Everybody knows that traveling is about as much about the journey as it is about the destination. But for some that journey is merely a little bit more cushy. Those people that are accustomed to turning left (or climbing the deep carpeted stairs) whenever they board an aeroplane are generally used to the fine things in life. For these people space is a given, premium wines are expected and prompt service is included in the price.
For a club lounge to be worth noting it has to offer something more than just complimentary WiFi, world news magazines and luxurious seating. After all, we are after unique flying experiences. Here we list the '5 Stars of the 5 Star Treatment ' - The Best Airport Lounges in the World:
Cathay Pacific - HK
Is it the renowned Long Bar, The Noodle Bar, personal massages or personal "day-break" rooms that lift this lounge into our 5 Stars? Perhaps it is the Foster + Partners restyling that started in late 2010 and mixes minimalist design with ample natural light? Or maybe it is simply that for 15 years 'The Wing ' has set the benchmark for airline lounges.
Virgin Atlantic - London Heathrow
This is one of the funkiest lounges out there. From the pool table to the cinema theatre; from the mixture of chairs (critical when resting a laptop) to the impressive cocktail list, this lounge has everything. But the highlight has got to be the Cowshed Spa available for massages or facials and the Bumble & Bumble hair salon for a complimentary brighten up. Classic Virgin - opulent and fanciful.
Lufthansa - Frankfurt
Ok, a little bit of cheating in this one as it is a First-class Lounge. Nevertheless it should get an honorable mention for its choice of over 80 different whiskeys, a rest area with leather daybeds, and bathrooms with monsoon showers. This lounge is so special it even gets its own free-standing building next to Terminal 1 with chauffeur-driven Mercedes and Porsches used to deliver passengers to the plane's firstclass stairway.
Finnair - Helsinki
A master class in simplicity and thoughtfulness - they even permit Economy Passengers to enter (for a fee). The felt walls absorb any outside noise while the Marimekko tableware is pure Nordic style and perfectly complements the stylish furniture. The Finnair Spa is set to open very soon, offering traditional Finnish saunas to flush out all those travel toxins.
Qantas - Sydney
Another lounge that wins on style points. Beautifully designed by home-grown genius Marc Newsom to feel just like the inside of an aircraft wing, this light and airy lounge flows superbly. Complimentary Payot spa treatments are available within a vertical garden where even boarding calls are banned from disturbing the serenity. Neil Perry dishes add to the upmarket bistro feel.
Groucho Marx once asserted "I don't care to be part of to a club that would have folk like me as members". However , for these five lounges we'd make an exception.
For a club lounge to be worth noting it has to offer something more than just complimentary WiFi, world news magazines and luxurious seating. After all, we are after unique flying experiences. Here we list the '5 Stars of the 5 Star Treatment ' - The Best Airport Lounges in the World:
Cathay Pacific - HK
Is it the renowned Long Bar, The Noodle Bar, personal massages or personal "day-break" rooms that lift this lounge into our 5 Stars? Perhaps it is the Foster + Partners restyling that started in late 2010 and mixes minimalist design with ample natural light? Or maybe it is simply that for 15 years 'The Wing ' has set the benchmark for airline lounges.
Virgin Atlantic - London Heathrow
This is one of the funkiest lounges out there. From the pool table to the cinema theatre; from the mixture of chairs (critical when resting a laptop) to the impressive cocktail list, this lounge has everything. But the highlight has got to be the Cowshed Spa available for massages or facials and the Bumble & Bumble hair salon for a complimentary brighten up. Classic Virgin - opulent and fanciful.
Lufthansa - Frankfurt
Ok, a little bit of cheating in this one as it is a First-class Lounge. Nevertheless it should get an honorable mention for its choice of over 80 different whiskeys, a rest area with leather daybeds, and bathrooms with monsoon showers. This lounge is so special it even gets its own free-standing building next to Terminal 1 with chauffeur-driven Mercedes and Porsches used to deliver passengers to the plane's firstclass stairway.
Finnair - Helsinki
A master class in simplicity and thoughtfulness - they even permit Economy Passengers to enter (for a fee). The felt walls absorb any outside noise while the Marimekko tableware is pure Nordic style and perfectly complements the stylish furniture. The Finnair Spa is set to open very soon, offering traditional Finnish saunas to flush out all those travel toxins.
Qantas - Sydney
Another lounge that wins on style points. Beautifully designed by home-grown genius Marc Newsom to feel just like the inside of an aircraft wing, this light and airy lounge flows superbly. Complimentary Payot spa treatments are available within a vertical garden where even boarding calls are banned from disturbing the serenity. Neil Perry dishes add to the upmarket bistro feel.
Groucho Marx once asserted "I don't care to be part of to a club that would have folk like me as members". However , for these five lounges we'd make an exception.
About the Author:
Paul Kent is a managing partner of boutique global experience gift company MrAristotle.com and sometime resident of airport lounges. Visit mraristotle.com to find unique gift ideas for girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband or whoever else you fancy!
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