Innehållsförteckning för September 2025 från Business Traveller

THIS MONTH MARKS 200 years since the birth of modern rail - an invention that changed more than just travel: it shaped cities, economies and lives. We’re big fans of trains at Business Traveller, though the love can sometimes feel a little one sided in the UK… I spent six months this year commuting on the East Midlands Railway line from Kettering to London. The roughly 80-mile journey takes just under an hour on a fast service - which is more than acceptable. What wasn’t acceptable? Not knowing if I’d get a seat. Wondering if the train would show up on time. Horrendous wifi. And paying £720 (yes, really) for just eight return journeys a month. How did the country that invented rail end up with a system plagued by…

TRAVELLERS FLYING INTO, out of or within Europe could soon enjoy ubiquitous free hand luggage after the European Union voted to ban airlines from charging passengers for their carry-on luggage. In June, EU lawmakers voted in favour of a proposal that would allow air passengers to bring both a personal item and one piece of hand luggage into the cabin free of charge. The proposal would permit items such as handbags, backpacks or laptop bags, with maximum dimensions of 40 × 30 × 15cm, along with one item of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and measuring up to 100cm. While most of Europe’s major airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa and KLM, typically allow passengers to bring a personal item and hand luggage onboard free of charge on most flights,…

VIENNA LOUNGE, TERMINAL 1, VIENNA AIRPORT, AUSTRIA A collection of Austrian prints, from masters such as Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, was one of the reasons Vienna Lounge was voted Global Lounge of the Year in the Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2024. THE CLUB SFO, SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT The design of this LEED-certified lounge embraces Northern Californian scenery. It was named Best New Passenger Experience Concept 2025 by Airports Council International – North America. KYRA LOUNGE, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT This lounge draws inspiration from the natural world. Dynamic lighting replicates the effect of dappled sunlight, a wave-like ceiling evokes the ocean, and a central fireplace offers cosy comfort. THE CLUB LIM, JORGE CHAVEZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT The newly unveiled The Club LIM celebrates Peruvian heritage with local art works…

FOR THIS MONTH’S rail-themed issue, we got a sneak peek at The Untold Railway Stories, a compilation of 12 essays edited by British travel writer Monisha Rajesh, published by Duckworth on 11 September. Each essay chronicles vastly different experiences of rail – from journeys along the African Tazara railway to the notion of trains as weapons for war. This edited excerpt of Jack Curtis’ essay ‘The Baku Barnstormer’ details his attempt to reach the capital of Azerbaijan with two friends in an eco-friendly fashion. “ Two weeks, 6,000km, fifteen trains, ten countries. This is the Baku Barnstormer. Our attempt to get from the UK to Azerbaijan without flying, to attend the COP29 Climate Change Conference. Our intention for undertaking such a long and adventurous train journey was to see if…

THERE’S A PARTICULAR patch of Provence where you’ll find yourself in starry territory - with rows of vines making up the likes of Brad Pitt’s Miraval Estate and George Clooney’s Domaine du Canadel. Nestled among these notable names in the south of France is Château Margüi, a 120-hectare estate belonging to Skywalker Retreats – the portfolio of wineries owned by Star Wars creator George Lucas and his wife, businesswoman Mellody Hobson. For an extra touch of star-studded glamour, Château Margüi fully stepped into the spotlight this year when it beat household names to become the official wine supplier for the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival – a choice that the estate’s general manager Yann Jouët attributed to the festival’s “rebel attitude”. The brand’s organic white, rosé and red…

GLOBAL SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF ASPIRE EXECUTIVE LOUNGES AT SWISSPORT ‘Hire people smarter than you, and if you can’t, hire people who disagree with you’ Hannah Brandler caught up with the global SVP of Aspire to discuss the future of airport lounges, industry collaborations and the rise of water sommeliers. Q&A Aspire teamed up with oneworld last year to open branded lounges at Seoul Incheon International and Amsterdam Schiphol airports. What’s special about these lounges? The three-dimensional experience extends from design through to a signature drink. They start with an atmospheric, arched entranceway, which separates you from the melee in the terminal and welcomes you into a much calmer, more relaxed environment. In Amsterdam, we worked with a Dutch design team on the bar – an important focal point, which…

