travelwithross

Routing:



AUH-CMB (UL, A321, J)
CMB-BKK (UL, A330, J)
BKK-USM (PG, A320, Y) (not reviewing)
USM-HKT (PG, ATR-72, Y) (not reviewing)
HKT-BKK (PG, A321, Y) (not reviewing)
BKK-CMB (UL, A330, J) (not reviewing)
CMB-AUH (UL, A321, J) (not reviewing)

Hotels:
Bangkok, The Peninsula Hotel (1 night)
Koh Samui - Conrad (4 nights) - HH Points and Be My Guest Certificates (95k per night) (Part One) (Part Two)

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So, let me set the scene. For the past year or so, my (new!) wife has been very gracious in organising our wedding from top to bottom. It wasn’t a small affair either - quite large actually - 5 days, all in Dubai, and around 1,000 came through to visit. It was quite the event. I promised that we would have a “mini moon” to destress and unwind afterwards.

We had planned to go to Koh Samui Conrad immediately after the wedding, on New Years, but disaster struck when our plans had to be cancelled owing to some unforeseen and unfortunate events. We rebooked for later in February. Again, unfortunately, I made a huge error when booking our flights, and instead of February, I had been booking March (!!!). Therefore, our relatively short and simple routing of AUH-CMB-BKK-USM all in J and back became a little bit of a long-winded with a stopover in BKK on the way there and on the return going via HKT, as well as some (thankfully short) sectors in (aghast!) Y, owing to what I think might now be Chinese New Year, flights were sold out for any other routing home.

Oh well.

This year is actually going to be an interesting year for travel for myself, and the new wife, with quite a lot of travel already booked in advance. The actual honeymoon (for later this year) will be a mammoth routing on OW and *A from AUH-CMB-SIN-SYD-AKL-NAD-AKL-MEL-CMB-AUH later this year - that’s going to be fun!!

This will be our first time at the Peninsula Hotel, and our first stay at the Conrad Koh Samui, as well as our first time on UL J.

Just to set expectations due to the routing, I'll only be reviewing the on board experience of UL J on the A321 and A330, as well as the hotels we will be staying at, so it won't be a full review of the trips sectors - we are on our mini honeymoon after all!

Chapters
——————————————

• AUH-CMB (UL, A321, J)
• CMB-BKK (UL, A330, J)
• Peninsula Bangkok
• Conrad Koh Samui - Part One
• Conrad Koh Samui - Part Two

offerendum

Looking forward to actual experience at Peninsula and something about Koh Samui.

travelwithross

Abu Dhabi Airport
Sri Lankan Airlines A321 AUH-CMB, 2300 Departure.
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Check in was swift. Check in area for business and first class passengers is completely separated at Abu Dhabi Airport. Once you’ve got your boarding passes, he passport area is also separated however the security check merges with economy passengers. Never a problem at Abu Dhabi though as Terminal 1 is so quiet there is never more than a 2-3 minute queue.



The terminal is showing its age though, and there is an upgrade currently in progress called the Midfield Terminal Project – not sure when its due to be completed (I think its already behind schedule?) but when it’s complete, and it looks pretty ambitious, it should be a world class facility.











Sri Lanka uses the new Plaza Premium "Al Dhabi" lounge. I hear it's been recently renovated, and this is my first visit back since it was renovated, so I can certainly see a difference. It does look rather bright and modern. It reminds me a lot of British Airways’ new lounge concepts at Glasgow and Edinburgh and Gatwick.











Lots of areas to work in quiet and also with privacy. Every seat has a power outlet and dual USB ports. Very handy.











Large open food area. Large bar area (staffed bar). They do have champagne (Marquis de Joncry by Joseph Perrier, goes usually for 750dhs a bottle locally so not bad really ) Food was relatively good. Lamb. Chicken. Fish dishes as well as a Biryani vegetarian dish. Also, a very apt salad bar and dressings. Small selection of cakes and deserts as well.





















