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    Polaris Preview

    Polaris preview: United's new international business class promises a luxe experience

    Clifford Pugh
    Nov 30, 2016 | 4:19 pm

    United Airlines launches its new Polaris business class service for international travelers on December 1, promising a special "lounge to landing" experience for well-heeled travelers.

    To offer a glimpse of what's in store, the airline built a mock-up in the lobby of Terminal E at Bush Intercontinental Airport a few months ago showing the new seats and amenities, such as a "build-your-own" Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, plush bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, and amenity kits with products from Soho House & Co's Cowshed Spa.

    The new bedding and amenities will be immediately available on trans-continental flights. The suite-like pods with new business seats are being gradually added to the fleet of Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with some in place next year, as well as on retrofitted Boeing 767-300 and 777-200 planes. United created a new custom-designed seat that offers direct access to the aisle, 180-degree flat bed recline and bed space measuring 6-feet, 6-inches long and 23 inches wide.

    United conducted more than 12,000 hours of research over three years before rolling out the new service, said Nick Depner, senior manager of brand identity and brand marketing, who gave me a tour. "We really tried to put a lot of thought into the design. Ninety-four percent of passengers said that sleep was their No. 1 concern."

    Each passenger's suite will feature mood lighting, one-touch lumbar support, several storage areas, multiple surfaces for simultaneous working and dining, a 16-inch high-definition entertainment screen, a "Do Not Disturb" sign, and electronic privacy dividers for seats in the center of the cabin. Even the size and design of the mirror on the back of a small door in the suite was made with the customer in mind. "We want you to be as comfortable on the aircraft as you would be in your own home," Depner said.

    Amenities include designer bedding, duvets, three kinds of pillows, slippers, PJs for flights of 12 hours or longer, ergonomic eye shades, and even an aromatherapy mist that you can spritz on your pillow before you go to sleep. Meals will be tastier, United vows, but service times will be shorter so passengers will have more opportunity to sleep.

    As part of the new service, United is building a separate airport lounge for Polaris travelers at nine airports. The first one opens December 1 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport; a lounge, which aims to replicate the experience of a four-star hotel, is planned at Bush Intercontinental Airport in 2017, with a private elevator, marble floors, relaxation suits (with white noise pumped in), showers, a concierge, a barista, bartender and waitstaff, and a self-serve gourmet buffet as well as "thoughtfully done" small plates, with a kitchen on premises in the event you want your ravioli cooked a different way.

    "We want to make the lounge a destination for people and make sure they use it," said Depner. "We're trying to amp up the service level."

    But the new lounge will have only one TV. “That's very intentional,” Michael Landers, United's managing director of airport lounges, told Crain's Chicago Business magazine. “Our Polaris customers found the TVs in our other lounges to be an annoyance. They want to be in here to relax or be productive."

    United Polaris service features bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue.

    United Polaris bed service
      
    Photo courtesy of United Airlines
    United Polaris service features bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue.
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    Disappear Into Nature

    Secluded Hill Country park opens 2 luxurious glamping houses

    Natalie Grigson
    Jun 19, 2025 | 10:15 am
    Bloom House exterior
    Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks
    Glamping can still include s'mores with a private outdoor fire pit.

    Just in time for unbearable temperatures across Texas, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has introduced a cooler glamping solution. Opened mid-May, the Ööd Mirror Houses are LCRA Parks' newest accommodations at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park, about 40 minutes outside of Austin.

    Hideaway House exteriorBoth glamping options have floor-to-ceiling windows that look like mirrors from the outside.Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

    Operated by Cameron Ranch Glamping, these two luxury houses are tucked away in the park's Lost Pines region, surrounded by trees and miles of tranquility.

    Both these pet-friendly homes include floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass walls, so guests can look out into nature with complete privacy, from both passersby and mosquitos.

    Both The Hideaway and The Bloom are 221 square feet and are equipped with a queen memory foam bed, full bathroom with walk-in shower, dining area, Wi-Fi, kitchenette, record player, and perhaps most importantly for this time of year, air conditioning. In the winter, the structures will be heated.

    Hideaway House InteriorBoth mirror houses include memory foam queen-sized beds, WiFi, A/C, and more. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

    No matter how glam it gets, guests can still enjoy classic camping fun like roasting marshmallows in their personal outdoor fire pit, or firing up the grill for some burgers. Plus, Lake Bastrop offers paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, areas for fishing, trails for hiking and biking, mini-golf, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, and a charming camp store.

    Interior kitchen areaKitchenettes come equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and cooking equipment. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

    Guests can also leave the park and make the 10-minute drive to downtown Bastrop to grab a bite, a drink, some groceries, or catch some music or a movie. (Who can really say what the rules of glamping entail?)

    Bloom House The two mirror houses are within walking distance to the swimming areas along the lake. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

    The Ööd Mirror Houses are now available to book online. Rates vary by day, starting just above $200 per night before fees, and increasing to more than $300 before fees during certain times. Find the campground at 375 S. Shore Rd., Bastrop.

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