When Viktor Navorski got stranded at an airport in Steven Spielberg’s 2004 movie The Terminal, I sympathised with him. Those unending hours spent living out of a suitcase didn’t seem very appealing. However, if the movie was remade today, I’m sure it would provide another perspective on airport life. Perhaps Viktor would be seen enjoying therapeutic treatments at an airport spa after an indulgent meal at Wagamama? He might then check into a chic airport hotel, living his best life, far from upset about missing a flight.
The airport experience has evolved beyond recognition over the last decade. Layovers no longer involve pointless hours spent mastering the art of doing nothing or mindlessly browsing the duty-free section for tacky souvenirs you don’t need.
Airports are transitioning into exciting and multi-dimensional facilities where travellers can relax and have fun. Many are going the extra mile to ensure passengers make the most of their time in the terminal, immersing them in futuristic technology, music performances, spa treatments, art exhibitions and much more. From entertainment hubs to wellness havens, international airports are becoming experiential destinations in their own right.
ENTERTAINMENT HUBS
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Business Traveller Middle East.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Business Traveller Middle East.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Onwards and upwards
In an exclusive interview with Ian Fairservice for Business Traveller, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group, provides insight into the current and future state of travel and Emirates’ pivotal role in getting the industry back on track
The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act
The city is working hard to conjure up events and make millions of visitors reappear
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
New and upcoming hotels to check out when you next visit Saudi Arabia
QATAR CALLING
A swathe of hotels are opening in the Gulf State in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
BACKGROUND Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of Accor’s most prominent addresses in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The French hospitality group’s other hotels in the city are operated under the Novotel and ibis brands.
Taking Scotland in Stride
A walk through the Highlands and Borders is the best way to touch this country’s history and nature
Membership Gets You More
In the time of Coronavirus, what subscription travel offers is a sense of being in this together – apart
VACCINE PASSPORTS
A GUIDE TO THE OPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE
WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO
Two Maldivian resorts that are out of this world
Forever Rose Café Dubai
BACKGROUND The Insta-worthy Forever Rose Café, which opened in Dubai’s Box Park in November, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s the brainchild of Alsamadi Group CEO Ebrheem Al Samadi, who wanted to create a restaurant with an all-black-and-white color scheme, providing a backdrop that would bring out the colors of the food. The café, an extension to the Forever Rose brand (luxury long-lasting forever roses) and the second Forever Rose Café in the UAE (there’s one in Abu Dhabi), can seat up to 100 people overlooking the outdoor garden and is available for events.