7 most blinging airport lounges for the luxury traveller: expect five-star fine dining, cigars, vintage tipples and spa treatments in Dubai, Qatar, Hong Kong, Singapore and more global business hubs
These lounges also allow affluent travellers to spend their layovers in the lap of luxury, indulging in spa treatments with direct boarding and quiet areas, to arrive rested and rejuvenated at their destinations.
So what sets one lounge apart from the other? Here’s a sneak peek into some of the best first-class lounges in the world.
1. Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport
When it comes to opulence, no one does it better than Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, so it’s not surprising that the Emirates First Class Lounge reflects the city’s splendour. Located in Terminal 3, Concourse B, the first-class lounge stretches a hefty 645 metres.
A feature which sets this lounge apart is the sheer number of seating options available in various configurations. When it comes to dining, standing and queuing are simply not options. Sit down, relax and order from a set menu offering an array of scrumptious dishes.
The Emirates First-Class Lounge also offers complimentary spa treatments, including massages, manicures, pedicures and blow-dries.
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2. Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport
Separated in its own terminal, the first-class section of this airport is meant for the exclusive use of Lufthansa first-class passengers only.
Luxury travellers can enjoy an array of services in the terminal, which include valet services, easy chairs, wining and dining or the Cigar Lounge. It has a personal assistant, à la carte dining and 130 different kinds of whiskey all wrapped up in 1,800 square metres of space. This “lounge” is one of the most luxurious in the world and can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Other amenities include two quiet rooms with day beds, four shower rooms (one with a bathtub) an à la carte menu and five separate office units.
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3. Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport
Built with the senses in mind, Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge considers every detail to enhance the luxury traveller’s experience. Evoking a feeling of calm, each section within the 2,060 square metres is cleverly named and carefully curated.
The Pier has an in-house spa, The Retreat, where guests can indulge in massages and other spa treatments. The lounge also has The Bar where unique cocktails are created. There are 14 showers and eight private rooms with runway views. Guests can enjoy table service dining, which provides a wide selection of signature noodles, speciality desserts and drinks from the extensive wine and beverage list.
4. Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge at Hamad International Airport, Doha
Upscale explorers can delight in a 250-seat restaurant that offers international delicacies and Arabian cuisine. Alternatively, they can shop duty-free, conveniently located within the lounge, and if shopping is not an interest, then perhaps relaxing in the cinematic media room is.
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5. Singapore Airlines Private Room at Changi Airport, Singapore
If you’re looking for total exclusivity paired with lobster laksa, Singapore Airlines’ Private Room is the epitome of first-class travel. The restaurant can exclusively seat 28 guests, while the lounge also offers privacy through its vast and varied seating options, which are cordoned off to maximise quality time. Its recent US$50-million expansion saw additional nap rooms being added. There is also a playroom and baby care room to assist parents in keeping kids entertained.
6. Etihad Airways First Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport
First-class passengers can escape the hustle and bustle of the airport in this “private sanctuary” dedicated to The Residence and first-class fliers. This unique luxe lounge includes a reception lobby, private lift access, chocolate, pastries and an afternoon tea dining option in The Parlour. You can also book a private suite with an en suite to freshen up for the next leg of your journey.
7. Air France La Première Lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris
Air France La Première Lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris offers several amenities to suit the first-class traveller’s needs. This includes an impressive dining and tipple selection, and an extensive wine list. Most charming about the lounge experience are the Botanical treatments in the Sisley La Première area, specifically designed to meet the needs of frequent travellers.
- Inspired by the Museum of Islamic Art, the award-winning Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge has nine spa rooms and a 250-seat restaurant with international and Arabian cuisine
- Singapore Airlines’ Private Room in Changi, which went through a US$50-million expansion, offers a playroom and baby care area so parents can keep their kids busy