FLYING HIGH: Top five airport lounge experiences
Private butlers, bespoke cocktails and relaxing massages – The Goldman Group reveals its list of world-leading airport lounges.
ABU DHABI, International Airport – Etihad Residence Lounge
Let’s start with how you get your own private butler, who is on hand to organise a complimentary haircut or a spa treatment at the Six Senses Spa.
Access is via a private elevator and the lounge bathroom with en-suite shower clad in marble and wood, is stocked with bathrobes and Acqua di Parma products.
A full meal service is on offer, courtesy of the executive chef, who introduces themselves before creating a bespoke menu for each person.
When departure time rolls around, guests are taken to their flight via golf cart and handed over to yet another butler who will oversee the in-flight experience.
SINGAPORE, Singapore Changi Airport – SilverKris Lounge
Singapore Airlines is universally recognised as one of the world’s premier carriers and the SilverKris Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport is no stranger to premium.
The five-star lounge evokes the look, feel, and vibe of a luxurious home, with all the bells and whistles.
With four levels of lounges to choose from, the real standout is The Private Room, a standalone lounge (within a lounge) that’s reserved for first class passengers only.
The living room, dining rooms, and kitchens feature unique pieces of art designed to make passengers feel at ease, while the productivity pods allow you to work in privacy.
Come mealtime, the dining options highlight the best of Singapore’s cuisine.
ISTANBUL, Ataturk International Airport – Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge
Although less frequented, the Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge is one of the largest and most impressive lounges in the world.
Modern, with a Turkish-inspired twist, the two-story lounge is accessible to first and business class passengers.
The lounge features 5,000 square feet of flat screen TVs, a cinema room, live music playing from two grand pianos, a golf simulator and private suites.
To amplify the luxe factor, roaming masseuses offer complimentary massages in your seat. An olive bar, mezze selection, and fresh-baked Turkish breads are also available.
SAN FRANCISCO, International Airport – American Express Centurion Lounge
The Centurion Lounge caters to travellers who love food and wine. The lounge offers passengers a Napa Valley wine tasting experience, shower suites, and individual workspaces equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi.
Get a taste of San Francisco–inspired fare from Cédric Vongerichten (son of Jean-Georges), whose seasonal menu is completed by a carefully curated premium wine and cocktail list.
With all that wine to sip your way through, adding an extra hour to your layover is comprisable.
SYDNEY, Kingsford Smith International Airport – Qantas First Class Lounge
This year, Sydney International Business Lounge experienced a multimillion dollar rebuild.
The design was inspired by Sydney’s unique lifestyle and geography, with more than 8,400 plants, designed by tropical botanist Patrick Blanc installed to welcome guests at the entrance.
No corners are cut with furnishings – European oak sculptures segment the lounge areas, to convey a dose of nature indoors, in a dramatic and sustainable way, with individual marble-lined shower suites, exclusive furniture and luxurious finishes.
Indulge in the Neil Perry dining experience, with the chef revealing guests go through 200,000 bottles of champagne across Sydney and Melbourne lounges in a year and serve 400kg of squid a week.
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