Q&A What drew you to fragrance? I’m not a trained nose but I have a natural ability – in fact, I’ve had my nose tested against medical detection dogs and I’m on a par. I’m severely dyslexic and my sense of smell just became my compass in life and would govern my emotions. I also have synaesthesia, so I see colour when I smell. I fell in love with fragrance when eating steak frites with rosé wine in the middle of a flower market in Grasse, France. I’m still in love with it today. I love the ingredients and how you can make the orchestra of orange blossom just sing forever – it’s very poetic for me. Have you ever lost your sense of smell? When I had chemotherapy [Jo…

The UK’s fares system is incomprehensible: there are around 55 million different fare combinations available. The variety of ticket types is also bewildering: Anytime, Off-Peak, Super-Off-Peak, Season and Flexi-Season. Then there are Railcards for students, people over the age of 60, family cards… LNER alone accepts nine different types of Railcard between London and Edinburgh. Efforts to simplify the system have always failed. Though in Scotland, peak fares have been permanently scrapped from 1 September 2025: the cost will be the same whatever time of day you travel. Top moneysaving advice is: book in advance, travel at quieter times, use a Railcard if you qualify for one and travel in a group. Then there are “split tickets”. Rationally, these don’t make sense. You can save huge sums by breaking a…

IT’S Saturday evening at Silverstone after a thrilling day of qualifying, with speed machines sliding around a rain-soaked circuit. Outside the Aston Martin Aramco F1 team’s campus, Fernando Alonso takes to the stage of “The Lawn” to greet a select group of hospitality guests. Armed with a T-shirt gun, he fires merchandise into the crowd. Meanwhile, people clamour to pose in front of a replica pit wall, visit the bar, and head to another souvenir station to grab shirts adorned with a cartoon-like image of themselves as a racing driver. The annual gathering is an invite-only affair for a handful of lucky guests, including race fans and corporate partners. It’s also a reminder that F1 is no longer just about the on-track action – it’s big business. For hardcore race fans,…

RAIL REVIEW Eurostar Plus premium economy HOTEL REVIEW TRIBE Manchester airport hotel RESTAURANT REVIEW Bubala King’s Cross, London TECH REVIEW Seven gadgets to improve your travel What’s it like? Corinthia Hotels picked a Belle Époque masterpiece for its Belgian debut: the former Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels, on Rue Royale in the Notre Dame aux Neiges neighbourhood. Once the destination of choice for high society, the property sat empty for 17 years, with developers scared off by the daunting cost of restoration. Now, following a €150 million, four-year renovation of its interiors and façade, the 1910 grand dame has reclaimed its former splendour. Expect vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, ornate mouldings and gilded accents across the various grand spaces. The standout room is the Palm Court, an all-day lobby lounge with 11-metre-high ceilings,…

What’s it like? I was eager to check out the latest outpost of Bubala (“darling” in Yiddish) after hearing rave reviews from friends who’d been to the original sites. Such word-of-mouth recommendations have been key to the success of the Middle Eastern restaurant, founded by Marc Summers as a popup in 2019 and now boasting venues in Soho, Spitalfields and King’s Cross. The new opening is close to King’s Cross terminus, in the Cadence Court development – a 15-minute scenic stroll through Granary Square and past Coal Drops Yard. Glass windows nestled into red brick arches set the scene, while inside industrial light fittings are softened by wooden furnishings, plants and green tiling. A lovely level of buzz is echoed by the venue’s high ceilings, while an open kitchen provides…

UGREEN Tracker Tag: This tag has a loud 80dB alert, a two-year battery and costs less than half an Apple AirTag. It’s iOS-only, but ideal if you often lose your keys, wallet or bag. £14.99, uk.ugreen.com UGREEN FineTracker Slim: This is just 1.7mm thick, waterproof, rechargeable and perfect for slipping into wallets or passports. It comes with its own handy USB charger, but lose the cable and irony kicks in fast. £24.99, uk.ugreen.com Twelve South PlugBug 120W: This four-port USB-C charger doubles as a tracker, complete with smart power delivery and plug adapters for six regions. £79.99, twelvesouth.com…

