Travel In Style at The World’s Best Airport Lounges

Ease your travel stress at these elite lounges around the world boasting gastronomic eats, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and activities to pass the time. 

Once you’ve made it through the long check-in process and security checks, where better to unwind than in some of the best airport lounges this world has to offer. Help yourself to high-speed WiFi, tranquillity, and something to nibble on before you go up in the air, and walk onto the plane with a smile on your face. 

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport

Stunningly designed by Ilse Crawford, this swanky salon is complete with a variety of different spaces to suit your needs. Aviation geeks may proceed to the elegant sitting areas beside the floor-to-ceiling windows, while those inclined to sit by the lucky horseshoe-shaped cocktail bar will be swiftly seen to by the expert bartenders. The mid-century-inspired restaurant serves classy continental fare, as well as the airline’s signature spicy Dan Dan Noodles. Coming for peace and quiet? Excuse yourself to one of their eight day rooms with shower suites in The Retreat section, where you will also find a small spa offering complimentary mini treatments such as facials and foot massages. 

Etihad Airways First Class Lounge, Abu Dhabi International Airport

Head through to the gorgeous foyer of the Etihad First Class Lounge, where a spread of flavoured water, Arabic coffee, and dates await you. Then, make your way to the dining area, where the staff are at your service around the clock to take your order, and swiftly bring you your meal. Top-shelf cigars are available in the cigar room, walled-off in the middle of the dining area. In the far corner of the lounge, you’ll be met with a stylish bar, subtle and brooding, as if it was made to nurse a glass of fine aged whiskey with a head full of thoughts. The lounge accommodates a second bar, bright and beautiful, where you can sit in contemporary luxury with a cocktail in hand. Should you wish to break a sweat instead, the lounge is also equipped with a gym, shower rooms and spa to revitalise your body. 

Delta Sky Club, Los Angeles International Airport 

Enter the commodious expanse of the Delta Sky Lounge, boasting enough room to accommodate 500 guests in a glamorous setting. For those on business, modern soundproof phone booths facilitate private calls, while those here for leisure may find themselves in the theatre style seating by the entertainment screen, or in booths in the dining area. The main attraction is an outdoor bar area, with all-weather seating looking out over the airfield onto the Hollywood Hills. Soak up the sunshine with a glass of California wine, before you say your teary goodbye to the Golden State. Before you go, local chefs welcome you to indulge in regional cuisine, from one of their two buffets, ensuring you won’t leave on an empty stomach. Need a quick refresh? Reserve one of their spa-like shower rooms with complimentary soaps and lotions. 

Swiss First Class Lounge, Zurich International Airport

The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the Swiss First Class Lounge is the impressive 1,000 wine bottle strong humidor. Then, there’s the champagne bar, where you can help yourself to premium bubbles chilling on ice. Of course, why serve yourself, when the bartenders at the main bar are eager to please, welcoming you with a smile as you place yourself on one of the barstools. If you’ve got time to kill, why not excuse yourself to one of their day rooms, where a plush bed beckons you to rest your heavy head before you secure your seatbelt on board. Back in the lounge, the decor is superb, with excellent attention to detail, manifesting an understated perfection that is unmistakably Swiss. Unwind in style and sophistication in their couches, loveseats, ottomans and chairs, or satisfy your appetite in the dining room. 

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow International Airport

Welcome to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, where tasty food and expertly crafted cocktails with the finest spirits await your smiling approval. With the lavish style of a 5 star hotel, the airport lounge is fitted with comfortable seating all around, where you can sink into leather sofas and wait for your food and refreshments to come to you. The Clubhouse is complete with a soothing relaxation area dubbed the Retreat, while others can catch up on work at a desk, watch the news in front of a large screen, or even break a sweat on one of their Peloton bikes. For more casual entertainment, why not strike up a game of pool, or simply lounge in the Clubhouse garden. There is also a small buffet area, where the staff will serve whatever you desire from their selection of juices, snacks and salads. The a la carte menu is evermore appealing, with dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Chorizo Linguine, and Pan Fried Mackerel. 

Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport

Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan Lounge is one of the largest airport lounges in the world, spanning over 10,000 square metres. Natural light fills the room of endless seating options, and past the stunning water feature, a staircase leads up to the dining area, where a bounty of salads, sushi, appetisers and desserts gleams from the buffet. An a la carte menu is also on offer, inviting you to savour tastes from the region such as a Gobi Saag Masala and a Chicken Biryani. It’s a good thing there’s always room for dessert, because the dessert bar is replenished all day with delightful treats to enjoy. In the second dining area, specialising in salads and sandwiches, you may be tempted between the Slow Roasted Lamb Shank on sourdough bread, and the Smoked Salmon Tartar on ciabatta. If you’re on a long layover, it's possible to stay in one of their private rooms for up to six hours, where you can sneak in a nap before your flight.