Back to the UAE on Qatar's A380 in J, Al Safwa Lounge, FS J Beach, PH Abu Dhabi
Mar 20, 2017, 4:15 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
The next day I woke up early and decided to walk around the block to get some fresh air. The car enthusiast in me likes London for the occasional encounter with a golden G63 AMG 6x6 or a Bugatti Chiron, but today it was all about the classics.
After a quick stint at the gym...
...I headed for a light breakfast at Céleste.
90 minutes later I was hungry again (light breakfasts aren't for me) and fortunately food wasn't far away. Qatar's lounges rarely disappoint and this one was no exception.
Rule No.1: If the end is near...
... at least make sure you're not leaving this world thirsty.
Showering at 36'000 ft is a great idea (Hello Emirates), but it comes at the expense of the bar area which is much smaller on EK than on QR. I'd rather shower on the ground and have a bigger, more comfortable (and more stylish) bar in the air.
Conclusion: note to self: remove light breakfasts from your daily routine.
Up Next: LHR-DOH in QR's A380 & Al Safwa First Class Lounge
After a quick stint at the gym...
...I headed for a light breakfast at Céleste.
90 minutes later I was hungry again (light breakfasts aren't for me) and fortunately food wasn't far away. Qatar's lounges rarely disappoint and this one was no exception.
Rule No.1: If the end is near...
... at least make sure you're not leaving this world thirsty.
Showering at 36'000 ft is a great idea (Hello Emirates), but it comes at the expense of the bar area which is much smaller on EK than on QR. I'd rather shower on the ground and have a bigger, more comfortable (and more stylish) bar in the air.
Conclusion: note to self: remove light breakfasts from your daily routine.
Up Next: LHR-DOH in QR's A380 & Al Safwa First Class Lounge
Mar 20, 2017, 11:16 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 5,525
Wow the Lanesborough is absolutely gorgeous inside. Extremely not to my taste (much prefer modern design over traditional) but it's hard not to like how gorgeous it is!
The LHR QR lounge looks fantastic as well. I look forward to seeing what you like about the QR A380 - I found the experience extremely underwhelming.
The LHR QR lounge looks fantastic as well. I look forward to seeing what you like about the QR A380 - I found the experience extremely underwhelming.
Mar 23, 2017, 4:24 am
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Indeed offerendum, it is very pleasant.
Haha, I like the extremely not to my taste bit, ironmanjt... 
Yes QR's lounges are really top notch, as is their business class IMO. The cabin is gorgeous, the seat very comfortable and the bar on the A380 is by far my favourite in the sky.
Thank you very much for your kind words, miamiflyer8... 
Thanks for your comment, aglp2k. Actually it is "only" LP Rosé and it's available to all customers.
Update: the next installment will be online tomorrow.
Wow the Lanesborough is absolutely gorgeous inside. Extremely not to my taste (much prefer modern design over traditional) but it's hard not to like how gorgeous it is!
The LHR QR lounge looks fantastic as well. I look forward to seeing what you like about the QR A380 - I found the experience extremely underwhelming.
The LHR QR lounge looks fantastic as well. I look forward to seeing what you like about the QR A380 - I found the experience extremely underwhelming.
Yes QR's lounges are really top notch, as is their business class IMO. The cabin is gorgeous, the seat very comfortable and the bar on the A380 is by far my favourite in the sky.
Update: the next installment will be online tomorrow.
Mar 24, 2017, 2:11 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
I've yet to find a business class cabin that I prefer to this one.
The only problem with this flight is that it's too short.
The food on QR usually is very enjoyable...
...but the real highlight is of course the lounge at the back of the business cabin.
Krug has been enhanced away, LH-style...
...in favour of some snacks.
What better way to kill time in the air than to sit on a comfortable Poltrona Frau leather bench, enjoy the view and have one Espresso Martini after the other until the sun sets and it is time again to get ready for the next meal on the ground...
...at the Al Safwa First Class lounge.
[
First something to eat in the formal dining area.
Then, some lounge exploring.
Chef at work.
The bar.
Insert Krug here.
Tea Bar.
The casual dining room.
Endless corridors.
Local art.
Imported art.
Duty Free...
...but not exactly a bargain.
If I were on a business trip I'd be happy to spend a few hours here, but fortunately I'm on holiday.
Not for kids.
Not only for kids.
Even the lavatories are beautiful.
There are so many lounging areas that I had a hard time deciding which one to try.
Those seats look great but I wonder if they're comfortable?
