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Cathay Pacific reopens The Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong after extensive renovations

Cathay Pacific Airways today reopened The Pier First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), following an extensive renovation. Measuring 2,061 square metres, the newly opened lounge is located at Gate 63 in the North West concourse of HKIA. With a maximum seating capacity of 231, the new lounge expresses the heartfelt warmth, considered simplicity and contemporary Asian values at the heart of the Cathay Pacific new brand design ethos.

Designed by Studioilse, the London-based design studio led by Ilse Crawford, the lounge is an environment that helps passengers relax by engaging the senses and focusing on wellbeing. The concept of a contemporary apartment is used as a framework for all elements of the lounge’s design and operation. The atmosphere throughout the lounge has a domestic level of comfort and characteristics of a home. This is reflected in the choice of materials, furniture, and lighting; the same considered approach has been taken with the selection of art, music, and food, all of which have been curated to feel coherent and support the idea of this being an apartment that visitors are guests in.

Warm, tactile and timeless materials such as onyx, limestone, and bronze are used in the refurbishment; acoustics are softened where possible and a considered approach has been adopted in the lighting. The abundance of plants supplements the lounge with a dose of nature and suggests a healthy environment to the passengers. Contemporary Asian touches are tangible in the lounge’s green onyx walls, as well as the walnut and bronze screens. Real furniture pieces similar are adopted throughout the lounge, in place of contract furniture, so it feels domestic and comfortable and generous.

Wellbeing is the core focus of The Pier First Class Lounge as a reflection of this contemporary luxury value. Complimentary foot massage is introduced for the first time in Cathay Pacific lounges to cater for passengers’ physical and emotional needs during travelling. The hope is that it will help them arrive in better shape. Neck and shoulder massages are also available on request.

In addition to the Foot Massage, the Retreat area consists also of Day Suites and Showers. The Pier is fitted with a total of eight suites, each furnished with a comfortable daybed, a reading light, a mirror, and heavy curtains for added personal privacy. The adjustable lighting and blinds allow passengers to control the comfort of their own environment. Wrapped in walnut and with a view over the runway, the Day Suites make for a perfect area for a spell of soothing relaxation before boarding. The 14 Showers are furnished with natural limestone and timber, which provide a calm, relaxing and private sanctuary for passengers to unwind before their journeys.

With a greater focus on food and beverages, The Pier First Class Lounge features the Dining Room - a warm and handsome room with à la carte dining for 100 people at a time. The Dining Room offers table service with freshly prepared dishes made-to-order by the chef. At the Pantry, passengers can enjoy grab and go delicacies with items changing throughout the day. Passengers can sample a wide selection of breakfast items in the morning, followed by an all-day menu. A wide selection of wines and cocktails are also available at the full-service Bar.

The Library is a comfortable and quiet place for reading and relaxing; and the Bureau feels like a home office environment with six iMac computers for working and web browsing.

As an additional sensory experience of Cathay Pacific’s brand character, The Pier First Class Lounge is the first Cathay Pacific lounge to feature the airline’s bespoke fragrance. The four key pillars of Cathay Pacific’s new brand ethos - contemporary Asian, heartfelt warmth, considered simplicity, and the joy of discovery - have been assimilated into the creation of our signature scent which is a soothing blend of lavender, bamboo, green tea, jasmine etc. In using an iconic scent, the arrival at a Cathay Pacific Lounge is instantly recognisable and the passenger can relax in a familiar feeling of a comfortable home.

The Pier First Class Lounge is open to First Class passengers, Diamond Marco Polo Club members, and Emerald oneworld members who are departing or transiting in Hong Kong. Opening hours are from 5:30am until the last departure.

Visit here to watch the short video of The Pier First Class Lounge.