Looking for the ultimate in pre-flight comfort? An hour or two in an airport lounge is the ideal way to relax and unwind before you jet off on holiday. Here, we look at some of the most luxurious airport lounges in the world, which look more like a city centre private members club than an airport facility, so you’ll soon be secretly wishing your flight is delayed when travelling.
Sydney
Qantas First Class Lounge
With 8,400 plants designed by tropical botanist Patrick Blanc, this lounge welcomes guests at the entrance by bringing a dose of nature indoors in a dramatic and sustainable way. The day before your flight, a member of staff will call to book you in for a 20-minute massage or facial in the jungle-like spa with living walls of plants. Mr Marc Newson-designed European oak sculptures segment the lounge distinguishing the dining area, relaxation space, business centre, library, and entertainment rooms. No corners are cut when it comes to furnishing, there are individual marble-lined shower suites with stereo volume and lighting controls, radiant heating to reduce condensation on the mirrors, exclusive furniture and luxurious finishes including leather lounge chairs, recliners, and sofas by Italy’s Poltrona Frau are just a few of the highlights.
Abu Dhabi
Etihad Lounge & Spa
Etihad’s First Class Lounge & Spa features 16 unique areas designed to ensure that guests can relax, re-energise, and be entertained in total luxury pre-flight. An à la carte restaurant, showcase bar, fitness room, cigar lounge, Six Senses Spa, Style & Shave barbers, nail bar, TV room, secluded relaxation room, and children’s play room ensure that all guests receive a highly-personalised experience.
Paris
Eurostar
The food in this chic new Eurostar lounge has been overseen by Mr Raymond Blanc, so say ‘au revoir’ to sad bowls of peanuts. As of February, Business Premier passengers whizzing between London and Paris can graze on healthy salads and pesto chicken with quinoa. UK-based architect Softroom was assigned the task of transforming this high-ceilinged apartment-style space, with plush velvet and rotating artwork curated by London’s Hospital Club. There are white marble fireplaces, sleek co-working benches, and floor-to-ceiling windows, while the pièce de résistance is a circular bar where you can order bespoke drinks made by the London Cocktail Club.
London Heathrow
United Club Lounge
The United Club lounge in Heathrow’s new Terminal 2 is open to business-class passengers flying with the airline, as well as gold members of the Star Alliance group. Its gleaming marble bar is the longest in the airport, beneath the Tom Dixon pendant lamps. There is a vast buffet which has all-day hot and cold courses, and hotel-grade shower rooms stocked with Cowshed products. Once you have freshened up and refuelled, relax in one of the retro wing chairs, which are surrounded by an installation of blanched driftwood trees.
Los Angeles
Star Alliance Lounge
The Tom Bradley International Terminal has its fair share of celebrities and fashionistas passing through, and they will probably be heading to the business-class Star Alliance lounge, which is even bigger than the first-class section. The highlight is its huge al fresco terrace, which offers views of the runway and the Hollywood Hills beyond, and is illuminated by fire pits at night. Comfortable outdoor seats have built-in power sockets so you can charge your laptop while reclining, or otherwise inside you will find a screening room and monochrome prints of iconic LA sights. Self-serve fizz from the Napa Valley is free-flowing and, together with SoCal-friendly salad and noodle stations. Even if you’re not famous, you can expect the VIP treatment in here.
Frankfurt
Lufthansa Lounge
Not only does this lounge provide an area away from the rest of the airport, it has a terminal all to itself. Facilities include valet parking, a cigar lounge, two sleeping rooms and private bathrooms. And when the time comes to board, a limousine will take you directly to the plane.
Doha
Al Safwa Lounge
The Al Safwa first-class lounge at Doha Hamad International airport has a sci-fi feel, from the silver, lozenge-shaped reception desk, to a hall where you’re greeted by a decorative pool with a water feature that flows down from a triple-height ceiling. There are lines of private seating pods, and a further living zone located under the atrium of the main terminal, giving the feeling of being outside. You’ll never have to wait for a table at the Al Safwa restaurant, where staff rush to take your order of international and local dishes, including a sushi counter and a dessert room. And for the ultimate pre-flight refuge, head to the spa for a Jacuzzi and a nap in one of the sleep pods.
Istanbul
CIP Lounge
Described as a destination in itself, and capable of hosting more than 1,000 people at any one time, the two-storey CIP lounge at Istanbul Ataturk puts its focus on food and entertainment, with chefs whipping up traditional delicacies. The famous Austrian patisserie Demel has installed a counter for Viennese pastries. If you are travelling with friends, you can practise your swing in the golf simulator, watch a blockbuster in the cinema, play on the PlayStation 4, or rediscover your inner child on the Scalextric, otherwise you can just relax and listen to the grand piano.
Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific
Voted as the World’s Best First Class Airline lounge in the 2016 global passenger survey, Cathay Airlines Pier Business Class Lounge in Hong Kong is by far one of the most luxurious airport lounges the world over. Passengers enter through the Tea House, a brand-new feature developed specifically as a sanctuary space for travellers to escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world, where a wellness area comes equipped with a wide selection of teas served up by a dedicated tea specialist. There are also five private cabanas complete with daybeds, showers, baths, and robes, to unwind in with a soothing drink after a shower pre- or post-flight.
New York
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
An airport lounge with New York style, The Clubhouse has a staggering selection of amenities. If you are in need of a pre-trip blowdry, or post-holiday haircut, the lounge features a Bumble & Bumble hair salon. Otherwise if you want some ‘me-time’ you can take advantage of person-sized cavities that have been created in the walls and lined with wool.
By Eliza Scarborough
