the hotel to the MTR station is ideal and made for easy travel around HK.
Coming from NYC, I was impressed by the cleanliness and efficiency of the MTR.
We ended up at Sheung Wan station and walked around till we were hungry. We sampled some goodies and had a great day exploring the city.
Stopped into 18 Grams coffee shop for a quick latte
Had a quick shot of snake wine to get the day going
This place looked crowded, so we took that as a sign to eat there.
Roast meats and sausages
Here for wonton and roast beef soups
Walked through the stall market for a bit and then stopped for some french toast
Hong Kong car porn, love a nice S class Maybach, slightly modded.
Back to the hotel where we proceeded to pass out and ended up ordering room service after all of that tasty HK food.
The next day we awoke to cloudy skies but figured we should head up to The Peak to check it out and then cruise around the city for some more exploring.
We took a cab up to The Peak and decided to take the Tram down, which was fun and glad we tried it. After walking around for a few, we were starving and stumbled upon Aberdeen Street Social. This place was fun and had a great lunch scene going.
We both opted for the lobster roll.
For dinner, we ate at Sushi Shikon, which is the "sister" restaurant to Sushi Yoshitake in Tokyo. It's located in the lobby of the boutique Mercer Hotel, on Jervois Street.
Shikon is famous for it's abalone with abalone liver sauce.
Two types of uni for its special uni roll
The menu for January 19, 2016
It's only omakase and they have two seatings a night. I won't go into how much I spent on this dinner (you can google it and find out easily) but it was by far the most I've ever spent for two people. I hate to say it, but I've had better, whether in NYC or Tokyo. We all know that cost does not translate to great taste and the absurd price tag was not justified with the quality and taste of the food here. I left with a smile on my face because of the great service and many glasses of sake but with a bitter taste in my mouth due to the overall experience. I won't be back.
CX 785
HKG-DPS
Business Class
We checked out of the Mira and were chauffeured to HKIA in the Tesla again. Rainy day but we were on time.
HKIA Terminal 1
Check in was a breeze and we were through security in less than 10 minutes
We stopped by the Cabin lounge for a quick look and turned around, it was crowded and the thermostat was blazing.
It does have nice views of the tarmac
We boarded at Gate 35
We were seated in 16A/C. PDB of champagne, orange juice, and water were offered. I love the feel of a flight to an island tourist destination and this flight to Bali had that buzz. The cabin was full of travelers with the look of pending vacation and anticipating relaxation.
Warm mixed nuts and drinks were served immediately after departure
Billecart-Salmon was being poured
Menu
Salmon and scallop starter
Sambal halibut, coconut okra and jasmine rice. Hands down one of the best inflight meals I've ever had. Doesn't look so epic, but was extremely tasty.
Cheese, fruit, port
Cabin
Landed at DPS, greeted by a representative holding a sign with my name, cleared immigration with no visa needed for US and Philippine passport holders, among many others. Into the large arrivals hall and to the baggage carousel where our bags were one of the first to arrive. The 4'9'' Indonesian girl, dressed in a bright pink suit, basically demanded that she carry our bags and load them onto a pushcart and out to the Chedi Club car, where we were met by one of the friendliest people I've come across.
Our Chedi Club driver immediately made us feel welcomed and at home with him. He offered us cold drinks, cold towels and informed us that the drive would take a little over an hour long. We sat back and relaxed while he pointed out some key sites along the way. We were greeted at the Chedi Club by a handful of staff and escorted into the open air lobby.
Clearly a long way from the Mira Hong Kong, my jaw was floored at the absolute beauty of this hotel and its grounds.
Up next: Chedi Club, Amankila, and Boracay/Manila
We arrived at 11pm at the Mira Hong Kong hotel. The hotel has a quirky modern design theme and comes off, from afar, as somewhat sleek and new age, however, it seemed a bit dated to me. It didn't wow me.
Hallway at the Mira Hong Kong. The ceilings in the hallways were about 6'7'', so it felt a bit claustrophobic.
A nice welcome. Cheers.
Living Room of the Mira Suite 80
Bedroom: Felt cramped and the chairs seemed oversized.
Bathroom. Also cramped and the ceiling were low.
I couldn't sleep the first night, so headed down to the gym, which is accessible with a keycard between the hours of 11pm-6am. It was well equipped and met all my needs.
