Kiwi Curated
How to Love a Layover
by Monika MarkovinovicThe layover: that dreaded break in your journey, during which you are subjected to several hours of boredom, uncomfortable airport seating, and limited plug-ins to charge your phone. You may only picture Tom Hanks wandering aimlessly in The Terminal, but we’re here to tell you there is joy to be found in a layover when you turn it into a vacation bonus. For those looking to extend their long-haul excursions by a day or two, these layover hubs around the globe can turn the waiting game into an adventure.
How to Love a Layover
Who doesn’t long for making a stop in the City of Lights, even if just for a day? While heading straight into the French capital to catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower or sip on an espresso at famed Café de Flore may be the first to-do on your travel agenda, find sanctuary away from the crowds at enchanting Tiara Château Hotel Mont Royal Chantilly. Just 35 minutes from Paris and 10 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport, this fairy-tale hideaway is surrounded by the mystical Chantilly Forest and steeped in history. With its romantic décor, guests may feel this layover stop was all a dream.
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How to Love a Layover
Travelers lucky enough to connect through Singapore’s Changi Airport get to enjoy a butterfly garden, 40-meter-high indoor waterfall, movie theaters and rooftop pool. Still, getting out to “The Garden City” is a must. From the cluster of futuristic trees at The Supertree Grove to a view of the entire city at the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck, Singapore is a breath of fresh air amidst stop-and-go travel. Keep the stunning views coming with a stay at Andaz Singapore, home to sky-high eateries and infinity pools overlooking the futuristic skyline. Plus, once ready to depart, guests can get to the airport in a mere 15 minutes.
VIEW HOTELHow to Love a Layover
A city of skyscrapers, glamour and dynamism, Hong Kong is an energizing, immersive stopover. After landing at Hong Kong International Airport, proceed to bustling Tsim Sha Tsui where the opulent Langham, Hong Kong stands. Kick up your feet in your stylishly appointed suite before taking to the area’s many shopping, museum, and dining spots. If looking to get as much movement in before the next flight, head to catch a view of the vast skyline and glittering bay at Victoria Peak.
VIEW HOTELHow to Love a Layover
Traveling around Seoul during a layover is a breeze at Conrad Seoul. Bordering both international airports and attached to the city’s subway system, the innovative property located in the heart of Yeouido Business District makes it easy for visitors to effortlessly get to all their must-see destinations. For some relaxation before the next lag, take a trip to the Conrad Spa where tranquil treatments await. When ready to return to world-renowned Incheon International Airport, hop on the subway for the 45-minute journey.
VIEW HOTELHow to Love a Layover
One of the most popular stopover cities, Dubai’s signature extravagance is not to be missed. Once travelers arrive at Dubai International Airport—home to the world’s largest duty-free shop, open-air gardens and shopping—make a beeline for the Burj Khalifa. Say hello to the tallest building in the world and then check into nearby SLS Dubai. Standing 75 floors tall with Dubai Creek views to take in from the rooftop infinity pool, this elegant escape is just minutes from the Dubai Mall which has a wondrous array of shopping and dining.
VIEW HOTELHow to Love a Layover
Spending 100 years in the same location, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has witnessed its fair share of layovers. While a long wait here invites travelers to be entertained by the Rijksmuseum—the world’s only museum to be annexed in an airport—nearby Amsterdam calls. Just 20 minutes away from the airport, the city has much to be explored, from canals to narrow houses, in just a day or two. On the banks of the River Amstel, De L’Europe, an independent luxury hotel since 1896, puts guests close to it all.
VIEW HOTELHow to Love a Layover
Travelers flying through Doha’s Hamad International Airport—winner of the 2021 Skytrax World Airport Award—can discover a world of old and new with a quick stopover. While Qatar is a relatively small country, Doha packs a big punch with a new Msheireb Downtown district, a Jean Nouvel-designed National Museum and an open-air Souq Waqif Market with sidewalk cafes and vendors selling handcrafted goods. Experience the beauty of the country at Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl Doha, located on its own private island yet only 40 minutes from the airport.
VIEW HOTELHow to Love a Layover
Stopping over is so popular in Iceland that the country has a dedicated hashtag (#MyStopover) for the occasion. Before jetting to Reykjavik, jump off your flight from Keflavik Airport and head straight to the iconic Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak to kick jetlag. Once rejuvenated, head into the capital and check into the art-filled boutique hotel 101 Hotel. Its prime location next to the Icelandic Opera and National Theatre makes seeing all the city sights effortless. As Reykjavik is a small town, go beyond city limits for horseback riding, ice climbing and waterfall treks.
VIEW HOTELHow to Love a Layover
What makes Beijing a popular layover destination? The Great Wall of China, of course. After arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport, make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site to take in the 5,500-mile-long wall. Once crossed off the bucket list, head back into the city for a relaxing stay at Rosewood Beijing, located in the Chaoyang District and surrounded by urban skyscrapers, high-end shopping and famous entertainment. Just a 30-minute drive to the airport, travelers will certainly have the opportunity to squeeze in trips to The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
VIEW HOTELHow to Love a Layover
Heathrow Airport’s location makes for a perfect trip into London. Travel into central London in less than 25 minutes and arrive to the sweet sights of Big Ben and the London Bridge. Curtsy to Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace and wander around Covent Garden and Borough Market, then take to Shangri-La The Shard for a different vantage point of the British capital. Located in London’s tallest building, watch the life of the city unfold along the River Thames from your super sleek enclave before heading off onto your next destination.
