Like being enveloped in a hug from a fluffy, white cloud. Divine.
Best flight: Emirates — Auckland to London
Flying to the other side ofthe world is usually a drag.Notwhen you're in the comfort of Emirates Business Class cabin however. Excellent service, high-quality food and wine, and a comfortable, lie-flat bed made this 26-hour marathon actually pretty enjoyable.
Best in-flight food: Qatar Airways
I flew Economy Class on the world's longest flight from Auckland to Doha (more than 17 hours), then Business Class on the way back. In both classes, the food was delicious and there was plenty of it. Highlights included chicken in Catalan sauce with yellow rice, an Arabic mezze platter and a cream cheese omelette.
Best airport lounge: Cathay Pacific's The Pier at HKIA
The Pier, Cathay Pacific's Business Class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport's Terminal 1. As well as showers and plenty of space, there's also a Chinese teahouse, noodle bar and a relaxation room. A haven oftranquility—words not always associated with airports.
Best restaurant: Long Chim, Perth
In Perth's beautifully restored State buildings, you'll find innovative Asian flavours, mind-blowing cocktails and a cool atmosphere. Highly recommended.
Bestbar: Cocktail bar Massimo, Korcula, Croatia
An open-air bar on top ofthe turret of a 15th century Old City fortification,where the drinks arrive by basket and pulley system and the views are of islands, super yachts and sunsets.
Best tour: A Walk Thru Harlem
Walking around the streets of Harlem with living hip-hop legend Grandmaster Caz was the best way to begin three days in New York City. You can read about it in Travel next year.
Best destination: A dead heat
Borneo for adventure; Fiji'sDolphin Island for luxury; Croatia for its pristine seas; Israel and France for their food, culture and history. I'll stop showing off now ...
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