amenities for all ages. Adults can enjoy golf simulators, private suites and massages, while children can engage themselves in a playroom filled with legos and toys. There are comfortable seating areas throughout the lounge, including individual cabins for those who prefer a quiet space to work or nap. The multimedia room boasts a wall of televisions for entertainment, and the business centre is equipped with iMacs. For those who are hungry, there are several food stations offering buffet and made-to-order specialties like pide, gözleme, and baklava. If the lounge is crowded, private shower suites are available. Flyers can also browse through an exhibition showcasing football memorabilia from the UEFA Champions League dating back to 2005. Top-tier passengers can indulge in traditional delicacies such as baklava, revani, tulumba, Turkish coffee, and other Turkish delights while listening to live piano music in the background. Access: The Business Lounge is available to business-class passengers flying Turkish Airlines or its Star Alliance partners, and Star Alliance Gold status holders flying in economy. Elite and Elite Plus members of the Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles program and Star Alliance Gold travellers can enjoy the Miles & Smiles Lounge. You can also purchase lounge access. Etihad First Class Lounge and Spa, Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi International Airport is the hub of Etihad Airways, and it boasts the airline’s top-notch lounge. This lounge provides travellers with exceptional experiences, including access to a spa and a cigar room. The lounge, which is open 24/7 and spans 1,700 sq m, is designed to cater to passengers of The Residence (a three-room suite) and First-Class suites, as well as Etihad Platinum members and eligible guests from partner airlines. The lounge is spacious and has 16 different zones, including a gym, a Six Senses Spa, a style and shave barbershop, and a nail salon. Visitors can enjoy Arabic coffee and dates in the open foyer, followed by a luxurious smoke session in the cigar lounge or a glass of bubbly at the Champagne bar. Shower suites are available on request, and they feature a marble vanity, a private toilet with a bidet, and Acqua di Parma products. Access: The First-Class Lounge is open 24/7 and is accessible to those arriving in or departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport with Etihad Airway’s First Class or The Residence, travellers with Etihad Guest Platinum status, or by paying a fee. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Virgin Atlantic singlehandedly made flying fun again when it debuted back in the 1980s. Virgin Atlantic’s flagship London Clubhouse is a great reflection of its unique ethos. The key highlight is its 45-foot cocktail bar, as well as a brasserie serving and dining room with à la carte selections (like the classic Clubhouse cheeseburger), where you can also linger over a leisurely afternoon tea. The best feature, though, is the Clubhouse’s open-air rooftop, from which you can relax and watch planes take off. Travellers can get their heart rate up on one of the lounge’s Peloton bikes before grabbing a shower or heading to the Clubhouse’s outdoor terrace with a drink to get fresh air. Your first stop, however, should be the salon and spa desk to book a first-come, first-served complimentary hair or spa treatment, so you look your best for your flight. Access: To get in, you need to be flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class or Delta One, or some combination of high-end elite status with Virgin Atlantic or one of its airline partners. Qantas First Lounge, Sydney Qantas’ First Lounge in Sydney is arguably the best in the country. The sprawling space is segmented by dramatic European oak frames that add visual intrigue to the otherwise minimalistic decor. Spanning over 21,000 square feet, the lounge boasts seasonal menus curated by renowned Australian chef Neil Perry, an impressive collection of awardwinning wines, barista-made coffee, marble-clad showers, and private business suites and conference rooms. However, what sets this lounge apart from others is its day spa featuring LaGaia products. Another iconic postmark of the lounge is its vast and unexpected greenery designed by tropical botanist Patrick Blanc. There’s a large vertical garden at the lounge entrance and plant-lined walls in the spa’s treatment rooms. Additionally, frequent flyers can rejuvenate their skin with a facial to counteract the effects of changing elevations. Access: Available to first-class fliers on Qantas, Emirates, or Oneworld partner flights. Certain Qantas, Emirates, and Oneworld elites departing on Qantas, Emirates, or Oneworld partner airline flights can also enter. If you’re not flying first, you can purchase access to the lounge or use airline miles. Oman Air First-Class Lounge, Muscat The Oman Air’s First-Class Lounge at MCT is undeniably one of the most striking lounges on the list. The lounge is adorned with wavy golden walls and ceiling details that add to its luxurious appeal. Unlike other lounges that can be quite crowded, this lounge is usually calm and serene due to the limited number of first-class flights available. There is only one first-class flight each day to London Heathrow, and the only other destination that offers first-class flights is Salalah. The golden accents are visible throughout the lounge, including the shower suite, restaurant, and cocktail bar. You can enjoy a personalized meal or a relaxing spa treatment before your flight. Hours and access: The First-Class Lounge is open 24/7 and available to those flying first class on Oman Air. If you are not one of the few flying first class, try Business Class Lounge, which is accessible to business- and first-class passengers, as Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge, Ataturk International Airport Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge, Hong Kong 10|LUXEBOOK|SEPTEMBER 2023 SEPTEMBER 2023 |LUXEBOOK|11
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