When the plane doors close with no one sitting next to you, it feels like you’ve hit the jackpot. A whole row to yourself to stretch out in and sleep lying down.
You can guarantee no seat neighbour with Air New Zealand’s Skycouch. The seat option helped the airline clinch the award for world’s best economy cabin for the second year in a row at the 2024 Airline Excellence Awards.
Stuff Travel gave Skycouch a try as Air New Zealand increased its services to Bali, offering up to seven flights a week, up from five a week in 2023.
The route
Flight NZ64 from Auckland to Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar).
The Boeing 787-9 is one of two aircraft that offer the Skycouch
ABIGAIL DOUGHERTY / STUFF
The plane
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner - one of only two aircraft the Skycouch is available on.
The seat
39A, B and C. I have a window seat, the middle and aisle seat. It has a 9-inch HD touch screen, in-seat power points and USB connections. Though once the couch is up all the way it is hard to access the plugs.
The seats are the same as economy, but there is a special footrest on each seat which can lift halfway for your feet, or all the way up to create a large couch.
It is 1.55 metres long (I’m 1.79 metres tall so I curled my legs up comfortably when lying down) and with the bedding and leg rests all the way up it is 74 centimetres wide.
Legs stretched out and “cuddle belt” in place.
EMMA STANFORD
Eating was a bit awkward as I could not cross my legs to eat at the table, rather having to eat to the side of it. I could have put the aisle seat end of the bed down and sat at the seat, but I was already situated with a tray table of food so it was hard to manoeuvre.
Time in the air
The flight was scheduled to be nine hours 20 minutes but we landed after eight hours 45 minutes.
The food
About an hour after take-off, lunch was served. I had preordered a vegetarian lacto-ovo meal.
It was tomato chickpeas, rice and kumara with cumin seeds, a seeded bread roll with butter, small quinoa salad and a lemon and golden kiwi cheesecake.
The two vegetarian meals on Air New Zealand’s flight to Bali.
EMMA STANFORD
The second round of food was, for the vegetarians, the same again but the hot dish was a vegetable stew in a tomato sauce with mashed potato and a side of coleslaw for the salad.
The entertainment
The latest movies and TV shows plus some much-loved classics. There were also podcasts or music playlists.
Free wi-fi was available on board and worked throughout the flight.
The amenities
As you are still in the economy cabin, you got everything you would normally get - a blanket, a small pillow and headphones.
Though in the Skycouch kit you also get two larger pillows and a “mattress” topper as well as a “cuddle belt” so you can be strapped in when lying down.
Skycouch made up with its mattress topper, pillows and blanket
EMMA STANFORD
The service
The cabin crew greeted me by name as I showed them my boarding pass and then again at my seat when they showed me how to use the Skycouch. I was given an easy-to-understand instruction pamphlet.
When I wasn’t sure which belt was best for turbulence, the crew showed me how to use my belts in another way.
The frequency
Air New Zealand has daily non-stop flights from Auckland to Bali until May 5 and from June 3 to September 1, 2024.
It will offer five flights per week between May 6 to June 2 and September 2 to October 26, 2024.
The essentials
Fares for a standard seat in economy start at $742 one-way.
Air New Zealand said Skycouch pricing and availability for Bali varied depending on the booking class and the number of people occupying the Skycouch.
For one passenger, the price will be between $900 and $1300; for two passengers $450-650; and for three passengers, it has a flat rate of $150 across all fare types.
See: airnewzealand.co.nz
The writer travelled courtesy of Air New Zealand
Bali's Current Hottest Real Estate Markets
"Bali is Hawaii 30 years ago"
Three months ago Lawrence predicted 2024 would be the most explosive year yet for the Bali's real estate market, especially on its popular East Coast in or near the first Resort Area in Bali, Sanur .
"2024 the most explosive year yet"
"Sanur not Snore Anymore"
According to Wikipedia. Sanur pronounced sah-noor) is a coastal stretch of beach east of Denpasar in southeast Bali (about a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport)For the 26 years he lived in Sanur it was called "Snore" because it attracted Seniors and Baby Boomers to quiet lifestyle, famous beach and inexpensive cost of living.
Recently Bali has been showered with accolades in 2023 ,& 2024 snagging titles like "Second Best Destination in the World,"
This translates to one thing, a tourism boom, and with it, a surge in rental income.
Remember his saying, "Bali real estate demand is directly proportional to tourist demand".
"Bali real estate demand is directly proportional to tourist demand"
The fuel for Sanur's coming Real Estate firestorm: 2,000 to 3,000 New Employees:
The massive Bali International Hospital is set to open its doors, bringing with it a wave of medical professionals and support staff seeking comfortable digs.Where will Doctors, Medical Technicians, and Support Staff Live?
5 - Star Hotel 1,000 Staff ?
The swanky new Meru hotel will need a place for its team to call home, injecting further demand into the market.New Icon Mall - 300 to 500 Employees:
Talk about a lucrative demographic!