There are showers (I counted 4) and a massage facility in the lounge as well as wifi that is strong and fast. Smokers lounge as well - the old lounge really stank of smoke throughout. I'm happy to say this has been improved and there was no lingering smell of cigarettes.







Boarding was a scrum. Despite announcing for business to come forward the gate was completely blocked by everyone. We decided to walk around the gate area behind the boarding gate and asked if we could be boarded discreetly. No problem was the response.



We settled into our seats 1A and 1C. The A321 has a 12 seat business cabin. Tonight's cabin had 7 people in total. Economy seemed full. More than adequate for a short journey, the seats are fully leather with manual buttons for the recline. Front rows have tv mounted. with USB and audio out sockets, where as the other seats have a pull out tv from the armrest. There are international plugs at every seat as well.

















Legroom is adequate. Thought I would probably choose a seat in row 2 or 3 next time for extra legroom under the seat in front to stretch out (bulkhead). Also the bins in row 1 are no stowage so the bins start from row 2 which might be a problem with a full J cabin.







Magazine rack is available with time magazine and various other international selections.



Audio and seat controls also feature a remote control. The video selection and system was, on the whole, fantastic. Excellent selection of western and regional films as well as tv and music selections. There were also audio books to choose from. The touch screen was very responsive and functional.















Earphones were standard over the ear noise canceling. Did the job. There also comes with small stickers to use to alert cabin crew if you want to sleep, or be woken for breakfast, etc.











Pre take off drinks were served in actual glass was used. This was nice. The menu was shared shortly after. A very large sky bar menu is available including some good selections of wine and spirits. You won't go dry. The menu was also hearty! I liked the small "recipe" at the back that gave you a traditional Sri Lankan recipe to take home and try. I had the salmon dish which was nice – a little dry however.























Hot towels were very very hot and thick. Proper thick like QR. and quite large as well. Very nice. You get one on boarding, and shortly before landing.




Soon we were landing in Colombo, and there was a separate bus for business class passengers (it is often the case you will use a remote stand for smaller aircraft at CMB)



For our short transit, where we made a short visit to the serendib lounge. Now. Let's be honest. This lounge isn't going to win any prizes anytime soon. It's dark and small. Reminds me of a teachers’ break out room at school. Too cramped and hardly any power points. The food is very east meets west which to be honest I really love - dhal for breakfast is always welcome - but it's just not a great place to spend much time. There is a spa (which is free - if you can ever get an appointment that is!) and they serve Piper-Heidsieck champagne (free pour and a attendee is there too if need be). Apart from that it's one of the most mediocre lounges for a home airline anyone has ever seen. The only positive note is the views to the tarmac are very good day or night.

offerendum

The Plaza Premium really looks good^

farbster

1,000 people to the wedding weekend? You'll be writing thank you notes for at least a decade!

travelwithross

Sri Lankan Airways A330-300 CMB-BKK, 0710 Departure



Boarding again not readily enforced between business and economy however it didn't really matter as there were two bridges to the airplane for business and economy. And as there weren’t many people flying in business today there was no queue once inside the air bridge.



First time on the UL A330. These are the most up to date seats and remind me of US Airways Cirrus Seat – fully leather. The seat becomes a flat bed with a small cove/nook for your feet. Now I'm 6-1 and found it more than comfortable.



















The IFE is again very responsive and up to date. I very much liked the AccuWeather 5 day weather app which was good. There was also a camera on the plane to watch outside.















The cabin manager welcomed us on board individually and was surprised to find my new wife and I sitting in 1A and 2A and not together. He asked us if we wanted to move to a middle seat but we politely said no. It's ok. We just wanted to sleep before we arrived in Bangkok so made no difference if we were together or not.



The cabin holds 28 people. Today there were 13 booked so relatively light.



Again hot towels handed out. Nice big thick fluffy ones with moisture in them to have a bath! Very welcome in the humidity.



We were soon taxing out.







There was Wifi on the airplane as well as GSM capabilities provided by OnAir. Seems expensive for what you get for the small amount of MB. We didn't purchase it for these short hops so I have no idea how good/fast it is and what is or isn't blocked but I will purchase for our upcoming flight in August from Mel to Cmb - so I'll report back then. It seems to be on all A321/321 and 330 aircraft which is almost the entire UL fleet so that's a positive.