PAUL CLIFTON WRITER Paul was a BBC transport correspondent for 32 years and is a regular contributor to RAIL magazine. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. In this issue, he follows rail from its steam-powered beginnings to its high-speed future. GEMMA O’BRIEN ILLUSTRATOR Gemma is an internationally renowned designer and artist known for her bold graphics, illustrative lettering and murals. Her work has been commissioned by the likes of Apple, Nike and Google. This issue, she has created our vivid cover that celebrates 200 years of rail. OLLIE WILSON WRITER Ollie is the video producer and writer leading The Business Traveler’s video output on ReachTV. He previously worked with the BBC, Channel 4 and ITN. On page 80, he curates the perfect travel…

AVIATION Virgin Atlantic’s sweeping upgrades HOTELS 100 years of Art Deco glamour TRAVEL Business travellers get reckless SUSTAINABILITY From London to Baku by rail HEAD TO TORONTO’S Entertainment District this month to rub shoulders with film critics, cinephiles, budding filmmakers, established auteurs and A-listers, who will all be flocking to the Canadian city to attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the festival opens with the premiere of John Candy: I Like Me, a documentary directed by Colin Hanks.. Running from 4-14 September, TIFF’s ten-day programme includes talks from leading industry figures and Hollywood stars, a five-day conference for entertainment professionals, and a series of eagerly awaited screenings such as romantic comedy Mile End Kicks, and a film adaptation of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda…

79% engage in behaviours on a work trip they wouldn’t practise back home 18% have ventured out without informing anyone of their itinerary or location 16% happily ride a motorbike, electric scooter or e-bike while away 15% ignore health precautions, such as not drinking the local tap water or eating from a street food stall 15% of those aged 18-34 admit they gamble or take drugs on work trips (compared to 8% over the age of 55) 22% of those aged 18-34 have got into a car with a new friend or complete stranger…

Curve appeal From arched doorways to curved sofas, flowing lines and wavy mirrors, the sleek mid-century motif has a timeless allure – its soft, gentle and organic feel signalling a warm and welcoming environment. Flower power Groovy floral-packed wallpapers in a warm, rich colour scheme of reds, yellows and oranges are back in vogue, bringing the ‘70s heyday into the 21st century. Bold patterns extend beyond the walls to curtains and upholstery. Centenary celebrations This year marks 100 years since the emergence of Art Deco, so what better time to pay homage to the 1920s look? Expect plenty of zigzags, mirrored surfaces, polished chrome and geometric shapes.…

AFTER A RECORD-breaking 2024 with more than 21.3 million visitors, Croatia is solidifying itself as one of Europe’s top destinations. A perfect entry point into the country is Dubrovnik, located between Mount Srđ and the shimmering Adriatic Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a place with rich history that dates back to the 7th century. Explore its romantic Old Town, with iconic locations featured in hit HBO show Game of Thrones, or enjoy the pristine beaches. The city isn’t dauntingly large and it’s easy to sample the sights by foot. With the peak season and sweltering temperatures now drawn to a close, September is the perfect time of year to discover the city’s hidden gems and main attractions. Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik This coastal landmark belongs to Adriatic Luxury Hotels…

NuWave MoodEnhancing AF Lager This 0.5% ‘beer’ is boosted with natural botanicals such as ashwagandha and lion’s mane to ease you into a calming haze, while added biotics improve gut health one sip at a time. Tasting notes: Malty and smooth like alcoholic lagers, with a subtle bitterness. Collider Session IPA Dressed in a bold, futuristic can, this IPA is micro-dosed with functional lion’s mane mushrooms and ashwagandha to carry you through any social function – plus L-theanine for relaxation. Tasting notes: Citrusy with heady floral flavours that are more pronounced than in standard IPAs. Livener by Three Spirit Drinks Served on the rocks or with a mixer, the Livener gives a spicy kick to get you in the party mood. Schisandra berries and guayusa provide energy, while watermelon acts…