Well, so much so that I dozed off for a couple of minutes and almost missed my connecting flight.
The private bus transfer is a great idea but someone please tell the driver to kill the aircon, as it was freezing cold in there.
The last dinner for today on the short hop from Doha to Abu Dhabi. Once you fly with Qatar Regional First you're spoiled for life as it's the best short-haul experience I could possibly think of.
Conclusion: Even without Krug, Qatar remains my favourite business class product.
Up Next: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
The only problem with this flight is that it's too short.
The food on QR usually is very enjoyable...
...but the real highlight is of course the lounge at the back of the business cabin.
Krug has been enhanced away, LH-style...
...in favour of some snacks.
What better way to kill time in the air than to sit on a comfortable Poltrona Frau leather bench, enjoy the view and have one Espresso Martini after the other until the sun sets and it is time again to get ready for the next meal on the ground...
...at the Al Safwa First Class lounge.
[First something to eat in the formal dining area.
Then, some lounge exploring.
Chef at work.
The bar.
Insert Krug here.
Tea Bar.
The casual dining room.
Endless corridors.
Local art.
Imported art.
Duty Free...
...but not exactly a bargain.
If I were on a business trip I'd be happy to spend a few hours here, but fortunately I'm on holiday.
Not for kids.
Not only for kids.
Even the lavatories are beautiful.
There are so many lounging areas that I had a hard time deciding which one to try.
Those seats look great but I wonder if they're comfortable?
Well, so much so that I dozed off for a couple of minutes and almost missed my connecting flight.
The private bus transfer is a great idea but someone please tell the driver to kill the aircon, as it was freezing cold in there.
The last dinner for today on the short hop from Doha to Abu Dhabi. Once you fly with Qatar Regional First you're spoiled for life as it's the best short-haul experience I could possibly think of.
Conclusion: Even without Krug, Qatar remains my favourite business class product.
Up Next: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Last edited by JohnRain; Mar 24, 2017 at 2:48 am
Mar 24, 2017, 2:18 am
#24
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Executive, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,662
Amazing when US carriers can't do drink service on a 30 minute flight but QR manages to do a two course meal.
Looking forward to the next installment!
Looking forward to the next installment!
Mar 27, 2017, 12:28 am
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Thanks!
Thanks Kangol!
I'm using a Sony RX100 III.
Sure, offerendum, but it tastes so much better when it's "free"...
I'm not a big drinker anyway which means I never bought one. I usually go for a cold Hefeweizen when I'm thirsty...
Update: the next installment will be online tomorrow.
Last edited by JohnRain; Mar 27, 2017 at 12:34 am
Mar 27, 2017, 11:44 pm
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
I love everything that has to do with the UAE and aviation, but it's about time the new AUH midfield terminal opens....
As always the difference in temperature between Europe in November and the UAE at the same time of year is most welcome.
Getting comfy in the back of the hotel car.
Almost there.
My first impression of the hotel was very positive. The similarities with the St Regis Saadiyat Island are striking.
After a much-needed power nap...
...we went for breakfast at Suq.
Ice cream for breakfast? Yes please.
We spent the rest of the day at the pool enjoying the perfect weather.
In the evening we had dinner at Coya, which is right next to the hotel. Sorry for the blurry pictures, but there were so many beautiful women inside that I had a hard time to focus.
A nightcap at the Mercury Lounge concluded this first day.
Attention to detail.
Conclusion: I think "urban resort" is the most appropriate description of the FS Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. While the One & Only the Palm remains my favourite resort in Dubai, the proximity to the city and the pleasant pool & beach area make the FS a great choice for both business and leisure.
Up Next: Out and about in Dubai
As always the difference in temperature between Europe in November and the UAE at the same time of year is most welcome.
Getting comfy in the back of the hotel car.
Almost there.
My first impression of the hotel was very positive. The similarities with the St Regis Saadiyat Island are striking.
After a much-needed power nap...
...we went for breakfast at Suq.
Ice cream for breakfast? Yes please.
We spent the rest of the day at the pool enjoying the perfect weather.
In the evening we had dinner at Coya, which is right next to the hotel. Sorry for the blurry pictures, but there were so many beautiful women inside that I had a hard time to focus.
A nightcap at the Mercury Lounge concluded this first day.
Attention to detail.
Conclusion: I think "urban resort" is the most appropriate description of the FS Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. While the One & Only the Palm remains my favourite resort in Dubai, the proximity to the city and the pleasant pool & beach area make the FS a great choice for both business and leisure.
Up Next: Out and about in Dubai