VIEW HOTELWho doesn’t long for making a stop in the City of Lights, even if just for a day? While heading straight into the French capital to catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower or sip on an espresso at famed Café de Flore may be the first to-do on your travel agenda, find sanctuary away from the crowds at enchanting Tiara Château Hotel Mont Royal Chantilly. Just 35 minutes from Paris and 10 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport, this fairy-tale hideaway is surrounded by the mystical Chantilly Forest and steeped in history. With its romantic décor, guests may feel this layover stop was all a dream.
VIEW HOTEL
Travelers lucky enough to connect through Singapore’s Changi Airport get to enjoy a butterfly garden, 40-meter-high indoor waterfall, movie theaters and rooftop pool. Still, getting out to “The Garden City” is a must. From the cluster of futuristic trees at The Supertree Grove to a view of the entire city at the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck, Singapore is a breath of fresh air amidst stop-and-go travel. Keep the stunning views coming with a stay at Andaz Singapore, home to sky-high eateries and infinity pools overlooking the futuristic skyline. Plus, once ready to depart, guests can get to the airport in a mere 15 minutes.
VIEW HOTELA city of skyscrapers, glamour and dynamism, Hong Kong is an energizing, immersive stopover. After landing at Hong Kong International Airport, proceed to bustling Tsim Sha Tsui where the opulent Langham, Hong Kong stands. Kick up your feet in your stylishly appointed suite before taking to the area’s many shopping, museum, and dining spots. If looking to get as much movement in before the next flight, head to catch a view of the vast skyline and glittering bay at Victoria Peak.
VIEW HOTELTraveling around Seoul during a layover is a breeze at Conrad Seoul. Bordering both international airports and attached to the city’s subway system, the innovative property located in the heart of Yeouido Business District makes it easy for visitors to effortlessly get to all their must-see destinations. For some relaxation before the next lag, take a trip to the Conrad Spa where tranquil treatments await. When ready to return to world-renowned Incheon International Airport, hop on the subway for the 45-minute journey.
VIEW HOTELOne of the most popular stopover cities, Dubai’s signature extravagance is not to be missed. Once travelers arrive at Dubai International Airport—home to the world’s largest duty-free shop, open-air gardens and shopping—make a beeline for the Burj Khalifa. Say hello to the tallest building in the world and then check into nearby SLS Dubai. Standing 75 floors tall with Dubai Creek views to take in from the rooftop infinity pool, this elegant escape is just minutes from the Dubai Mall which has a wondrous array of shopping and dining.
VIEW HOTELSpending 100 years in the same location, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has witnessed its fair share of layovers. While a long wait here invites travelers to be entertained by the Rijksmuseum—the world’s only museum to be annexed in an airport—nearby Amsterdam calls. Just 20 minutes away from the airport, the city has much to be explored, from canals to narrow houses, in just a day or two. On the banks of the River Amstel, De L’Europe, an independent luxury hotel since 1896, puts guests close to it all.
VIEW HOTELTravelers flying through Doha’s Hamad International Airport—winner of the 2021 Skytrax World Airport Award—can discover a world of old and new with a quick stopover. While Qatar is a relatively small country, Doha packs a big punch with a new Msheireb Downtown district, a Jean Nouvel-designed National Museum and an open-air Souq Waqif Market with sidewalk cafes and vendors selling handcrafted goods. Experience the beauty of the country at Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl Doha, located on its own private island yet only 40 minutes from the airport.
VIEW HOTELStopping over is so popular in Iceland that the country has a dedicated hashtag (#MyStopover) for the occasion. Before jetting to Reykjavik, jump off your flight from Keflavik Airport and head straight to the iconic Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak to kick jetlag. Once rejuvenated, head into the capital and check into the art-filled boutique hotel 101 Hotel. Its prime location next to the Icelandic Opera and National Theatre makes seeing all the city sights effortless. As Reykjavik is a small town, go beyond city limits for horseback riding, ice climbing and waterfall treks.
VIEW HOTELWhat makes Beijing a popular layover destination? The Great Wall of China, of course. After arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport, make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site to take in the 5,500-mile-long wall. Once crossed off the bucket list, head back into the city for a relaxing stay at Rosewood Beijing, located in the Chaoyang District and surrounded by urban skyscrapers, high-end shopping and famous entertainment. Just a 30-minute drive to the airport, travelers will certainly have the opportunity to squeeze in trips to The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
VIEW HOTELHeathrow Airport’s location makes for a perfect trip into London. Travel into central London in less than 25 minutes and arrive to the sweet sights of Big Ben and the London Bridge. Curtsy to Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace and wander around Covent Garden and Borough Market, then take to Shangri-La The Shard for a different vantage point of the British capital. Located in London’s tallest building, watch the life of the city unfold along the River Thames from your super sleek enclave before heading off onto your next destination.
VIEW HOTEL