What if your holiday started from the moment that you arrived at the airport? What if the journey was just as enjoyable as the destination?
If you are used to travelling in airline economy class, you'll be thinking this is impossible, and it probably is. That's unless you are lucky enough to score an empty row where you can stretch out in an almost flat bed.
Of course, if you are in Cathay Pacific's Business Class you really do have a flatbed with plenty of room to put your feet up while you watch in-flight television.
The advantages start before you board the plane with an express pass that puts you in the short customs queue and another shorter queue at the gate. It works in reverse when you get off too.
In Cathay's business class seat you can play with the buttons to create an endless number of combinations - feet up, feet down, head up, head down, and everything in between. There's also plenty of room (for a plane) to stow your gear, including a handy little mirrored cabinet that's the perfect spot for a brush and lippie, and another cupboard for your shoes.
The tray table makes a convenient working space, and I managed to push out a couple of stories during the eight-hour flight.
Cathay also doesn't stint with the bedding. There's a cosy duvet to keep you warm during the flight and a pillow. I found it was easy to sleep, even on my side. The bed stretches out to over two metres, so even tall folk should find it just as comfortable.
I also liked the amenity kit filled with Jurlique skin care products, comfy socks, all important tooth brush and tooth paste, and an eye mask.
The two centre seats are great if you are travelling with a partner. Otherwise the seats on the side offer more privacy for a single traveller.
Dinner in Business class typically begins with a choice of aperitif along with a selection of entrees and main courses, accompanied by a selection of wines of course. It's restaurant quality food, and there is plenty of it. You won't go hungry. I'm talking hot smoked creole salmon with roasted kipfler potatoes, followed by roasted chicken breast with black truffle port wine sauce and creamy parmesan polenta.
I chose a glass of Domaene Gobelsburg Kamptal Gruner Veltliner 2013 and enjoyed the pleasant spicy notes of white pepper, lemon and lime with my chicken. The meal ends with cheese accompanied by seasonal fruit plus a sweet treat. And the coffee? Well, it's Illy, freshly brewed of course.
Another great thing about Business class is a USB port that you can use to charge your devices and an iPhone connector. You can even connect up your own devices and run them through your personal television. I wish I had discovered that earlier as I think the selection of movies could be improved.
I was travelling to Macau which is a simple ferry ride from Hong Kong. So simple you don't even leave the airport or go through customs until you arrive in Macau.
Top tip: Some flights leave very late at night or 1 am in the morning. If that's your lot, forgo the food and just stretch out that bed to sleep the whole way. Wake up to enjoy breakfast before you arrive.
Bottom line: Cathay Pacific Business class return airfares Brisbane to Hong Kong are around $870. (At the time of writing.)
Disclaimer: Eat, drink + be Kerry travelled courtesy of Cathay Pacific. Cathay Pacific has over 70 flights a week, including daily flights from Brisbane, to Hong Kong from six major Australian cities, offering a choice of flying in economy, premium economy or business class.