Page 146 - HH Dec Jan

TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE

very comfortable lounge, after which, Laveena and
I were offered the privilege of boarding the A380
aircraft to San Francisco, before the other
passengers.
The First Class suites aboard the A380, although
geared to appeal to one’s most luxurious senses,
does not match up to the brand-new First Class
suites on the new Emirate’s Boeing 777 which takes
poshness to a whole new level and leaves the
competition far behind.
However, if the definition of First Class to you
is the ampleness of your personal space onboard
an aircraft, mood lighting, soft leather
upholstery, a well-stocked individual beverage
bar and an option to enjoy a shower 40,000 feet
in the air, then, this is it. And the high standards
of service that are offered on board, makes
Emirates stand tall above the rest.

TAKING FLIGHT
Our chief purser Violet, charming and ever-so
elegant, introduced herself and guided us to our “IF THE DEFINITION OF FIRST CLASS TO YOU
suites. As we settled in, we brought to life the
award-winning ICE entertainment on our large TV IS THE AMPLENESS OF YOUR PERSONAL
screens with over 3,500 channels of movies, TV SPACE, MOOD LIGHTING, SOFT LEATHER
shows, music and games to choose from. Sara, from UPHOLSTERY, A WELL-STOCKED INDIVIDUAL
the UK, introduced herself as the stewardess who BEVERAGE BAR AND AN OPTION TO ENJOY
would be attending to us on this flight, and offered instructions by Sara, including what needs to be done if there is RAISING THE BAR
us a glass of Dom Perignon champagne to start of A SHOWER 40,000 FEET IN THE AIR, THEN, turbulence, or if the cabin pressure drops while I’m in my shower, I The bar in the First Class area is quiet and a
our journey. But this was not any ordinary THIS IS IT. ” walked my way to the grand shower in the air. little cramped, and given the flight time to
Just as I was about to step in I was warned, “Do not press the San Francisco, Laveena and I decided to
amber light, for we will let ourselves in, as that is an emergency call walk over to the bar and lounge area and
champagne. It was from the 2000 vintage, P2 (second button which indicates that you are in need of urgent assistance.” spend some time there.
plenitude) collection, aged between 12-14 years. When I did lock the doors of the First Class bathroom, I was While Laveena chose to hydrate herself
I couldn’t think of a better way to begin our flight and overwhelmed with the ampleness of the space, the heated floor. with a glass of Perrier with a slice of lime
was excited about the 15-hour long flight to San Francisco. The soft and fluffy white towel rolled up for my use and the spa and lots of ice, I asked for a glass of
After I was done with my first glass, I was offered a second, shower products, which had so neatly been laid out in a tray for me champagne. They weren’t serving the Dom
which I politely declined, even though I immensely to use. Emirates even provides a hair dryer for that feeling of a P2 but the courteous young stewardess
enjoyed the drink. complete shower experience. offered to bring me my choice of drink from
What Laveena and I love about the service in the First First Class.
Class cabin is the dine-on-demand concept. With the film The one area where Emirates can improve,
Wonder playing on my screen, I requested Sara, to bring is in their on board meal choices. Some of the
me another glass of champagne and with it I ordered the competition boasts Michelin-star chef meals.
caviar service which I must add was beautifully presented On board the Emirates A380, the fish I
on Royal Doulton fine bone China with exclusive Robert ordered was overcooked. The fabulous crew,
Welch cutlery, the perfect accompaniment with the of course, did offer to replace my meal, but the
delicious glass of Dom P2. Laveena looked over at me meals fell below our expectations.
sheepishly and said, “I can see you are celebrating the All in all, the First Class experience is very
start of your summer vacation with things I know you impressive. Feasting on the vintage Dom
truly enjoy.” from within the privacy of your suite, with
And enjoy I did, for a few hours later, I requested the the screen doors shut tight, there is that
crew to prepare my shower. I was told that the shower warm feeling of soaking in the vastness of
operated on a timer and that I had the option of stopping luxury in the skies. I have to say it not only
and re-starting the water flow and hence the timer, while feels good, but it needs to be experienced by
soaping myself. Amused, with the very carefully shared all who can afford it.

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