So, where will all these new residents live? Sanur and its suburbs, of course.
Here are Lawrence's predictions on the three most sought-after areas of the East Coast, perhaps all of Bali in the next 12 -24 months.
#1 Area With Most Demand
This is due to the growing popularity of the area as a tourist destination and the increasing number of businesses and medical facilities moving in.
No Room at the Inn:
Just as Mary and Joesph found in Bethlehem just before Jesus was born recently there is no rooms in any of our inns.Unfortunately, there is not much available housing in these areas, as they are mostly commercial and hotels.
However, there are a few options for those who are looking to buy or lease a home in this sought-after location.
Bali Emerald Apartments:
They are perfect for those who are looking for a modern and stylish home in a great location.
PT. Bali Luxury Villas Start at $228,888.
For those who need more space, we also have a few award-winning Bali Luxury Villas available for sale.
They are perfect for those who are looking for a luxurious and spacious home in a quiet and peaceful location.
Bali Luxury Villas and Apartments are located within a short eight minute walking distance to Sanur's famous white sand beach.
They are also close to a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars.
If you are interested in buying a home in one of the most sought-after areas in Bali, we encourage you to contact them today.
They will be happy to help you find the perfect home for your needs.
#2 Area - Demand
While many eyes are on Sanur for the upcoming Bali International Hospital, savvy investors might find hidden gems close by.
This area, conveniently located within 1-10 kilometers of the hospital, offers several advantages:
Affordability: Escape the higher property prices of Sanur and capitalize on this area's lower costs.
High-Caliber Community:
Bali Paradise Beach Estates already boasts residents such as major Developers and Hotel owners plus, an A-listed couple, two doctors, and other successful individuals. This creates a desirable and dynamic community for future residents.
Beyond Borders, Beyond Expectations:
Remember: This area provides a unique opportunity to live well, invest wisely, and be part of a thriving community just steps away from the Bally International Hospital. Don't miss out on discovering this hidden gem beyond the borders of Sanur!
Brand New Luxury Retirement Villas:
# 3 Area Most Demand
Beyond the Bypass: Uncovering Renon & East Denpasar's Potential
While past development left some concerns – smaller plots, lower construction standards, and bumpy roads – change is afoot.
Infrastructure upgrades are on the horizon, promising a brighter future for the area.
But here's the real draw: prices here are significantly lower than the popular East Side, making it a prime location for savvy investors.
Envision it – owning a sprawling property, hundreds of square meters of opportunity! Build two or three stunning villas, keep one for yourself, and sell the others to recoup your investment, essentially securing your dream home for free.
Intrigued? We'd love to be your guides! Let us unveil hidden gems waiting to be unearthed in Renon & E Denpasar.
This area isn't just about a bargain; it's about embracing potential, about shaping your own Bali paradise.
Ready to ride the Bali East Coast wave?
So, pack your bags, your sense of adventure, and your investment savvy, because Sanur and its suburbs are about to become the real estate El Dorado of Bali.
Remember, this is just the beginning. We will keep you updated on all the sizzling developments in the East Coast real estate scene, so stay tuned for more insider tips and insights.
In the meantime, start browsing Best Bali Real Estate Listings – the future of Bali's real estate is bright, and Sanur is its shining star.
P.S. Don't forget to share this post with your fellow real estate enthusiasts! Let's spread the word about Sanur's golden future.
Schedule Your Personalized Viewing Today.
Contact us today to schedule a personalized viewing.
For information or inspection in English contact the Baby Boomer, President, Lawrence by Telephone or WhatsApp at +628123814014.
For information or inspection in Bahasa Indonesia contact the President's Spouse, a Licensed Indonesian Notaris, Azizah at +62 811-3864-993
ABOUT US:
Together with her partner and spouse Lawrence who has 50 years of Real Estate Experience, 20 Years of which is in Bali they own and operate award-winning 20-year-old Pt. Bali Affordable Lifestyles International ( PT. B.A.L.I. ).
Indulge in the pinnacle of luxury and efficiency with this esteemed team of over 70 professional staff, proudly offering an array of services for Buying, Selling, Leasing, and Renting Asian Real Estate.
For an unprecedented ten years running, they have been awarded the Certificate of Excellence and the Hall of Fame Award from the esteemed TripAdvisor, cementing their place among the top 2% of hotels and villas listed worldwide.
With clients all over the globe singing their praises, they are indisputably one of Asia's most renowned travel and real estate investment experts.
TESTIMONIAL:
"Honesty and professionalism are everything when you're dealing with real estate but when you can also find the most knowledgeable people to advise you and help you with what you need, why go anywhere else...Hands down the best in Bali!"Bo B, UNITED STATES- 2022
Keep up to date with the latest news and views on Bali and the world, all while reveling in their exceptional offering of the Best Bali Real Estate Blogs & Facebook Posts.
For more information on these exquisite properties, schedule an inspection, or request further information today by contacting us.
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