Asia’s Largest Pay-In Lounge

By StanleySobari

PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE (PPL) has opened its flagship Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. Centrally located in the airport’s West Hall and measuring 15,000 sq ft, the expansive 24-hour retreat will be the largest pay-in lounge in Asia. The lounge is divided into several zones to provides travelers with multiple experiences and choices while at the lounge. While the lounge and bar areas feature soft lighting, hushed tones and subtle textures to create a mood of quiet calm, the dining spaces engages guests with open kitchens, bold colours and tempting food displays. At the fully-equipped working station, executives can stay connected with the lounge’s free Wi-Fi, charge up their devices in one of the many power sockets or complete a transaction at the private workstation while enjoying the panoramic view of the airport runway

Berkshire, England Vive la difference

By Stanley Sobari

1976 saw a seismic shift in the world of oenology. At that year’s Paris Wine Tasting, Californian wines beat French wines for the first time in a blind tasting – and the world’s fascination with New World vintages began. Celebrate the breakthrough at The Vineyard in Berkshire. The wine hotel is offering a tasting menu with seven exceptional curses – from guinea fowl and parsley terrine to Lyme Bay skate wing – accompanied by a glass of both Californian and French wine, served blind once you’ve delivered your own verdict to the sommelier, head to the bar for a night cap, where you’ll find a giant mural entitled The Judgement of Paris along adorning the wall.

The Judgement of Paris dinner includes seven courses with wine (the-vineyard.co.uk). all rooms have a lounge area and deeply comfortable beds and there’s a spa and treatment room (the-vineyard.co.uk).

Stockcross is off the A34, leading off the M4. The nearest train station is in Newbury; services run from London Paddinton, Reading, Penzance and Bristol (firstgreatwestern.co.uk).