Travelling long haul in luxury no longer means you have to fly from London. With Qatar Airways expanded service from Birmingham International airport the world is officially your oyster with Doha as its doorway. Dluxe’s Jonathan Fraser flew to far eastern delights of Chiang Mai Thailand via the capital of Qatar, Doha, to sample the luxury airlines all new business class offering.
[slideshow_deploy id=’16744′]
Flying to Chiang Mai, the spiritual capital of Thailand in the north of the country, has never been easier with Qatar Airways flying daily to Hamad International Airport, Doha before heading to Chiang Mai. We travelled at the thoroughly decent hour of 7.10am – not too early at the airport and settled into our own little oasis of calm, comfort and quality with, what appeared to be, a never ending glass of Lanson champagne. We were travelling on one of Qatar Airways fleet of A350 Airbuses, which feature a full redesigned and award winning business class cabin. Each seat cocoons its occupant in their own, luxurious travelling pod yet for those journeying with loved ones of colleagues there’s an option to combine pods – perfect for meetings or playing games. Fancy a bit of me time? Then not a problem as an electrically operated screen can convert your pod back to privacy – great idea!
[slideshow_deploy id=’16745′]
And to be honest a little bit of me time is exactly what you want as the business class cabin on Qatar Airways is the perfect place to unwind. Travellers can enjoy up to 4,000 in-flight entertainment options including the latest Hollywood blockbusters as well as in flight internet access whilst dining on delicious cuisine cooked on demand. Your glass is never left empty long either so as you unwind after dinner with your choice of movie expect to start feeling sleepy – no problem as your seat converts to a fully fold flat bed and comes equipped with super soft throw and pillow making sleep a genuine in flight option and leaving you feeling fresh on arrival.
Arriving in Doha for our connecting flight is simplicity itself. With our luggage already checked in at Birmingham we made use of Qatar Airways’ luxurious Business and First Class lounges the latter featuring its own incredible spa facility. The Al Mourjan Business Lounge is an oasis of Arabic calm with a refreshing resort-like ambience, tantalizing a la carte and buffet dining and extensive bar- it’s a destination experience in its own right and not to be missed.
[slideshow_deploy id=’16746′]
Flying home we took advantage of a next day connection and overnighted in Doha. Staying in the centre of the city’s skyscrapers at the Shangrila Hotel, we had time to explore the historic souk, visit the Museum of Islamic Art and still relax by the pool- perfect!
Qatar Airways flys to over 150 international destinations across Africa, Central Asia, Europe, Far East, South Asia, Middle East, North America, South America and Oceania. For flight details and up to date pricing visit www.qatarairways.com
Qatar Tourism Authority – For more information on Qatar please visit the Qatar Tourism Authority website at www.visitqatar.qa
The Shangri-La Doha – For more information on The Shangri-La Doha or reservations, please visit www.stregisdoha.com or contact +974 4446 0000
Qatar International Adventures – Transfers, tours and activities can be provided by through Qatar International Adventures, please visit: www.qia-qatar.com