Woke up to a nice view of Kowloon Park
Headed up to the Mira Club Lounge for buffet breakfast. Decent spread but nothing out of the ordinary, other than the congee, which I assume is par for the course in HK. They had a la carte options, including pancakes, french toast, eggs benedict, etc.
We walked out of the lobby and headed to Central via the MTR which was located about a block away from the hotel. The location of the hotel to the MTR station is ideal and made for easy travel around HK.
Coming from NYC, I was impressed by the cleanliness and efficiency of the MTR.
We ended up at Sheung Wan station and walked around till we were hungry. We sampled some goodies and had a great day exploring the city.
Stopped into 18 Grams coffee shop for a quick latte
Had a quick shot of snake wine to get the day going
This place looked crowded, so we took that as a sign to eat there.
Roast meats and sausages
Here for wonton and roast beef soups
Walked through the stall market for a bit and then stopped for some french toast
Hong Kong car porn, love a nice S class Maybach, slightly modded.
Back to the hotel where we proceeded to pass out and ended up ordering room service after all of that tasty HK food.
The next day we awoke to cloudy skies but figured we should head up to The Peak to check it out and then cruise around the city for some more exploring.
We took a cab up to The Peak and decided to take the Tram down, which was fun and glad we tried it. After walking around for a few, we were starving and stumbled upon Aberdeen Street Social. This place was fun and had a great lunch scene going.
We both opted for the lobster roll.
For dinner, we ate at Sushi Shikon, which is the "sister" restaurant to Sushi Yoshitake in Tokyo. It's located in the lobby of the boutique Mercer Hotel, on Jervois Street.
Shikon is famous for it's abalone with abalone liver sauce.
Two types of uni for its special uni roll
The menu for January 19, 2016
It's only omakase and they have two seatings a night. I won't go into how much I spent on this dinner (you can google it and find out easily) but it was by far the most I've ever spent for two people. I hate to say it, but I've had better, whether in NYC or Tokyo. We all know that cost does not translate to great taste and the absurd price tag was not justified with the quality and taste of the food here. I left with a smile on my face because of the great service and many glasses of sake but with a bitter taste in my mouth due to the overall experience. I won't be back.
CX 785
HKG-DPS
Business Class
We checked out of the Mira and were chauffeured to HKIA in the Tesla again. Rainy day but we were on time.
HKIA Terminal 1
Check in was a breeze and we were through security in less than 10 minutes
We stopped by the Cabin lounge for a quick look and turned around, it was crowded and the thermostat was blazing.
It does have nice views of the tarmac
We boarded at Gate 35
We were seated in 16A/C. PDB of champagne, orange juice, and water were offered. I love the feel of a flight to an island tourist destination and this flight to Bali had that buzz. The cabin was full of travelers with the look of pending vacation and anticipating relaxation.
Warm mixed nuts and drinks were served immediately after departure
Billecart-Salmon was being poured
Menu
Salmon and scallop starter
Sambal halibut, coconut okra and jasmine rice. Hands down one of the best inflight meals I've ever had. Doesn't look so epic, but was extremely tasty.
Cheese, fruit, port
Cabin
Landed at DPS, greeted by a representative holding a sign with my name, cleared immigration with no visa needed for US and Philippine passport holders, among many others. Into the large arrivals hall and to the baggage carousel where our bags were one of the first to arrive. The 4'9'' Indonesian girl, dressed in a bright pink suit, basically demanded that she carry our bags and load them onto a pushcart and out to the Chedi Club car, where we were met by one of the friendliest people I've come across.
Our Chedi Club driver immediately made us feel welcomed and at home with him. He offered us cold drinks, cold towels and informed us that the drive would take a little over an hour long. We sat back and relaxed while he pointed out some key sites along the way. We were greeted at the Chedi Club by a handful of staff and escorted into the open air lobby.
Clearly a long way from the Mira Hong Kong, my jaw was floored at the absolute beauty of this hotel and its grounds.
Up next: Chedi Club, Amankila, and Boracay/Manila
Last edited by benjahman; Feb 17, 2016 at 11:16 am
Feb 22, 2016, 9:40 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 343
Chedi Club - Ubud, Bali
January 20th, 2016
Chedi Club - Ubud, Bali
We arrived at the Chedi Club and were warmly greeted by the "front office" (gorgeous open air pavilion) staff and offered cold towels, a welcome drink, banana fritters, and a request for my credit card. After check-in was completed we were given a tour of the property via golf cart and driven to our Villa, which was #8.
