Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2025 i Business Traveller

POUR YOURSELF A festive tipple, grab a naughty-but-nice treat and settle in for our extra-indulgent December issue. Our snow-dusted cover taps into winter wanderlust, capturing the thrill of conquering the world’s best slopes before getting stuck into the après-ski scene. Turn to page 56 to plan your next escape at gorgeous ski resorts around the world. Speaking of getting merry, we’ve scoured London’s dining scene to find the best spots for Christmas cocktails and festive feasting (page 30). And for an extra touch of decadence, we dive into the world of caviar on page 44 – because if there’s ever a time to scoop exorbitant fish eggs onto blinis without guilt, it’s now. The indulgence doesn’t stop there. On page 64, our gorgeous gift guide is brimming with inspiration for…

WITH PEARLY WHITE sands, crystal waters and steamy rainforests, Antigua – the larger of the twin-island duo of Antigua and Barbuda – is a longstanding favourite among winter sun seekers. This month, there’s all the more reason to set foot on its silky shores, with a number of properties having reopened after extensive renovations. Now part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), exclusive adults-only resort Hermitage Bay has emerged with a whole host of exciting upgrades. Each of its 30 suites now feature a private pool or hot tub – a luxurious addition to the resort’s private beach – while the spa has been relocated from the hillside to the beachfront to make the most of the dreamy setting. Adventurous guests can enjoy a new programme of experiences,…

Give a mile This programme uses donated miles and points to connect people with loved ones in palliative care before they pass away. Primarily, it has partnered with Air Canada’s Aeroplan and United MileagePlus, however it also accepts donations and point pledges from other airline loyalty programmes such as Delta’s SkyMiles, JetBlue’s TrueBlue, WestJet Rewards and Alaska Airlines’ Atmos™ Rewards. To donate, go to giveamile.org/donate Protect a volunteer Airline points and cash donations are directed to transporting military veterans, medics and humanitarian volunteers to Ukraine, or back home in the event of injury. The organisation accepts points from many airlines, including Air France/KLM, British Airways and American Airlines. To donate, go to protectavolunteer.com/sponsor-a-flight and complete the flight donor application form…

A LITTLE CLUNKIER than standard frames, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses still retain the brand’s classic Wayfarer look – and make up for any style snags with a range of high-tech touches. We snapped photos and video without reaching for a phone, answered calls while wheeling a suitcase, and listened to podcasts with open-ear audio that still lets you hear what’s going on around you. The original Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer glasses start from £299, making them a relatively affordable entry point into wearable tech. For those willing to splash out, the Gen 2 version at £459 has a host of upgraded features – including live translation in six languages, a better camera with improved 3K Ultra HD video resolution and double the battery life (up to eight hours).…

DOMESTIC Wes Anderson: The Archives, London until 26 July, 2026 The Design Museum has gained exclusive access to renowned filmmaker Wes Anderson’s personal archives, showing over 600 objects from his three-decade career. Peek inside his notebooks and storyboards, with exhibition highlights including a candy-pink model of The Grand Budapest Hotel, and the Fendi fur coat worn by Gwyneth Paltrow in The Royal Tenenbaums. SHORT-HAUL Late Picasso, Stockholm until 5 April, 2026 The final stretch of Picasso’s career was marked by a surge in artworks, and an increasingly experimental style. This period has been largely overlooked by exhibitions over the years, but Moderna Museet is now shining a spotlight on 80 pieces dating from 1963 to 1972. Expect colourful fantasy scenes, skewed self-portraits and works such as Femme à l’oiseau (Woman with Bird)…

BAR Expect plush booths in apple green, with marble tables, carpets in tropical leaf motifs, a glistening gold Champagne button and a Cartierdesigned clock to keep track of dining services – from coffee to cocktails. RESTAURANT Lalique-inspired rail motifs are displayed on the restaurant carriage’s partitions, while lampshades mimic the brand’s original models. SUITE The wine-hued suite is replete with rounded features, celestial-inspired carpets, a sofa that transforms into a bed and a striking hand-embroidered wood panel with mother-of-pearl and bronze beads.…

TODD PLUMMER WRITER US-based Todd writes regularly for the likes of Condé Nast Traveler and The Wall Street Journal. In this issue, he takes us to snow-covered mountains around the world to look at the best upcoming winter ski offerings. Turn to page 56 to browse luxury ski resorts from British Columbia to Niseko. JOSEPH PHELAN WRITER Joe is a London-based writer whose portfolio spans sport, business, travel and the environment, exploring topics ranging from whisky production to Greenland’s extreme sports sector. In this issue, he investigates why some of the world’s biggest airports never took off – turn to page 46. ALLY WYBREW WRITER Based in Gozo, Ally writes about travel for titles including Time Out, The Independent and High Life, and can be found diving shipwrecks and seeking…

