As a frequent flyer, I’m spend a lot of time in airport lounges. Over the years, I’ve become a bit of a lounge snob—but let’s call it being a lounge connoisseur. If I know a great lounge awaits, I’ll gladly arrive at the airport early to enjoy the perks. In my experience, international lounges tend to outshine their domestic counterparts, and on a recent trip to Hong Kong, I knew I was in for something special.
Cathay Pacific, headquartered in Hong Kong, offers several lounges, each with its own unique appeal. I chose The Pier, First at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)—and it exceeded expectations. From a full-service restaurant to nap pods and a massage services, it truly had it all.
The lounge is a traveler’s dream, especially for those with time to kill between long-haul flights. Conveniently located in Terminal 1 by Gate 63, it’s near many Cathay Pacific gates. Designed with comfort in mind, the lounge offers a variety of amenities for both relaxation and rejuvination before takeoff.
One of the standout features is the complimentary massage service. These are more realistic for those with longer layovers, as the appointments book up rather fast. Other amenities include The Retreat, a space with eight day suites, each with a daybed, privacy curtains, and a reading light, making it the perfect spot to get some shut-eye or enjoy a bit of peace. For business travelers, The Bureau has fully functional workstations equipped with computers and everything you need to get the job done. And for those in need of a refresh, there are also several shower suites featuring premium amenities and fluffy towels.
Where the lounge truly shines is in its food offerings. There’s a full bar and grand-and-go buffet called The Pantry, but the real draw is the full-service restaurant. Not only does it offer made-to-order dishes, but it also features a complimentary tasting menu from Mott 32, one of Hong Kong’s most popular restaurants.
I opted for the tasting menu, which started off with a cocktail called the Hong Kong Ice Tea paired an amuse bouche of crispy crab puff, followed by a flavorful Sichuan pork dumpling. Then main course was braised Wagyu beef with tangerine peel. Everything was tasty and filling, I didn’t even need a to-go snack from The Pantry. The full menu is an eclectic mix with something for everyone, including options like Wagyu cheeseburgers, polenta gnocchi, wonton noodles, and crab focaccia.
The lounge is available for First Class and Business Class passengers, and select Cathay members and Oneworld members. It operates from 5:30 am until the last Cathay departure of the day, typically between 12:30 am 3:20 a.m. That means it’s available to nearly all Cathay passengers. Even if you’re in a different terminal, it’s well worth hopping on a train to enjoy the tasting menu—or squeeze in a massage—if time allows.