The Five Most Airline Lounges In The world

By Paul Kent

Everyone knows that traveling is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. However for some that journey is merely a little bit more comfy. Those people who are accustomed to turning left (or climbing the deep carpeted steps) when they board an airplane are commonly used to the more exquisite things in life. For these individuals space is a given, premium wines are expected and prompt service is included in the price.

In order for a club lounge to be noteworthy it has to offer something more than just complimentary WiFi, international newspapers and comfortable 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 respected Long Bar, The Noodle Bar, private massages or personal "day-break" rooms that lift this lounge into our 5 Stars? Maybe it is the Foster + Partners restyling that began in late 2010 and mixes minimalist design with ample natural light? Or maybe it is just that for 15 years 'The Wing ' has set the global 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 (vital when resting a computer notebook) to the massive cocktail list, this lounge has everything. However , 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 - magnificent and fanciful.

Lufthansa - Frankfurt

Ok, a tiny bit of cheating in this one as it is a First Class Lounge. Still it should get an honorable mention for its selection 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 transfer passengers to the plane's first-class staircase.

Finnair - Helsinki

A true master class in simplicity and thoughtfulness - they even let Economy Passengers enter (for a price). The felt walls absorb any outside noise whilst the Marimekko tableware is pure Nordic style and wonderfully complements the stylish furniture. The Finnair Spa is about to open very shortly, offering traditional Finnish saunas to flush out all of those travel toxins.

Qantas - Sydney

Another lounge that wins on style points. Marvellously designed by homegrown genius Marc Newsom to resemble the inside of an aircraft wing, this light and ethereal lounge flows beautifully. Complimentary Payot spa treatments are available inside a vertical garden where even boarding calls are barred from disturbing the calmness. Neil Perry dishes add to the upmarket bistro feel.

Groucho Marx once asserted "I don't care to belong to a club that would have people like me as members". Nonetheless for these five lounges we would 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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