Would you stay in a windowless hotel room? Our Instagram followers voiced their thoughts. Watch our team debate the topic @businesstravelleruk “I stayed in one the night before I ran the London Marathon and it was pretty claustrophobic… I found the total darkness off-putting, and was scared of not waking up.” @alicelucybradley “I would! A dark room promotes better sleep. Hotel blinds/ drapes don’t always close.” @toronto_larry “I’ve done this a couple of times when I needed to sleep, and it wasn’t a problem. I was tired and jetlagged, and my body didn’t know what time it was anyway!” @thirdpassport “I wouldn’t stay in one. I’d find it dirty somehow – you need to air a hotel room.” @marthabellamy18…

KLM ROYAL DUTCH Airlines, the world’s oldest airline still flying under its original name, marked its 106th birthday in characteristic fashion – by unveiling a tiny new Delft Blue house. This year’s collectible, Villa Rameau, celebrates history, transatlantic friendship and the spirit of Thanksgiving. Since the 1950s, KLM has introduced a new Delft miniature each anniversary, gifting it to World Business Class passengers on longhaul flights. These blue and white houses, filled with genever liquor, are prized by frequent flyers – collectors often plan their trips to ensure they can get the latest design. ‘This house tells an important part of Leiden’s story, from the Pilgrims to the resistance’ The unveiling of House #106 took place in Pieterskerk, a soaring Gothic church in Leiden that dates to the 14th century.…

GAMING IS NO longer an activity confined to dark rooms and glowing screens – but a hobby you can take on the road. Since high definition and online multiplayer games launched in the early 2000s, the industry has seen almost unstoppable growth, generating US$182.7 billion in global revenue in 2024. Today, its influence extends far beyond consoles, with games including Tomb Raider, The Last of Us, Tetris and Minecraft all being adapted into blockbuster movies. Now, hotel brands are jumping on the trend, with themed accommodation and experiences catering to roughly 3.4 billion gamers worldwide. We take a look at some of the best set-ups. THE GAMING CAVE, NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA, TOKYO This ‘Gaming Cave’ frankly looks nothing like a cave. Sleek, minimalist design offers the quintessential Japanese feel –…

ON TRACK In 2014, a three-station addition to the MTR, Hong Kong’s hyper-efficient metro system, sparked the transformation of Hong Kong’s Western District. Previously an undistinguished hinterland, the area stretching from Sai Wan to Kennedy Town has now been transformed into a buzzy area filled with culture and nightlife and a destination in its own right. VIBRANT BAR SCENE Western District has always had excellent places to eat – you’d have to look long and hard to find somewhere in Hong Kong that doesn’t – but these were mostly of the hole-in-the-wall, cheapand-cheerful variety. Recent gentrification, however, has added a diverse selection of destination watering holes into the mix. For instance, Sai Ying Pun’s Ping Pong 129 Gintonería, a former table tennis centre, offers an extensive selection of gins amid…

'HELP! IT’S THE end of the year and I don’t know what to do about my points and status balances. Will my miles reset? Will I lose my room upgrades?’ If this sounds like you: fear not. There are many options to salvage your hard-earned points and perks. Remember, earning activity breaks down into two main categories: elite qualifying activity (tier points) and redeemable points or miles activity. You typically can’t spend the tier points or qualifying points to hit those semi-precious-metal tiers – they’re just for keeping track of how VIP you are – but you can always spend redeemable miles or points earned. Here’s how to tackle both. Loyal currency Let’s start with your points, which you can redeem for things like flights, hotel nights or upgrades. In…

How did you get into the world of caviar? The first time I saw caviar, I thought it looked revolting. If you’d told me I’d end up as a caviar dealer, I’d have thought you were nuts. After I left school, I got a job at Qantas on the buying side. From there, I worked at Malaysian Airlines, Philippine Airlines and the former Air Europe. As I buyer, I worked with WG White – one of the world’s oldest caviar companies. I heard they wanted a sales manager and I remember saying: “Interview me, and I’ll get the job.” I worked there for about 13 years, until it was taken over by Ritter. Then I decided to go out on my own, and I started King’s Fine Food 21 years…

MATTALA RAJAPAKSA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (HRI), SRI LANKA This US$210 million project opened near Hambantota in 2013. But the remote location and poor infrastructure led to low demand and long stretches of no commercial flights. It is now used to store rice and park planes. ASHGABAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ASB), TURKMENISTAN The country’s main international airport gained a new falcon-inspired terminal in 2016. The US$2.3 billion project has capacity for 14 million annual passengers – but passenger numbers are closer to just 2.5 million. ST HELENA AIRPORT, SOUTH ATLANTIC Part-funded by the UK government, this £285 million airport part-opened in 2016, but test flights revealed dangerous crosswinds and it was deemed unfit for commercial flights. Only certain small planes are able to use it.…

