Sometimes when travelling you do need to take a break – mental or physical away from the strain of travel.
Cathay Pacific has their answer to this called “The Sanctuary“.
The Sanctuary – Image, Cathay Pacific
This is a dedicated Yoga and Medication space, located inside The Pier lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.
The Sanctuary was opened in conjunction with Pure Yoga. It offers a 700 square foot space, divided between The Body Sanctuary, which is dedicated to yoga, and The Mind Sanctuary, where travellers can meditate to focus and calm the mind.
The Body Sanctuary offers a space for gentle yoga with guided videos led by Pure Yoga teachers. There’s also a secluded space for self-practice. There are also seated stretching
The Body Sanctuary – Image, Cathay Pacific
According to the airline, the exercises are designed to improve circulation, enhance joint mobility and relax the mind for a comfortable and restful journey.
Meanwhile, the Mind Sanctuary offers is audio and gazing meditation. The airline says that these practices help to improve focus, memory and visualisation skills, as well as centring the mind in a state of awareness and attention.
For those who hold Cathay Pacific Diamond or Gold Marco Polo membership can arriving in Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon flights are given complimentary one-day access to any Pure Fitness centre or a choice of any Pure Yoga class up to 12 times a year – a useful benefit.
In quotes
Cathay Pacific General Manager Customer Experience and Design, Vivian Lo said:
“Wellness is becoming increasingly important to our customers and The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga in our Pier Business Class lounge is the perfect place to relax before a flight. We listen to the needs of our customers and continuously evolve to improve their experience with us.
“Whether it’s dining at our popular Noodle Bar, catching up with some work, or enjoying a drink at the bar or at the Teahouse, there are myriad ways for our customers to spend time at the lounge. Now they’ll also be encouraged to meditate and practice yoga before flying with us.”
Pure Group Regional Marketing Director Gary Wise said:
“We’re delighted to extend this fantastic partnership between Pure Yoga and Cathay Pacific, giving people even more chance to feel the benefits of yoga and meditation on their travels. No matter how rushed the trip is, just a few minutes of calm can make all the difference.”
Calming the mind as well as the soul before travel
If there’s a movement that came out of APEX Expo last year, personal well-being in the air is the one thing that is starting to take off (with Panasonic’s product for on-plane use being a highlight). This is coming more to fore with Cathay Pacific’s latest move.
Let’s be honest – travel can be an exhausting experience – even before you get near the airport. It can be even more exhausting and stressful at the airport if you’ve been on a flight and need to rush around.
Whilst I try to practice mindfulness myself (and fail sometimes), it’s excellent to see that there are places at airports for those who need to get away and try to centre themselves without the hustle and bustle of the world around them.
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Looks nice. Personally, I’d prefer a regular gym and a nap room (had that combo at Zero Level FItness in LAS for a long layover in November, and it was great), but meditation isn’t my strong suit.