I was lucky enough to spend time in this elegant space twice recently when I transferred at Hong Kong International Airport.  Loved, LOVED the minimalistic interior design, created by Ilse Crawford whose iconic style makes me drool with delight (seriously.) The Pier makes use of furniture, materials, and lighting to invoke the feeling of “a contemporary apartment,” according to Cathay’s website.

Follow me on a photographic tour of this exclusive and serene lounge…

Located near Gate 63 in the Northwest Concourse, The Pier is not exactly central. Make sure you allot enough time to arrive at your departing gate if it is not located in this wing.

The staff at check-in seem rather reserved.  Or perhaps, they just are alarmed at the jacket. 😉

Once you’ve checked in, you will enter a central corridor that connects all the rooms.

The live-edge cherry-wood tables, along with tropical plants, bring warmth to the hallway in contrast to the pale green onyx walls.

Take a seat on the serpentine velvet settee. Relax and breathe deeply, catching a whiff of Cathay’s signature scent — green tea, jasmine, bamboo and lavender — that permeates the club.

Ilse Crawford’s design books are located on consoles in the center hallway, in case you want to view more of her beautiful interiors.

Walk to Retreat to book your complimentary foot and shoulder massage. Pure bliss. While you wait your turn, freshen up in the shower, or, take a cat nap in one of the day suites.

Following the massage, make your way to the Living Room and it’s gorgeous lounge. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere…

The horse-shoe shaped walnut bar is topped by the same lovely green onyx as the walls. Look at the wood detailing… like an accordion’s pleats. You’ll find the same architectural element on the walls of the Dining Room.

But the Living Room is more than just cocktails.  There are several distinct seating areas to choose from, depending on your comfort preference.

Proceed to the adjacent Library if in need of reading material.

Ready for a snack? Walk through the Library, and enter the Pantry.

You’ll find pastries, mini sandwiches, and a variety of cheese in the most delightful setting on the buffet…

…along with Le Creuset casseroles filled with chutney or roasted vegetables.

  Jarred items in the cooler are filled with pickled vegetables, yogurt, salads, and more.

Feeling parched?  Fear not… there’s also vodka in the Pantry! 

Vodka Mandarin? Seems simple enough… don’t mind if I do!

If, however, you have work to do before imbibing, head over to the Bureau. Enjoy the wood-paneled cubicles and soft lighting as you slave away at the keyboard.

Or, find discreet pull-out outlets for all your devices in the serene seating areas of the Living Room. Though, avert your eyes from the glaring fingerprints on the shiny brass finish.

When you are ready for a full meal, walk to the other end of the corridor from the Living Room and head to the… wait for it… Dining Room!

The menu was created by chefs at The Peninsula Hotel Group.  You are in for a treat!

The ladies and men’s lounges ooze tranquil luxury.

You’ll find the toiletries here to be the same as the in-flight amenity kit offerings — the fragrant Aesop line from Melbourne, Australia.

On our tour, did you happen to notice all the interesting brass light fixtures?

 

FYI, the business class lounge at The Pier is currently being refurbished, and scheduled to reopen in the second quarter of 2016.  I look forward to visiting it in the unforeseeable future.

For the conclusion of our visit to this stylish lounge, enjoy the video below posted by Cathay Pacific. If only the recording could emit the bespoke Cathay scent! I’ll hang back at the Living Room bar to enjoy a pinot noir with my sweetie. Want to see what a first class flight is like on Cathay? Click HERE for my post for this amazing experience.

 

 

Have you been to Cathay’s newly reopened lounge yet?  I still love The Wing — CX’s other first class lounge in HKG — but The Pier is now my favorite of the two. Still, I’ll return to The Wing for it’s champagne bar… 🙂