Whether you prefer black diamond runs or après-ski comfort, your style strategy has never enjoyed such a bounty of irresistible options. From goggles to gloves, cashmere caps to shearling-lined boots and much more, upscale labels are celebrating ski season with capsule collections that blend sporty and chic with ease. Check out these ski-friendly pieces that just arrived in boutiques. —LAURIE BROOKINS DIORALPS DIOR OBLIQUE BEANIE From the DiorAlps collection, this cashmere-blend cap is reversible to highlight the house’s Dior Oblique motif. £500, at dior.com LOUIS VUITTON LV SNOW GRADIENT MASK This ski mask is adorned with Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram print. £1,120, at louisvuitton.com GUCCI X HEAD SKI HELMET A blend of safety and style, this helmet features comfort padding while its stripe is a nod to a classic Gucci…

Background Thule may be best known for sturdy products aimed at adventurers -from bike racks and skiing equipment to camping goods – but the Swedish brand also creates sleek and durable business luggage. The product The brand’s second iteration of its carry-on spinner offers a more professional look than its slightly rugged predecessor. Available in three shades, I chose the stylish teal-like ‘dark slate’ over the grey and black options, with the case featuring a water-resistant nylon facade and hardy polycarbonate back panel. The bag ticked all the boxes: accommodating all my goods (for both business and leisure trips), attracting just the right amount of attention (not flashy but praise aplenty), and offering very smooth handling – at times, I simply gave it a little push and allowed it to…

AS GOOD AS GOLD Pre-Covid, I was Gold with Emirates, Air New Zealand and Virgin Atlantic. British Airways was a small dot on my radar. During Covid, Virgin dumped me to Red level, so I began using BA more when many long-term supporters were pushing back against it. My experience was always generally positive. I was Silver for several years and enjoyed it – albeit the food lacked the quality you’d find on Emirates. I finally gained Gold status at the turn of the year. Chuffed as nuts, I then learned that the rules were changing – and I agreed with them! The lounges are too busy, and I travel for my business so can easily maintain status. My beef was the lack of recognition onboard – I expect a…

BUSINESS TRAVELLER JOINED Virgin Atlantic on a special outing to Hambledon Wine Estate in Hampshire, helping to harvest grapes destined for the airline’s exclusive English sparkling wine – coming to the skies in 2029. The airline first trialled Hambledon’s wine in 2018, before adding it as a permanent menu fixture, and subsequently swapping Champagne for Hambledon Classic Cuvée as its house pour in Upper Class. Now, the airline is going one step further with its own bespoke blend. “We’re not going to sit on our laurels. We want to drive the whole industry forward and do something that’s different in the English sparkling wine industry,” explained Shiada Drysdale, the airline’s beverage manager. Armed with gloves, sharp shears and a bucket, we picked the last of the perfectly ripe Pinot Meunier…

THE UK’S TOP 20 start-ups, as identified by LinkedIn, show a variety of disciplines – but there’s one that clearly stands out: artificial intelligence. AI permeates many of the businesses in this list, offering ways to innovate across multiple industries, from financial services to climate risk analysis. LinkedIn says that advances in AI have helped to foster the development of new start-ups in general, by reducing the time and funding needed to launch a business. For example, ElevenLabs – second on the list – has AI front-and-centre, using it to develop realistic-sounding voices. It calls itself the leading AI voice generator for voiceovers and audiobooks. With its voice models being used by developers, creators and businesses, it’s predicted that ElevenLabs’ annual revenue will hit US$300 million in 2025. Its products…

LUFTHANSA GROUP Founded in 1999 by Lufthansa employees, and now under the umbrella of Lufthansa Group, non-profit organisation ‘help alliance’ is working with the Crimson Liberation Hub (CLH) to combat period poverty in Ghana’s capital, Accra. CLH holds free menstrual health workshops in schools and community groups, runs awareness campaigns to break stigmas around periods, and distributes its own innovative reusable menstrual products, which can be used for up to two years. So far, it has provided over 500 girls with pads, with a recent milestone being the opening of a production facility in Amasaman – a town to the west of Accra – where the period products will be produced. LOGANAIR Loganair has teamed up with Scottish pop band and brothers, Saint PHNX, to deliver The Happy Place Workshop…

