Blissful Business Travel

 

Traveling for business? Then the last thing you want to deal with is another long airport delay or an extended stay out in the boonies. But perhaps you would change your mind if those two extra hours at the terminal gave you a chance to enjoy a meal a la Mario Batali, or the room you checked in to was more Zen than your current home?

 

When it comes to travel, there are no limits to luxury. And now, carriers and hospitality companies are turning their efforts towards a more consistent and lucrative bunch - the frequent business traveler. From circus classes to portable therapy, here is a list of some things you can expect to see or look out for when planning your next trip:

Airport Lounging: Once again JetBlue is leading the trend by catering to our home-away from home cravings, making comfort, convenience and wellness a priority for its customers. That's right, the long anticipated T5 terminal at New York's JFK recently launched and we're pleased to report that no corners were cut. The minimalist deccor, amenities such as X-press spas and a child's play room as well as Revive - a state-of-the-art touch service that allows passengers to order healthy food and beverages to the gate -- will jet you into the next century. And with 22 restaurants, there's a bevy of menus to choose from, including those inspired by celebrity chefs, Alexandra Raij and Michael Schulson.

Stay-Support Programs: Who wants to stay cooped up alone while sipping on late evening miniature cocktails when you can attend a wine and cheese tasting? Thankfully a number of hotel companies are expanding their brands to make business trips more like fancy, wellness retreats. AKA Hotels, positioning itself as a "luxury extended stay" destination, recently partnered with The Culinary Institute of America, Amie Hoff Fitness and The New York Sleep Institute to offer visitors evening entertainment, fitness coaching and better sleep programs.

Similar to the scene is the Elements Hotel, the first eco-friendly chain from Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Braving the elements alone has never been easier. Each hotel includes a healthy communal food pantry, along with convenient in-room kitchens so that visitors can enjoy fresh away-from-home cooked meals with their colleagues or in the privacy of their own room. Nightly happy hours, cafe seating and evening smoothies are among other features that are meant to encourage relaxation and socializing after a busy day at work.

Remote Social Connections: A while back we reported on PairUp.com - a social networking site that let's you connect with friends and colleagues while you're on the road. Well it did not take long for other similar and some better services to pop up, including SkyLounge.com, Dopplr.com and of course Business Travel Connexion.com by none other than American Express.