The lounges are open to all travellers on a pay-per-use basis, regardless of airline or class of travel. Prices vary per lounge All lounges (apart from London Heathrow T5) offer free entry for Priority Pass, DragonPass and Diners Club cardholders Guests will need a confirmation email, boarding card and/or passport to enter Children can gain entry if accompanied by an adult. There’s a relaxed smart casual dress code – but no sportswear is allowed The majority of lounges entitle you to stay for three hours prior to flight departure All F&B is free of charge once inside the lounge (Champagne, Prosecco and cocktails are charged in select lounges)…

VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS The carriages of this world-famous train date from the 1920s and 1930s, taking you at a leisurely pace from Paris to Venice and Istanbul – hopefully with no murders en route. It’s a stylish luxury tour from Belmond with prices from £3,500, though the Grand Suite from Istanbul costs a cool £68,000. GOLDEN EAGLE SILK ROAD EXPRESS Golden Eagle stopped its famed Trans-Siberian Express service, which stretched 5,772 miles across seven time zones from Moscow to Vladivostok. Instead, you can board luxury rail tours that follow the Silk Road from Beijing to places such as Almaty, Samarkand and Tashkent. THE WEST HIGHLAND LINE “The Jacobite” steam train across the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct is instantly recognisable to all Harry Potter fans. But board the standard ScotRail service from Glasgow…

ATLASSIAN WILLIAMS RACING’S F1 PADDOCK CLUB SUITE Signature features of this new suite include top-notch food and drinks, a large central bar and a central stage. The latter will be the setting for appearances by team members, including drivers and mechanics. Prices vary depending on race. OBSERV@3, SINGAPORE Located near the circuit’s Turn 3, OBSERV@3 offers cuisine prepared by executive chef Julien Mercier from fine dining spot Claudine. While you’re at the GP, check out Twenty3 too, a multi-level trackside retreat with multiple vantage points. Threeday OBSERV@3 tickets start from £5,439. singaporegp.sg SKYBOX, LAS VEGAS Hospitality suites at this year’s Las Vegas GP (20-22 November) include Skybox, where guests can feast on gourmet cuisine and sip cocktails prepared by the city’s top mixologists. Tickets also include a Heineken Silver Main…

Louis Roederer Cristal, baby! It’s served in Suites and first class on Singapore Airlines. @allaboutsp Singapore Airlines serves Krug, and Emirates also often stocks Dom Pérignon Plenitude P2 2004 in first class on long-haul flights. Both are a personal preference. @90210onthego Armand de Brignac is served on first class flights with Qatar Airways! @weinbroker A flute or coupe of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2002. @juliette.1597 Air Canada gives you Duval-Leroy Champagne. @f1_frank5 I will take a stem of them all. @champagneallyear…

RADIANT JEWEL TONES, sunburst patterns edged in gold, chevron stripes and sharp angles - these design details point unmistakenly to one defining era: Art Deco. This year marks the centennial of the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industries Modernes - the Parisian fair where Art Deco made its grand debut. The event showcased modern decorative arts and industrial design - and gave the aesthetic its famous name. Former labels like ‘le style moderne’ or ‘Jazz Moderne’ just didn’t have the same ring. Over the past 100 years, Art Deco has left its glamorous mark on architecture and interiors worldwide - especially in hotels. Here, we look at some dazzling examples. The Plaza Hotel, New York City Live out your Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan fantasy in this Fifth…

☑ Natural light or mood lighting to help your circadian rhythm ☑ Plenty of comfortable seats, whether you’re solo or in a group ☑ Work area with desks (plus bonus points for a private booth or pod) ☑ Charging ports dotted around the lounge and free, fast wifi ☑ Local flavours, and an appetising buffet ☑ Calming colour scheme ☑ Natural materials or biophilic elements ☑ Bathrooms with shower facilities and luxury toiletries ☑ Artwork that introduces local talent and offers a sense of place ☑ Well-chosen soundtracks and signature scents ☑ Views over the apron or runway…