BEST FOR: FAMILY-STYLE FEASTING JAMAVAR, MAYFAIR This Michelin-starred restaurant harks back to lavish banquets served in Indian royal courts for its festive menu. Proceedings begin with a Jewel Box of small plates, followed by dishes including Achari Turkey Tikki with sprouts and cranberry marmalade, and a warm Valrhona chocolate mousse. The gilded surrounds are just as decadent, with crimson hydrangeas and red and gold hand-embroidered place mats. The ‘A Royal Christmas’ menu costs £138, with an accompanying wine flight for £98 per person. jamavarrestaurants.com ‘The gilded surrounds are decadent, with hydrangeas and red and gold place mats’ BEST FOR: TURKISH TREATS LEYDI, HYDE LONDON CITY If you’re bored of the classic mince pie, head to this Turkish restaurant in the heart of London’s City district for a flaky börek variation.…

Q &A SINCE ITS LAUNCH in 1883, the Orient Express’ iconic sleeper trains have been a symbol of luxury and aspiration; topping travellers’ bucket lists, inspiring Agatha Christie novels and prompting copycat carriages along the way. The appetite for luxury trains is as strong today as ever, thanks to the growing demand for ‘slow travel’, sustainability and experiential trips. While the original iteration ceased operations in 2009, French hospitality giant Accor acquired the brand in 2022 to revive it for a new generation of travellers. Last year, Accor also teamed up with LVMH to further boost its luxury development. (Note that this is a separate entity to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, owned by Belmond.) That’s where Gilda Perez-Alvarado comes in: leading the charge on Orient Express’ transformation from exclusive rail journeys…

NICARAGUA INVITES TRAVELERS to explore a country rich in nature, culture, and warmth — where every route reveals a new adventure. From the misty highlands of Matagalpa and Jinotega, travelers can immerse themselves in coffee country, hike through cloud forests, and meet the communities that cultivate some of the world’s finest beans. Along the Segoviana Route, artisans, marble carvers, and small towns showcase the charm of Nicaragua’s northern soul. Heading south, the Patrimonial Cities of León and Granada open their colonial doors to cathedrals, museums, and colorful streets alive with music, art, and tradition. Near Lake Cocibolca, visitors can kayak between islets or discover the volcanic wonder of Ometepe Island. Adventure seekers will be drawn to the Route of Volcanoes, home to Masaya and Cerro Negro, where sandboarding and panoramic…

THE EXPERIENCE Hôtel de Crillon in Paris has launched an exclusive collaboration with Caviar Kaspia to offer the timeless art of caviar tasting across its Jardin d’Hiver and Bar Les Ambassadeurs outlets until 15 January, 2026. THE BAR SNACK Henri in Covent Garden is making its mark on London’s dining scene with a premium menu, which includes its decadent new bar snack – Duck Fat Fries, served with 15g of premium caviar. IN THE SKY Qatar Airways has brought back caviar in business class, serving 15g of Baeri caviar on select long-haul routes from London. Air France, Cathay Pacific and Qantas also stock caviar for premium passengers.…

MICHAEL MÖSER EDITOR, BUSINESS TRAVELLER GERMANY Favourite business destination: Munich Favourite leisure destination: Portugal Back in the good old days of flying, you could safely take a suit bag onboard, but try squeezing that into an overhead compartment these days. Instead, I wear my jacket onboard and my suit trousers are destined for my suitcase. Since my checked baggage has failed to arrive a few times over the years, I now only fly with carry-on. My favourite piece of luggage is a black cabin case from the Lufthansa flight collection, which has countless compartments inside and out. My favourite section is the shirt compartment; if properly secured, neatly folded shirts retain their shape – meaning they’re ready to change into for any meetings once on the ground. I love darkblue…

What's it like? Locke’s newest aparthotel is a leafy extension of the Jardin des Plantes, located at the foot of the sloped Rue Lacépède in the city’s 5th arrondissement. The botanical park has provided floral inspiration for alfresco-style interiors, curated by architecture and design studio Fettle. The site itself is a medley of architecture from three eras: an 18th-century Baroque mansion, 20thcentury factory, plus a modern new build. Even Parisians find it difficult to ignore the fairytale-like listed facade, whose charming courtyard welcomes you with yellow banquettes, Bolero rattan chairs and patterned parasols – come rain or shine. Once in the building, there’s plenty of paths to take – from dining spots to a co-working area – but each space features warm colour schemes, terracotta touches, patterned textiles and stripes…

What's it like? Regularly lauded as one of the best Chinese restaurants in London, China Tang hardly needs introduction. It celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with a bold renovation bringing new life to its Art Deco interiors. A newly emblazoned staircase makes for a spectacular entrance, leading down to the refreshed bar area, which was bustling with guests opting for a pre-dinner cocktail. I’d recommend the rum-based Mandarin Blossom, served with a kumquat garnish, or the refreshing Osmanthus Margarita with persimmoninfused tequila (both £24). The subterranean restaurant was buzzing with a mix of business groups, well-heeled couples and a large party in the private dining room. Table settings are elegant with an oldschool formality – white tablecloths and heavy metal chopsticks – but offset by bright, irreverent artwork and…