One of the best parts of travelling is the journey itself.

After an incredible trip through Shanghai and Suzhou, we decided to break up the journey back to Sydney with a three-night stopover in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is always a city I love returning to — from stunning harbour views and vibrant street food to world-class shopping. But this time, the part I was most looking forward to wasn’t just the city itself. It was flying home in Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite Business Class, an experience I had been anticipating for months — and one that would easily become a highlight of the trip.

Flying in Style: Two Business Class Experiences

Our journey with Cathay Pacific started with the flight from Sydney to Shanghai.

We flew on an older Boeing 777 with the previous generation business class cabin. Comfortable and well-serviced as it was, the cabin lacked the modern touches and private feel that I’d come to associate with a truly luxurious flight.

So when we boarded our return flight from Hong Kong and stepped into the Aria Suite — the retrofitted cabin on the Boeing 777‑300ER — I was genuinely thrilled.

The difference was immediate. The cabin features a sleek reverse herringbone layout, giving each passenger a private, forward‑facing suite with direct aisle access. The sense of space feels extraordinary, and the sliding doors create a private cocoon in the sky.

Every detail feels considered — from elegant finishes and cleverly designed storage to the spacious lie-flat bed, which makes it easy to truly unwind. Even the Bamford amenity kit adds a subtle touch of luxury, with high-quality skincare, slippers, and essentials beautifully presented. The overall atmosphere is calm, sophisticated, and indulgently comfortable.

Flying the Aria Suite was, without a doubt, one of the most refined business class experiences I’ve ever had — even compared with Qantas, Emirates (across the Tasman), and Malaysia Airlines. There’s a unique indulgence in closing the door, settling into your own private suite, and knowing you’ll arrive home completely relaxed and refreshed.

Tip: When booking your flight, check the aircraft type to ensure it’s the retrofitted 777‑300ER featuring the Aria Suite. You can usually identify it by the 45-seat business class layout or by reviewing the flight’s seat map on Cathay Pacific’s website.

Dining at 30,000 Feet: Cathay Signature

One of the highlights of flying business class was the dining experience. I opted for the Cathay Signature braised abalone, and it was exceptional — easily one of the best meals I’ve had in the air. Every element, from the delicate flavours to the presentation, felt thoughtful and refined. For breakfast, I went with the Asian breakfast option: chicken and century egg congee accompanied by dumplings — comforting, warm, and perfectly satisfying after a restful night.

Tip: Some of the Cathay Signature dishes will need to be pre‑ordered online via Cathay Pacific’s Choose My Meal platform. To enjoy elevated mains like braised abalone, be sure to reserve your Cathay Signature dish when you select your meal 10 days to 24 hours before departure.

The Pier Lounge: One of the Best Business Class Lounges

Before our flight, we spent some time at The Pier Business Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport — and it completely lived up to the hype.

This lounge is easily one of the most beautiful airport spaces I’ve ever visited. Instead of feeling like a typical airport waiting area, it feels like a luxury hotel lounge. Warm lighting, natural materials, and thoughtfully designed seating create quiet corners perfect for relaxing before a long flight.

The food was exceptional, with a curated mix of Asian dishes and Western options that felt more like restaurant dining than lounge catering. My personal favourites were the famous Wonton Noodle Soup from the Noodle Bar and the delicate egg tarts from The Teahouse — absolutely divine.

For those looking to freshen up, there are 14 private shower suites and a serene Relaxation Room, perfect for a little downtime before boarding.

Compared with many lounges I’ve visited, The Pier feels more thoughtful, calmer, and far more luxurious. Honestly, if you’re flying Cathay Pacific through Hong Kong, this lounge alone is worth arriving at the airport early.

Christmas in Hong Kong

We arrived in Hong Kong on Christmas Day, and the city had a festive sparkle in the air.

We stayed at The Langham Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui, an elegant base that made harbourfront walks and nearby shopping effortless.

One of the spots I was most excited to see was Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai, famed for its hanging lantern displays.

The Avenue is usually lined with glowing lanterns overhead, but by the time we arrived, they had been replaced with Christmas decorations. While I missed the lanterns, the festive décor was still charming and made for a lovely stroll.

Street Food & Harbour Views

We also spent some time exploring the lively streets of Causeway Bay, where we stopped to try one of Hong Kong’s classic street snacks — curry fish balls.

Back near our hotel, we took a walk along the beautiful Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, where you can enjoy sweeping views across Victoria Harbour and the iconic Hong Kong skyline.

We also passed by the famous Avenue of Stars, which celebrates Hong Kong’s celebrities.

Watching the city lights shimmer across the harbour is one of those classic Hong Kong moments that never gets old.

A Little Shopping

The following day we explored a few more spots around Tsim Sha Tsui and the city, including:

• Gateway Arcade
• K11 MUSEA
• Central Hong Kong

Hong Kong has always been one of my favourite cities for shopping, eating and simply wandering through its vibrant neighbourhoods.

Final Thoughts

As much as I loved revisiting Hong Kong, the true highlight of this stopover was the journey home.

From the serene atmosphere of The Pier Business Class Lounge to the attentive service on board and the comfort of the Aria Suite with Cathay Pacific, the entire experience felt less like a flight and more like a luxury retreat in the sky.

For that experience alone, Cathay Pacific exceeded every expectation. Five stars — and I’d happily fly the Aria Suite again in a heartbeat.

Luxury travel isn’t always about iconic landmarks or five-star hotels. Sometimes it’s simply about beautiful design, thoughtful service, and arriving at both your destination and home feeling completely refreshed.

Until next time… sweet travels!