With Australians taking over 40 million flights in the past year, choosing which airline to fly with is all about creating an on board experience that resonates with guests, and if you’re lucky enough to end up on the pointy end of the plane, the mid-flight stopover too. On a recent research trip to Italy, our Food Director Phoebe Wood flew Cathay Pacific in business class via Hong Kong.

With no time to visit the city of Hong Kong itself, I made the most of my airport stopover by visiting two of the four Cathay Pacific lounges in Hong Kong airport – for a few moments of respite and revival. After the first leg of the long haul flight, the immediate port of call is to hydrate and escape for a moment of zen in The Sanctuary, the yoga and meditation room located in the business lounge at The Pier. Noise-cancelling headphones on and 20 minutes of yoga was enough time to recharge and get the circulation flowing, as well as build up an appetite.

Next, it was time to hit The Deck Lounge; a comfortable space with a business area and a separate dining area that features a continental buffet and al la carte noodle and dumpling bar. A bowl of restorative noodles is the long haul pick up you didn’t know you needed. Slippery rice noodles bob in a nourishing bowl of beef bone broth, with pieces of tender slow-cooked beef brisket. Wonton noodle soup, a universal favourite, is a bowl of silky prawn dumplings with thin rice vermicelli, while nutty dan dan noodles are a satisfying spice hit. For something lighter, you can opt for a simple plate of steamed dumplings, like shrimp and pork, or steamed pork and cabbage bao, served with DIY condiments like chilli oil and preserved vegetables.

Time to refresh before the second leg, and lounge washrooms supply the luxuriously scented Aesop toiletries for pre-flight pampering. Back on board allow yourself a little time to indulge in the flowing Billecart-Salmon champagne, alongside premium spirits, and enjoy the on board dining offering which features the Hong Kong speciality of prawns in superior broth with vermicelli.

Relax in 400-thread count sheets and make the most of the ultra-hydrating Jurlique products offered to business class guests so that when you step off the plane, you’re rejuvenated and ready to adjust to your new time zone.