Franck This coffee company, founded more than 130 years ago, has now expanded to include spices and other pantry ingredients. You’ll find it in cafés countrywide. Kraš Known for a range of beloved chocolate bars such as the praline Bajadera and the bite-sized cookie Domaćica, Kraš has been a staple in the country for more than a century. Vegeta This savoury seasoning blend made from highquality vegetables and spices is produced by Podravka – one of the region’s largest food manufacturers.…

THINK PRIVATE JETS are just for VIPs? Think again. The demand for private business aviation is soaring-projected to hit a global market value of US$40 billion by 2028. Last year, the UK saw over 98,000 private jet departures, solidifying it as Europe’s second-largest market for private aviation (France ranks first). Corporations are increasingly seeking benefits including time efficiency, operational flexibility and enhanced productivity onboard. Capitalising on this trend, VistaJet has launched the Cessna Citation XLS aircraft in the UK. Operated by Saxon Air, this sleek new jet offers point-to-point travel for journeys of up to three hours – ideal for domestic business trips. Naturally, the experience is pretty spectacular. My journey began with a chauffeured drive to Farnborough Airport, where our bags were whisked onto the aircraft while we enjoyed…

DOMESTIC Marie Antoinette Style 20 September – 22 March, London Head to the V&A Museum to see original pieces worn by Marie Antoinette, the notorious and uber-fashionable archduchess who became the final queen of France. The exhibition will feature 250 objects including dainty silk slippers and jewels from her private collection, plus contemporary couture pieces by designers Moschino and Vivienne Westwood. SHORT-HAUL Entanglements 18 September – 11 January, Milan Japanese artist Yuko Mohri creates moving, site-specific installations using everyday objects such as musical instruments and LED lights. Pirelli HangarBicocca is hosting the artist’s first formal exhibition in Italy, which sees several installations reconfigured for the gallery’s industrial space. Highlights include a self-playing piano, and her famous Decomposition series of ageing fruit. LONG-HAUL Jaws: The Exhibition 14 September – 26 July,…

FEBRUARY 4, 1996. The 0510 from Twickenham to London Waterloo. Without ceremony or fanfare, this morning commuter service marked a landmark moment in UK railway history: the first privatised train of the modern era, operated by South West Trains. Under the new model introduced by John Major’s Conservative government, responsibility for track and train was separated. Rolling stock (trains) was sold off, then leased back to the train operators, which competed for franchise contracts. Infrastructure (tracks, signals, stations) was sold to Railtrack – and it wasn’t a success. There was cost-cutting, crashes and crises. Borrowing from banks spiralled. Renamed Network Rail, it was returned to the public sector in 2002. Commercial companies running trains did bring some benefits: passenger numbers doubled as entrepreneurs tempted travellers out of their cars. Brands…

HS2, the hugely expensive and endlessly controversial new rail link between London and Birmingham, is under construction. It won’t carry passengers until at least the mid-2030s, and plans to stretch the route to Manchester and Leeds have been cancelled. Critics call it the Acton to Aston shuttle: the service will initially travel between suburbs. Industry leaders have repeatedly warned politicians that a railway without a very substantial central London terminus, and shorn of its links to northern cities, makes no sense. They will surely have to be reinstated one day. Meanwhile, HS2’s gigantic new multi-level station is being built at Old Oak Common in west London. With connections to the Elizabeth Line, the Great Western and Heathrow Airport, it is likely to become Britain’s busiest interchange. We don’t know the…

WHAT IS A SERVICED APARTMENT? Traditionally designed for longer stays, serviced apartments combine hotel-style amenities with the relaxed comforts of home. They typically offer more space – with separate living, dining and sleeping areas – along with kitchen and laundry facilities. Services tend to be lighter than in hotels, such as weekly housekeeping or fewer dining options. While they remain a cost-effective option for those away for weeks or months at a time, serviced apartments are also gaining popularity for shorter visits. Growing demand is pushing providers to raise their game, with enhanced offerings ranging from onsite restaurants to wellness facilities and lively social spaces. BEST FOR: THOUGHTFUL EXTRAS MINT HOUSE WASHINGTON, D.C. - DOWNTOWN Mint House arrived in the US capital this year with the conversion of a 1920s…