The Taipei lounge measures 1,253 square metres with seating for 245 people – approximately 100 more than the previous lounge. The new facility offers a comfortable environment, with an emphasis on understated luxury, where First and Business Class passengers can relax before their flight.

Designed by Studioilse, the London-based design studio led by Ilse Crawford, the aim is to bring to life Cathay Pacific’s new brand design ethos, creating an environment that helps passengers feel relaxed, engaging their senses and focusing on wellbeing as a core principle. This has been achieved by working with warm, natural materials like wood and stone, softening the acoustics where possible and adopting a considered approach to lighting.

Cherry wood walls and a limestone floor are framed with details such as glazed screens, green ceramic tiles in The Noodle Bar, bronze highlights in the main entrance and brass in the Bar. Lots of plants add colour to the space while locally sourced artworks reflect the local culture.

The overall feeling of the lounge is of a domestic space, more like a living room than an airline lounge. Designer furniture and lighting have been carefully selected for practicality and comfort. The Taipei lounge is the first to feature the new Solo Chair, a spacious seat that has been designed with high partitions on either side to give passengers extra privacy. Each chair is equipped with a side table, reading lamp and a coat hook, and provides the flexibility to either curl up and relax or catch up on last-minute emails prior to boarding a flight. The Bureau provides five individual workstations with dual operating system iMacs and printers. Free Wi-Fi access is also available throughout the lounge.

Cathay Pacific is putting a greater focus on food and beverage services in its new lounges, and the dining area in Taipei features the airline’s signature Noodle Bar, which offers a selection of noodle soup including Wonton Noodle soup, Dan Dan Noodle as well as authentic Taiwanese Beef Noodle soup. Lounge guests can also enjoy Taiwanese favourites such as Minced Pork Rice and Bubble Milk Tea. Another dining highlight is the Food Hall, where passengers can enjoy a wide selection of lighter items such as cold cuts, cheeses, salads, fruits, desserts and tapas. Freshly blended cocktails and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages are served at the Bar.

The new lounge at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has been designed to reflect the Cathay Pacific brand experience and to offer passengers both relaxation and enjoyment, whether they are heading to Hong Kong or starting out on a longer journey.