We were soon up to the skies, and we passed over the Highlands of Sri Lanka – some amazing views from outside.















Surprised by how wide the selection was of duty free alcohol on board. They sure like their whisky/whiskies in this part of the world!!







We were handed out menus. I decided to go with the Vegetarian Idli, which is something I always enjoy back home in Abu Dhabi. I did like the presentation.











There was also an exciting bread selection, with, garlic bread!







And, my absolute favourite – marmalade and toast! I love it when an airline can get toast done in the air!







Food was decent enough if not spicy. I wouldn't say they were going to win any awards with the food but it was, as I said, filling and did have good flavor if you like spice. I had a few glasses of champagne and then put my seat into a bed and slept comfortably for 2 hours until our descent into Bangkok.



Talking about Sleeping: Pillows and blankets on Sri Lankan on both the A321 and A330 are the same. No washbags given though I admit they might give them out on longer flights (we will be flying their longest route soon - MEL-CMB this summer) - and the blankets aren't duvets, but they are thick blankets and carry some weight so they do the job well - not like the blankets you'll find on BA or Qatar, these ones are much thicker and much heavier.



We were soon landing in Bangkok.

Now. Landing in Bangkok and the inevitable long walk to immigration and queues. We've all done that. And I really didn't want to do it again. Sri Lankan do provide a VIP Arrival service for Business Class Passengers, but it isn’t fast track, and you don’t get a buggy, so, I had arranged with a VIP Meet and Greet service to collect us on arrival at the airbridge, buggy us to Fast Track, and we were off the airplane and at the carousel for our bags in 5 minutes – I kid you not! My wife was very impressed.







And soon, we were in the back of a Mercedez-Benz speeding off to the Peninsula…

travelwithross

jstownse

For whatever it's worth, I was looking forward to more of the "meat" of it. I might not be alone. Certainly understandable though, I've written one report and know how much time goes in.

shoven

UL on the A330 looks good not an Airline that gets too many reviews on here, but looks like a good option if you get the latest seat in business.

What Champagne do they serve on board?

RoamingGeek

I have been lurking here as well, and interested in seeing the rest or the report. That is pretty impressive to get through immigration in 5 minutes! I may have to look into that service you booked.

travelwithross

Peninsula Bangkok - One Night Stay

We had one night to stay in Bangkok, and because this was the mini moon, then I decided that no expense should be spared. The Peninsula had an offer when I made the booking - “Winter Online Exclusive Offer” where complimentary room upgrades are offered, subject to availability. We were greeted on arrival by a very friendly team of doormen and guest supervisors. No sooner had we stepped foot out the car than our bags were being taken away from us, and a hostess was escorting us to the check in area. But soon were were slowed down.

Check in was slow. Lots of families for what I can imagine was Chinese New Year. Lots of people in flip flips, t-shirts, with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths. I kid you not.

Soon we were checking in - the check in experience was nothing to talk about - i've had better at Hilton Garden Inn's (no towels, no juice, not even a congratulations on your honeymoon, even though I had informed them beforehand). We were also told we couldn't be upgraded any further than a grand deluxe room. But I was a little perplexed as my original booking was the grand deluxe room and the offer was given on the grand deluxe room (so if you can't upgrade it, why offer the promotion on this category of room?) so I asked them to reconsider. We were very happy when they said yes we can upgrade you to a Grand Suite. They also handed over 1600 baht in spa vouchers.

All was forgiven.

Our room was fabulous, good floor to ceiling window ratio, lots of space, good light, lots of practical areas to store items, and also a huge bathroom and shower area. They had, funnily enough, given us twin beds, which later in the evening came together to become a king. Our room was on the 9th floor - so not high by any means (I think there are over 30 floors) - but still beautiful views across the riverfront.































