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The Lounge Travel
7 mins
They say it’s about the journey, not the destination, but this doesn’t often hold true when waiting in transit during tedious long-haul flights. Whether you’re looking to eat escargot in Paris, ride a Vespa in Rome or make your way to New York, many of us are facing the reality of stopovers and long-haul flights again now that international travel is well and truly back.
However, instead of passing time and wishing away your journey, a first class airport lounge could be the answer to the dreaded airport pitstop. From nap rooms to day spas, these first class airport lounges offer a luxurious escape from the long queues and airport food halls.
Sprawling over 100,000 square feet, the Emirates First Class Lounge in Concourse A is the biggest first class lounge in the world. Just one floor above the airport, this luxurious lounge occupies the entire floor and is home to an endless series of amenities including a high-end restaurant, nap area, cigar bar, business centre, showers and bathrooms, a spa and a shoe shine service.
From expert sommeliers in the Le Clos Wine Cellar to charging stations and relaxation zones in the business centre, this first class lounge will ensure a comfortable and lavish transit in Dubai.
Set within vibrant and eclectic interiors, the Oman Air First Class Lounge has based its curvaceous, gold-hued decor on the country’s mountainous landscape and rich historical architecture.
The first class experience begins as soon as you reach the airport. While your baggage is taken to the luggage room, you can take advantage of endless charging stations, a smoking room, prayer room and a range of premium food and dining bars. The lounge is also equipped with an entertainment area and private nap area.
For those touching down in Paris, a concierge service will be waiting to pick you up and bring you to the first class experience at Charles de Gaulle Airport, with a security escort optional.
Set across two levels, Air France’s La Première Lounge was brought to life by renowned architectural design agency Jouin Manku in an attempt to curate a space of creativity and most of all, comfort. The lounge features luxurious interiors including lava stone, terrazzo, wood and leather which come together in expansive, open-plan spaces.
Slip into complete relaxation with a complimentary spa experience or recharge in comfortable recliners with 180-degree views of the Airport runway.
Redefining airport luxury at the Brisbane International Airport is the Qantas First Class Lounge.
Boasting a myriad of luxury appointments, this lounge offers decadent cuisine, WiFi, a library, refreshments and access to showers and bathrooms. Designed by celebrity chef Neil Perry, the cuisine at the Qantas First Class Lounge is a curation of seasonal produce matched with an exquisite wine selection, put together by Rockpool Sommeliers.
Located within Europe’s busiest airport, the Lufthansa First Class lounge is a haven amongst the bustle that is Frankfurt International.
Within the sophisticated and contemporary interiors are endless luxe amenities including resort-style bathrooms with bathtubs and a wellness program with a spa. Smokers can enjoy the option of a cigar lounge or smokers lounge while those seeking to catch up on emails can make the most of meeting rooms with office materials including printers and photocopiers.
The dining section boasts an à la carte service of meals and a generous buffet selection of decadent German cuisine.
SWISS airlines has curated an atmosphere of elegance and tranquillity in its first class lounge located within Zurich Airport. The lounge is home to a generous series of relaxation spaces and services to meet your every need during transit. A wine humidor is the crown jewel of the lounge, offering over 1,000 drops of wine from around the world.
Hotel rooms are built with double beds, an ensuite bathroom and sweeping views of the Swiss Alps to make your stay something truly memorable.
For those seeking to nourish themselves before a long haul, an à la carte restaurant delivers five-star cuisine any time of the day or night.
Tying the space together is a 352-square-metre terrace overlooking the Swiss skyline to take in truly incredible scenery before or after your flight.
Step through a private entrance to discover the opulence and luxury that is the Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge, located in the highly rated Singapore Changi Airport. Taking care of your every travel need, a passenger relations officer will greet you on arrival and a porter will unload your baggage and assist you in checking in to the facility.
From then on, your only task is to sit back and relax in the luxe amenities that the lounge provides. A buffet service featuring a selection of international cuisine is on constant rotation, as well as a round-the-clock barista and bar service.
This lounge also features TV and wireless internet, a babycare room, restrooms and showers, quiet rooms and a nursing room.
Cathay Pacific’s First Class Lounge called The Pier will draw you into its exclusive and elegant interiors and make you never want to leave for your final destination.
The lounge is one of two first class lounges at Hong Kong International and was architecturally designed by London-based studio Studioisle to deliver cool and tranquil interiors. Positioned on Level 6 in Terminal 1, passengers will have access to a teahouse that serves up a piping hot sensory tea experience from fine tea specialists. Authentic, high-end Chinese teas amass the menu with herbal, honey and spice infusions for those seeking to indulge.
The lounge also offers The Haven restaurant with a rotating menu that consists of the finest Chinese comfort food available, including a range of decadent dim sum and dumplings as well as Western dishes.
Respite services create a private sanctuary for those seeking to relax and escape their journey momentarily. Underneath a cabana, passengers can find a large rain bath, rainfall shower and day bed.
In search of a decadent airport dining experience outside of a first class lounge? Check out The Best Airport Restaurants Worth Travelling For. For those seeking alternative modes of transport, discover the most luxurious train journeys in the world.
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