If you are a first class or business class passenger and you are travelling on an international route, you know that you can only be expected to be treated like a 'king'. So, once you enter the airport the airlines ensure that every step you take only enriches your luxury status.
Here, an airport lounge plays a key role in enhancing your king-like experience. The attendants ensure that they cater to all your needs. In fact, the lounge is nothing short of a luxury suite at a five-star hotel.
In this slide show we present some of the world's best airport lounges (in no particular order) that are an over-the-top testament to the VIP privilege.
...
World's 10 best airport lounges
Hong Kong: Cathay Pacific's The Wing
This is probably one of the largest lounges: 3,994 square metres over two floors, with a 24-metre long bar of hot and cold buffet items, Japanese noodle bar, four restaurants, 24 shower suites with soaking tubs, 26 IT workstations and a spa.
What's more? It offers a perfect view of the planes landing.
...
World's 10 best airport lounges
London: British Airways' Concorde Room
The interiors speak for its exuberance. It is styled in posh velvet and herringbone, with chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Concorde Room offers its passengers individual shower suites, spa treatments and a sit-down meal before night flights (so its premium passengers' sleep won't be interrupted by food and beverage carts on the flight).
...
World's 10 best airport lounges
Sydney: Qantas' First Lounge
Qantas' first-class lounge is designed after its sleek A380 airplane fleet.
Here, one can indulge in a Payot Paris day spa, a 48-seat open-kitchen restaurant headed by Australian star-chef Neil Perry, an entertainment area with Sony PlayStations and movies.
The best features here are the 180-degree views of Sydney, and an air-freshening tropical garden of 8,400 plants set into a 30-metre wall.
...
World's 10 best airport lounges
Frankfurt: Lufthansa's First Class Terminal
Lufthansa offers you the luxury of personal assistant who will help you speed through security and other check-in process.
After you are through with all the formalities, you can unwind into pod-like 'relax chairs' and daybeds, a cigar lounge, indulge in some a la carte dining, or browse through the bar that serves 100 types of single malts.
Further, passengers here also get chauffeured in Porsche or Mercedes, which are at their disposal.
...
World's 10 best airport lounges
Abu Dhabi: Etihad's Diamond First Class Lounge
Etihad Airways flagship lounge offers an a la carte restaurant with a fancy chef's table in the kitchen, a spa with 15-minute treatments (from pedicures to facials), a champagne bar, a cigar and cognac lounge, a business centre and a library.
The best feature of this lounge is: A proper nursery filled with books and toys complete with its own children's menu and nannies to look after your kids.
...
World's 10 best airport lounges
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways' Premium Arrivals Lounge
Chic decor and splashy amenities that is in sync with the airline's $90-million premium terminal (which has five bedrooms, Jacuzzis and gourmet dining).
It also has shower rooms with luxury hotel style amenities that offer a perfect opportunity to freshen up on arrival.
...
World's 10 best airport lounges
Singapore: Singapore Airlines's Silverkris First Class Lounge
This 2,787-square-metre flagship lounge promises to attend to all your needs -- including showers with free toothbrushes and razors, low-lit 'slumberettes' for napping, massage chairs, meeting rooms, a hot buffet and business centres.
The lounge also offers free phone service to Singapore from soundproof booths.
...
World's 10 best airport lounges
San Francisco: Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is a $3.2-million, 8,000-square-foot lounge that includes locally sourced art and floor-to-ceiling views across the bay. You also have concierges taking care of check-in for flights, and pay-to-stay access.
...
World's 10 best airport lounges
New York: American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge
American Airline's flagship lounge serves its highest-paying customers on domestic and international flights.
The 650-square-metre lounge, which is pay-to-stay is based on American AAdvantage membership levels, has a staffed business centre, a children's room, showers and free house wines.
...
World's 10 best airport lounges
Marrakesh: La Mamounia's VIP Lounge
La Mamounia's VIP airport lounge is exclusive for its guest. It is the only luxe hotel in Marrakech to develop such a service. The lounge is 560 square feet in size, it is plush and offers a soothing spot for its guests.
Here, guests have access to concierge service, gourmet food and cocktails. They are also chauffeured around the area in a bespoke garnet red Jaguar Daimler or Range Rover.
article