Platinum suite joy

NO more will I think of cinemas as a largely impersonal, cramped area or a place to go in the most desperate of occasions like boredom.
One foot into the reception area (yup, it has a reception) of the Platinum suites of Cathay Cineplexes, saw me being greeted by a smiling staff member.

That was only the first of the many plus points that I was to discover in my three-hour venture there, with Mamma Mia! thrown in.
Breathing in the effects of a luxuriously purple-coloured area and surrounded by highly enthusiastic staff, it quickly put me in a hypnotic happy mood — quite suitable for the film boasting Abba songs. I’m pretty sure it would even lift the spirit of the most down-trodden person.
Then, I discovered the waiting lounge. I was dumbstruck by the sight of quartets of large, plush coffee chairs with coffee tables settled comfortably in the middle, all surrounded by pictures of Hollywood greats.
All that was needed was a glittering grand piano, a backdrop for musicians, and a genteel listening crowd for me to believe I was in a swanky jazz club. This was the lounge to hang out before the film started.
Then I moved towards another plus point — my discovery of Ogawa massage chairs.
Settling in comfortably, and sipping a complimentary drink, all that was left for me to do was sigh in contentment... and I did just that. My aching back muscles faded slowly away.
Too soon did the time come for all the viewers of the star-studded Mamma Mia! to be seated in the suites.
It was not an unpleasant scenario (you know, cause all good things do stop), rather — it just kept getting better.
Walking through the doors of my suite gave me another shock as the seats were more than what I expected.
They were huge arm-chairs to curl up in, with a glass of wine and a good book to while away your time. Blankets and a pillow completely sealed the deal of a homey feeling.
I happily threw up my legs as my cinema seat went into reclining mode. Safely secure under the blanket, I tucked away into my popcorn as the musical kicked off.
My Friday afternoon was spent with two other people in a marvelous 24-seater theatre watching a totally feel-good film.
With plenty of leg room, ample space on the side-table next to the seat and a reclining chair, it was the ultimate recipe for a more than an enjoyable time at the cinema.
I walked out feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.