One of the toilets also had the best view I've ever had in a bathroom



View from the 9th floor to the pool area



Before arrival, I had asked for sparkling wine to be there on arrival. There wasn't. But an hour later, I was pleasantly surprised when a Lady came to the door with a bottle of champagne (Veuve) and served us two complimentary glasses alongside some mixed nuts and a dragon fruit. Congratulations were also sent up from the front desk. Later that night more champagne came (another bottle of Veuve) and some more congratulations.





We decided to go poolside for the rest of the day - we spotted this guy on the way there



We have heard excellent things about the pool here. Yes. There are a total of 3 pools that tier. And they are as fabulous as they sound. Beautiful temperature as well (I didn't go in myself, but the wife said it was good!). Still water is provided very frequently by the poolside attendants and there are free sunscreens for use. We ordered a bottle of prosecco to enjoy poolside and it was brought quickly. There were also frequent rounds of fresh fruit being handed out by the staff poolside which was just excellent. Coconut water was also given out gratis as well. Amazing!











We notice the Cabana's were all busy, so we asked very nicely if the pool manager could reserve one for us when it became available - no problem at all was the response - and we were soon laying in bliss beside the pool. They are quite large for a couple, and good to shade away from the sun - they have fans in them as well which you can control the speed of to help cool you down in the warmer/more humid months.











We had massages booked for 5pm as well thanks to the 1800dhs vouchers which we just had to put to good use. We arrived and the spa was just lovely. There was a fresh mint smell about the place. The surroundings were cool and relaxing. Slippers were given immediately by a member of the team. These are a photo of my lovely feet and wife's feet. I chose not to have the slippers



The surroundings are just beautiful in the Spa. I think the pictures speak for themselves.









The spa used Espa products.

The massage was intense. I asked her to work my back and my oh my did she. She crawled all over me and really worked the knots.

After massage you are led upstairs to the his and hers relaxation lounges. Just utterly amazing. At the start of the massage you choose a drink of choice which they serve at the end of your treatment in the lounge upstairs. Alongside some Thai tea and some snacks. The tea was fabulous - Cinnamon, Ginger & Lemongrass - I highly recommend it.

















One thing I noticed. There is no wifi in the relaxation lounge. So that's a good thing!


As we were walking home from the Spa, we noticed the Natural herb garden which I think was lovely. The chef was out picking some herbs before dinner.





Later that night, we had dinner at the riverside restaurant Thiptara. Unfortunately photos weren't possible due to us only having our iPhones and the ambience being mood lightning and dark. All I can say was the dinner, reasonably priced for a 5 star Thai place, was delicious. The soft shell crab was the highlight of the menu items we selected.

They also had some authentic music playing in the form of a local woman playing a khim which was very nice. Kind of like a sitar with percussion elements / hammers.

What I thought was interesting, as like the check in area earlier that day, dress code at the restaurant wasn't heavily enforced, despite all the information they put in their literature and website. Sleeveless shirts, Shorts, Flip Flops... you name it.

Soon, we went to bed, where turndown service had made up our room. These slippers came with me...




I think we did well for our 14 hour stay at the Peninsula. It's certainly tops our list of stays worldwide for friendliness and Facilities - my wife loved the poolside ambience and service. I probably wouldn't come back during Chinese New Year though! I think the staff could improve though - check in experience was sub par for a hotel of this magnitude, and the check out experience as well.

The next morning, we had to take our own bags downstairs, despite me the day before asking them to send someone up at 4.50am (they forgot). Our car, luckily, was waiting for us outside, and we were on our way to Koh Samui shortly after...!

offerendum

I´m impressed by your Peninsula pictures. It may not be the most fancy hotel but looks like classic luxury. Was totally out of my mind but now think it´s worth a try. Only not so nice thing in my eyes is the bed which looks very "separated".
Was the cabana free or had you to pay for it?

travelwithross

Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Brut

Yes, the bed was a twin bed - but they made it into a King later that night.
It was free - first come first served.

offerendum

shoven

The Pen looks good, have stayed at the Shangri la across the river many times but have never thought to venture to the other side, but might have to think about it if the price is right in the future.