Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Vancouver, BC (YVR)

Opened in May 2016, the new Cathay Pacific Lounge at Vancouver International Airport Pier D is one of the first clubs to showcase Cathay Pacific’s new design, which was premiered at Tokyo Haneda airport.

A haven for Cathay Pacific Business and First Class passengers as well as oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, the Cathay Pacific lounge delivers a superior ground experience in serene settings.

From the security checkpoint, make your way to gates D66-D67 and spot the discreet lobby. An elevator will take you to the mezzanine floor where the lounge is located.

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge YVR design

The Cathay Pacific Lounge at Vancouver International Airport boasts the airline’s new design conceived by London-based Studioisle. With natural materials, posh furniture, warm colors, indoor plants, and an overall serene ambiance, the concept aims to foster a residential feel with a living room vibe, a departure from more typical sterile environments.

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Vancouver, BC (YVR)

The idea of the airport lounge as a home away from home is certainly en vogue. The concept is taking the industry by storm, perhaps in response to the increasingly stressful airport experience, which for many travelers rhymes with longer lines, stricter security measures, and greater hassle in general. Singapore Airlines, JAL, and other competitors have jumped on the bandwagon, doing away with the concept of an ultra-functional—but almost industrial—décor, or a trendy—but often less functional—design.

Coming up with a distinctive design in the pursuit of a true residential feel was therefore a daring endeavor. As it turns out, Cathay Pacific has passed the test with flying colors, and delivered one of the most genuine and heartfelt experiences. The delicate alliance of natural materials—gorgeous cherry walls, limestone floors, hardwood ceilings—along with indoor plants, green ceramics, brass highlights, and Asian touches such as the delicate hanging light fixtures, gives the space a cozy, sophisticated and intimate touch. Luxury abounds, but it’s exquisitely understated—a masterful combination of sophistication and authentic residential simplicity.

Cathay Pacific’s design language strives especially at Vancouver airport, where the lounge benefits from a prime location. Located on a mezzanine above the concourse, the club boasts soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, with sweeping views over the tarmac, runway, and mountains in the distance. The uplifting views amplify the impact of the design and expand the space, adding a touch of grandiosity to its serenity. At night, the sunset is a feast for the eyes.

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Vancouver, BC (YVR)

Cathay Pacific capitalizes on the vista: facing the window is a row of individual chairs with ottomans. Passengers benefit from an exhilarating amount of personal space and privacy, with a spacious layout and side tables between seats. Immediately behind, on a posh carpet, is a row of “cube chairs”—Cathay Pacific’s latest incarnation of the Solus chair, a wrap-around, high backed chair with a built-in side table, coat hook, power outlet, and USB port.

The attention to detail is second to none—while power outlets are available at every seat, they are embedded in the furniture, discretely tucked in little compartments so as to not distract the eye from the smooth shapes and exquisite appearance of the ensemble.

With seating for just over 100 patrons and a 5,500 sq.f. (510 sq.m.) footprint, the Cathay Pacific Lounge at Vancouver airport allies humane dimensions and a highly private environment. The sparse layout leaves plenty of space to roam around, and the smart furniture arrangement avoids the pitfall of the traditional lounge and its rows of seats. Instead, Cathay Pacific offers a variety of tempting couches, comfortable swivel chairs, and traditional armchairs, catering to both solo travelers and groups. Large, sumptuous coffee tables enhance the space and add to the seductive residential vibe. Local artwork adorns the room and celebrates the culture of British Columbia.

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Vancouver, BC (YVR)

Opposite the seating area is a large dining area with Cathay Pacific’s signature noodle bar. The dining zone boasts a bolder, more dynamic look, with brass, green ceramics, and an open kitchen. Here again the designers have struck a delicate balance between simplicity and dynamism, and privacy and space efficiency: at the center are communal tables—which evoke Hong Kong’s traditional dining spots—but patrons may enjoy a more intimate pre-flight dining experience at one of the surrounding booths.

Light flows seamlessly across the different areas, thanks to the use of lightweight wooden dividers. Best of all, the club is hardly ever crowded, since there are typically no other oneworld flights at Cathay Pacific departure times.

In our opinion, the Cathay Pacific Lounge at Vancouver airport is one of the more elegant airline lounges worldwide. The design brings the airline’s brand to life in a sumptuous space. Dare we criticize one thing? We could do without the background music—it’s just not necessary.

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge YVR amenities

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Vancouver, BC (YVR)

The Cathay Pacific Lounge at Vancouver airport boasts a solid range of amenities.

The highlight is probably the famed noodle bar—a signature amenity, which Cathay Pacific has expanded and rejuvenated with the latest design concept. Patrons may order from a variety of specialties including wonton noodle soup, dan dan noodle soup, and Hong Kong-style fish ball noodle soup. All dishes are cooked to order in the open kitchen and served in gorgeous tableware on traditional trays.

The Pantry, located in the main lounge area, offers a more traditional and international experience, with a buffet style selection of tapas-like dishes, antipasto, meats and cheese, as well as a selection of fruit and desserts. We enjoyed the variety, as well as the departure from typical North American snacks and desserts in favor of a more global menu. When we visited, Cathay Pacific served a tasty Quiche Lorraine as well as an enjoyable cherry clafouti.

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Vancouver, BC (YVR)

The drink selection includes Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, a small selection of red and white wines, as well as a rather modest liquor assortment. Juices, soda, and an espresso machine are also available.

Cathay Pacific contracts the day-to-day management of the lounge, as well as its catering, to Plaza Premium, the world’s largest independent airport lounge operator. Plaza Premium has built a reputation for high quality food, with an emphasis on fresh and local ingredients. They fulfill the Cathay Pacific’s promise of a superior pre-flight dining experience. (Plaza Premium also operates three independent pay-in lounges at Vancouver airport under their own brand.)

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Vancouver, BC (YVR)

Complimentary Wi-Fi is naturally available, though Cathay Pacific relies on the airport’s network. We wish the lounge offered a dedicated access point. Other business amenities include the Bureau, a small but well-appointed alcove with three Mac computers, each connected to a dedicated printer. The Bureau also offers great views, a rarity at most business centers which are often relegated to obscure rooms.

Two shower suites are available, including an ADA compliant room. The gorgeous suites, decked in limestone, feature a large walk-in rain shower, toilet, and sink with brass fixtures, and luxurious Aesop bath products. Of course standard amenities and towels are provided as well.

When it’s time to board, Cathay Pacific passengers will find their gate right around the corner from the lounge.

Note that the Cathay Pacific lounge at Vancouver airport does not offer a dedicated space for First Class passengers; only at major hubs such as Hong Kong and London do First Class passengers enjoy separate facilities.

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Vancouver, BC (YVR)

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge YVR bottom line

The Cathay Pacific Lounge at Vancouver airport is a beacon of serenity, a sophisticated but charming space which fosters a genuine feeling of well-being.

With an inspired and elegant design, ample privacy, delectable food and beverages, luxurious touches such as shower suites with Aesop products, and an array of business amenities, Cathay Pacific delivers the best ground experience at Vancouver international airport. The serene ambiance, panoramic views and delightful residential vibe are a hallmark of understated luxury, with service to match.