Hey {{first name | reader}},
Happy Monday! The espresso's kicking in, and we're starting the week strong with a Bangkok hotel that a lot of you are curious about, a sweet business-class deal from China to Europe, and a sneak peek into Qantas' boldest long-haul experiment yet.
Here's what's inside today's post:
Dan & Oskar's review of Rosewood Bangkok (plus how you can book hotels like that with perks)
Gulf Air business class: Shanghai → Athens for $1,961 round-trip
Qantas' Project Sunrise: nonstop flights between Australia and the world
Rosewood Bangkok: Dan & Oskar's take on modern Thai luxury
Dan and Oskar just dropped a new review on their YouTube channel, and this time they're checking into one of Bangkok's most striking hotels: Rosewood Bangkok. You can watch the full review below.
What stood out right away was the room: spotless, thoughtfully designed, and filled with little touches that elevate the experience - from a Dyson hairdryer to a SMEG kettle, plus complimentary water, coffee, and tea. The bathroom was stocked with an unusually generous selection of toiletries, and everything felt meticulous down to the smallest detail.
At around $600 for two nights, both were impressed by the value. For that price, you’re getting what would easily cost two or three times more in cities like Paris or New York, a reminder that Bangkok remains one of the best-value luxury cities in the world.
The location also earned points: the hotel has a direct connection to the BTS Skytrain, making it incredibly convenient to get around without dealing with Bangkok traffic.
One of their favorite touches was the turn-down service: slippers neatly placed beside the bed and small candies left on the nightstand, the kind of detail that quietly defines great hospitality.
Rosewood Bangkok, Deluxe Room
Breakfast sparked a fun debate between the two:
Oskar felt the à la carte format meant the selection was a bit smaller than the massive hotel buffets he usually loves.
Dan, on the other hand, thought the focused menu and beautifully plated dishes made it one of the better hotel breakfasts he’s had in a while.
For the record, I’m with Oskar. I’ll never say no to a good breakfast buffet.
Let’s settle this once and for all — what’s your hotel breakfast style?
Overall, the Rosewood Bangkok came across as a calm, well-run property that nails the balance between design and warmth. It’s not flashy or over the top, just quiet, modern luxury done right.
If you want to experience hotels like this one, we can book them for you with VIP perks (breakfast, credits, upgrade priority, flexible rates) at no extra cost — the same way we handle bookings for Points Master readers all over the world.
If you're planning a trip to Thailand (or anywhere, really), send over your dates and I'll handle the booking so you can focus on enjoying the experience instead of comparing rates for hours.
Cash deal: Shanghai → Athens business class for $1,961 round-trip on Gulf Air
Here's one that made me double-check the fare twice: Shanghai (PVG) → Athens (ATH) round-trip in business class for about $1,961 USD.
The routing is via Bahrain (BAH) on Gulf Air, with the short hop operated by an A320neo featuring recliner seats, and the long segment, Shanghai to Bahrain, operated by their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with fully flat beds in a 2-2-2 layout (but not the regular disappointing 2-2-2 layout…).
Gulf Air 787 business class cabin
It's an underrated product that doesn't get enough attention outside the Middle East. The 787-9 has a calm cabin design, beautiful lighting, and solid dining. Dan reviewed this exact product a while back, and his video gives a perfect sense of what to expect: professional crews, quality amenities, and a smooth onboard vibe that sits somewhere between Emirates-style flair and Etihad's restraint. You can watch his review below:
Why this fare stands out:
Under $2,000 for a true business-class experience on two long legs, when most Europe to Asia fares sit between $3,000 - $4,000
The 787 segments offer full lie-flat seats, bedding, and great catering, while the shorter A320neo hop is comfortable enough for its duration
It's bookable directly through Gulf Air, with dates available through much of 2025 and early 2026
Where to credit the miles:
If you book this deal, the smartest place to credit it is to Etihad Guest, which partners with Gulf Air. Depending on your booking class, you’ll earn between 130% and 175% of the flown miles.
Booking class J = 175% of the distance flown
Booking class C = 150% of the distance flown
Booking class D/I = 130% of the distance flown
So, for example, this round trip (roughly 10,000+ miles flown) could net you between 13,000 and 17,000 Etihad Guest miles, which can be used toward Etihad or partner flights later.
For travelers in Asia wanting to reach Europe without connecting in congested hubs like Doha or Dubai, this routing through Bahrain is an elegant alternative.
A quick tip: If you want to turn this into a mini adventure, consider a layover in Bahrain: you can visit the Manama Souq, explore the National Museum, or just relax at one of the beachside hotels before continuing to Athens.
And since we're talking Athens: If you grab this deal, I can help line up hotels there too, whether you prefer something central like the Hotel Grande Bretagne (classic elegance with a rooftop bar overlooking the Acropolis) or something coastal like Four Seasons Astir Palace, which feels more like a Mediterranean resort than a city hotel.
It's an easy upgrade to turn this fare into a full luxury experience.
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Project Sunrise: Qantas' 19-hour nonstop flights are (finally) happening
After years of teasers, Qantas' Project Sunrise is finally taking off. The airline has confirmed details of its upcoming Airbus A350-1000 fleet, which will operate nonstop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to New York, London, and Paris starting in the first half of 2027.
These flights will clock in at over 20 hours, making them the longest in the world, and they're being designed specifically for comfort on ultra-long-haul travel.
Qantas A350-1000 business class rendering
Each A350-1000 will feature:
6 First Class suites, with a separate bed, massive screens and doors
52 Business Class suites with doors, massive screens, and full privacy
40 Premium Economy seats in a dedicated cabin with generous recline and legroom
140 Economy seats (yes, fewer than usual), each with upgraded padding and storage
A dedicated wellness zone between cabins where passengers can stretch, hydrate, and follow Qantas' guided light-movement program to combat jet lag
Qantas is betting that travelers will happily pay a premium to skip stopovers in Singapore, Doha, or Dubai and arrive directly. Sydney - London is set to take about 22 hours, with Sydney - New York close behind.
For comparison: The world's current longest flight, Singapore - New York (operated by Singapore Airlines), takes roughly 18 hours and 40 minutes, but Qantas wants to go even further.
From a points-and-miles perspective, Project Sunrise will likely reshape how we think about long-haul redemptions. It could mean:
New premium-cabin award availability on these nonstop routes (though I would guess it will be super hard to find availability on these flights)
A surge in Qantas Frequent Flyer and Oneworld partner redemption value for travelers in Australia
And a new kind of "ultra-premium" travel tier, where seat design, sleep science, and cabin layout become as important as the destination
The A350-1000s will start arriving in Australia in late 2026, and Qantas expects to have a dedicated Project Sunrise lounge experience at both Sydney and Melbourne, designed for travelers embarking on these ultra-long sectors.
Whether you're a points collector, aviation geek, or simply someone who likes to cut connections, this is one of the biggest milestones in modern aviation to watch.
That's all for today. More deals and strategies coming your way on Wednesday.
Catch you in the clouds,
Tomi