Main Pool
Villa 8
Pool upon entering Villa, with views out towards the rice field and you could peak your head out and see Mt. Agung in the distance.
Bale
Bedroom
Outdoor tub
Welcome snack
Morning view from the room
Room tour
Walking through the property
Entrance to the restaurant
Day beds at the restaurant
Afternoon tea service with cocktails
Breakfasts were a real highlight at Chedi. We didn't hold back and the staff were more than excited to help us pick some favorites and encouraged us to order as much as we'd like. The food was great. Chef Dean is a presence and we had daily chats with him about the menu and how he ended up at Chedi.
Chef smokes his own salmon, which led to 3 straight days of eggs bene with salmon, amazing!
Yoga was offered every morning and we really enjoyed starting the day with this
Additional food shots
Smoked salmon spread starter
Rijstaffel
Really, really loved the Chedi Club and it's vibe, architecture, service, food!, and value. The endless views of rice fields, ponds, pavilions, and soothing gamelan music all over provided a really amazing intro to Bali and a great experience.
Chedi Club - Ubud, Bali
We arrived at the Chedi Club and were warmly greeted by the "front office" (gorgeous open air pavilion) staff and offered cold towels, a welcome drink, banana fritters, and a request for my credit card. After check-in was completed we were given a tour of the property via golf cart and driven to our Villa, which was #8.
Main Pool
Villa 8
Pool upon entering Villa, with views out towards the rice field and you could peak your head out and see Mt. Agung in the distance.
Bale
Bedroom
Outdoor tub
Welcome snack
Morning view from the room
Room tour
Walking through the property
Entrance to the restaurant
Day beds at the restaurant
Afternoon tea service with cocktails
Breakfasts were a real highlight at Chedi. We didn't hold back and the staff were more than excited to help us pick some favorites and encouraged us to order as much as we'd like. The food was great. Chef Dean is a presence and we had daily chats with him about the menu and how he ended up at Chedi.
Chef smokes his own salmon, which led to 3 straight days of eggs bene with salmon, amazing!
Yoga was offered every morning and we really enjoyed starting the day with this
Additional food shots
Smoked salmon spread starter
Rijstaffel
Really, really loved the Chedi Club and it's vibe, architecture, service, food!, and value. The endless views of rice fields, ponds, pavilions, and soothing gamelan music all over provided a really amazing intro to Bali and a great experience.
Feb 23, 2016, 8:03 am
#27
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,151
Thanks for sharing this report! Brings back a lot of nostalgia from our own Chedi/Amankila trip last year. What a gorgeous property...I believe we may have even been in the same villa! Chef Dean is a gem, too; we had a booking for our anniversary dinner at Mosaic, but decided the day before that we didn't feel like taking a car all the way out there and back. Chef Dean offered to do a customized degustation menu for us in the rice paddy. Great memories.
Hope the rest of your trip was just as magical!
Hope the rest of your trip was just as magical!
Feb 23, 2016, 9:05 am
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 343
Thanks for sharing this report! Brings back a lot of nostalgia from our own Chedi/Amankila trip last year. What a gorgeous property...I believe we may have even been in the same villa! Chef Dean is a gem, too; we had a booking for our anniversary dinner at Mosaic, but decided the day before that we didn't feel like taking a car all the way out there and back. Chef Dean offered to do a customized degustation menu for us in the rice paddy. Great memories.
Hope the rest of your trip was just as magical!
Hope the rest of your trip was just as magical!
Feb 23, 2016, 2:24 pm
#30
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,151
LM225 I have to admit, I read and viewed your report on the two many, many times and it was very helpful and inspiring. Villa 8 was really nice and a perfect location in the resort. The wood floors in the courtyard/pool area were popping up and the hotel seemed to be renovating the empty villas, which is encouraging. Chef Dean is a star and we would not hesitate to go back there. Amankila was great but we didn't leave with the "can't wait to go back" feeling. More to come...
Funny, agree with you about Amankila. As much as we loved it (and the whole trip), if we were to go back to one of the two properties, Chedi would be the no-brainer.