• Route: London Heathrow (LHR) - Bahrain (BAH) - Dubai (DXB)

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 (LHR-BAH), Airbus A320 (BAH-DXB)

• Seat: 1D (787-9), 1A (A320)

• Lounge: Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge (LHR)

• Points Used: 45,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points

• Flight Number: GF2 (LHR-BAH), GF512 (BAH-DXB)

There's something special about sharing your first business class experience with family. When I spotted Gulf Air availability through Aeroplan for just 45,000 points to Dubai, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to treat my mum to a premium journey. Having previously tried Japan Airlines' version of the Apex Suite between Helsinki and Tokyo, I was particularly curious to see Gulf Air's interpretation.

The experience began at Heathrow's Terminal 4, where Gulf Air's Falcon Gold Lounge proved surprisingly expansive. The breakfast spread impressed both in variety and quality, though the highlight was sharing morning mimosas with mum - a lovely way to kick off our adventure.

Boarding the 787-9, Gulf Air's modern take on the Apex Suite immediately stood out. While JAL's version excels in function, Gulf Air's neutral palette and contemporary finishes create an arguably more premium atmosphere than JAL's traditional red tones. Seat 1D offered incredible space, though its proximity to the lavatory is worth considering for overnight flights.

The Apex Suite really shines in its versatility. Unlike some business class products that can feel constraining, these seats offer remarkable freedom of movement. You can check the exact configuration using our Flight Seatmap tool, but the key highlight is the combination of privacy and openness - something my mum particularly appreciated.

Dining stood out as a highlight. The journey began with a warming soup, followed by a perfectly cooked steak, and concluded with a cream tea service that gave British Airways a run for their money. The crew kept our champagne topped up throughout, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Our only hiccup came during the Bahrain connection. Despite initial "ready to board" announcements, we faced delays at a bus gate. While Gulf Air provided a dedicated business class bus, we unfortunately missed experiencing their Bahrain lounge - something to try next time.

The final A320 hop to Dubai, while naturally less spacious than the 787, maintained consistent service levels and another champagne. For a intra-GCC flight, the comfort and catering remained impressive.

Booking Tips

For those interested in replicating this journey, Air Canada's Aeroplan offers exceptional value. At 45,000 points per person, it's one of the better ways to reach Dubai in style.

Remember to check availability through our Smart Redemptions tool, which can help you spot these sweet spots more easily.

Pro Tips for Gulf Air Business Class:

• Book early for Aeroplan redemptions - availability can be sporadic

• Consider row 2 or 3 on overnight flights to avoid galley noise

• Allow at least 2 hours in Bahrain if you want to properly experience their lounge

Have you flown Gulf Air's business class or the Apex Suite with another airline? Share your experiences with us on Instagram!

Looking for more flight reviews? Check out our recent British Airways Club World Review: London to Tokyo for another perspective on business class travel to Asia.