While waiting for my CX F flight back to JFK, I decided to explore two of the more prestigious lounges at HKG, The Wing First Class Lounge, and the brand new Pier Lounge.

Having docked near gates 1-4, I walked over to The Wing first (near Gate 3, upstairs). After checking in, I made a beeline to the cabana section of the lounge, and was immediately escorted down a black marble-esque hallway to cabana #3. After closing the door, I took my time and explored the space…WOW, what an amazing idea! A full size tub, a shower equipped with hand, waterfall and rain showers and Jurlique bath products, all coupled with soothing light colored wood décor and a leather day bed.

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The neat waterfall and rain shower!




After a refreshing bath AND shower (during which I giggled the whole time), I dressed in a clean set of clothes and headed out into the lounge itself, sitting right next to the Champagne bar. A very friendly attendant came by and asked if I would like a glass of Champagne, to which the natural response is “of course, the Veuve Cliquot please.”

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Champagne bar


After receiving a full flute with some warm mixed nuts, I settled down to read for a bit. After a half hour or so, I became antsy and wandered over to the restaurant side. I know that many love the dining concept, but knowing that the Pier was supposed to have an amazing restaurant, I passed and decided to walk over.

Everytime I transit through HKG I forget how big the airport is. And even with a steady pace, the Pier is about a 15-20 minutes march from the Wing, so keep that in mind if you are planning to explore both.


Descending into the Pier (near Gate 65, downstairs), I entered a remarkably comfortable lounge.
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Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautifully decorated, with classic touches and lighting but they really nailed the comfort aspect.

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Before heading to the restaurant, I walked over to the new massage/spa area, and asked if they had any availability. Luckily, the gentleman staffing the desk said he could get me in right away prior to my lunch. Delighted, I walked into a relatively small room with three stalls with comfortable chairs and privacy walls. My masseur first had me sit down on the stool facing the main chair, while my feet soaked in a bath. I was given a large pillow to keep on my lap, and he began massaging my shoulders, neck and scalp with surprising strength and pressure…it felt like heaven! After my back, shoulder and neck massage, I was directed to sit on the chair. Each leg was worked on individually, with percussion, long rubs and pressure point therapy. Now, this isn’t like your typical reflexology massage, which can be extremely painful. Instead, I had a feeling of bliss and almost fell asleep on the chair.

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After completion of my massage, I was directed to the dining area, which looked like a chic restaurant. Having another glass of champagne (Rose this time), and a Sunrise cocktail, I perused the menu and picked several dishes. If I had the time (or a black hole for a stomach), I would’ve ordered everything! I started with the south with prawn toast, the pomelo prawn salad, the seared salmon, and finished with the poached pears. I was originally going to choose the Barramundi, but the server vehemently suggested the Salmon instead (and I’m glad that he did).
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The Menu
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The soup was divine…imagine an egg drop soup with the flavor and intensity of hot and sour soup. Accompany that with crispy prawn toast cut in the shape of long sticks…perfectly crispy, slightly sweet and not drenched in oil. I could have easily had three of those!
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The pomelo and prawn salad was slightly acidic, however the glass noodles and the sweetness inherent to the prawn balanced it out. A nice dish, but I honestly could’ve had another soup in its place.
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The main course, a seared small filet of salmon with peas was a delight…the salmon was nicely seasoned and seared, allowing the flavor of the fish to come through without being overwhelming. The salmon was a little dry, which just tells me that they either had pre-prepared the dish and just quickly reheated, or they just overcooked. I imagine the former, as the dishes came out quite rapidly.
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The poached pears were an unusual dessert, with two slices of large pears swimming in a star-anise soup. The cores of each pear were filled with some sort of jelly, which was delicious on its own.
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Now completely stuffed and with 1hr until boarding, I decided to visit the private rooms inside the Pier before I headed to my gate (#4…another trek back). The rooms are situated behind the shower area, and are exceedingly comfortable. The day bed IMO is leagues better than the day bed in the cabana. There are USB and power ports, a small ledge for a beverage (I was given a lovely oolong), and controls for the window blinds. The private room does not have a door, but has heavy sound-dampening curtains. I can definitely envision sleeping here when on a long layover in HKG. I didn’t ask about blankets, but considering the caliber of the lounge, I wouldn’t doubt that they have some.
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I finally made it back to gate 4 just 5 minutes prior to boarding, and was the first one onboard CX 840!