From mundane to marvelous, delve into the world of extraordinary airport lounges, blending design, serenity, and gourmet experiences.
Okay, let’s be honest – the standard airport experience is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s often a cocktail of canceled flights, egg salad sandwiches, and those sticky vinyl seats you can’t seem to escape. But here’s the kicker: airports can actually be a delight for some. Think kids hushed by colossal bags of Haribo gummies, aviation enthusiasts geeking out over jet fuselages, and, of course, the lucky ones who get to step into the world’s most jaw-dropping airport lounges.
Now, don’t get us wrong – any old lounge is a step up from the chaos outside. A lounge gives you the gifts of quiet, privacy, cleanliness, speedy Wi-Fi, and real food that’s actually warm. But a great lounge? That’s a different ballgame altogether. A great lounge is like a spa day merged with brilliant design, a fancy hotel bar, and a gourmet restaurant. While many airport spaces might have you yawning with their blandness, a truly great lounge has a character that resonates with its location – whether that’s welcoming you with a spice-scented towel in Istanbul or serving you local California citrus at LAX.
So, ready to be that statistical anomaly who boards a flight with a grin?
Avianca Lounges – Bogotá Airport
Spanish design firm Francesc Rifé Studio has elegantly transformed Avianca’s lounges at Bogotá airport, covering a sprawling 37,673 square feet. Divided into sections for dining, connectivity, and relaxation, the design showcases a minimalist grey palette with accents of walnut, rust, teal, and navy. The interiors feature contemporary furnishings including Francesc Rifé Studio’s Sam couches, Bud benches, and Valencia-based Arnau Reyna Studio‘s Norman chairs, contributing to a harmonious contrast between textures. The lounges also incorporate ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures and wall hangings inspired by local culture and craft. This project underscores the studio’s design prowess, with previous work including culinary offices and a lab within a repurposed textile factory in Barcelona.
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge – Hong Kong International Airport
Created by Ilse Crawford, the genius behind Ett Hem in Stockholm and Refettorio Felix in London, The Pier First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport is a visual delight. It’s not just a lounge; it’s a carefully curated collection of spaces, each with its unique vibe. There are elegant sitting areas with floor-to-ceiling windows for the aviation geeks, a horseshoe-shaped cocktail bar with a pale green onyx top for the fashion-forward, and a restaurant that serves up classy continental fare, including Cathay Pacific‘s signature spicy dan dan noodles. Need some tranquility? The Retreat area has you covered with day rooms, shower suites, and a spa offering complimentary mini treatments. It’s like stepping into a world of sophistication and serenity.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal – Frankfurt International Airport
Because a lounge was clearly not enough, we’re now talking about an entire terminal, one which comes complete with dedicated security and immigration services. And if that level of convenience isn’t enough to impress, this German gem takes things up a notch with plush Italian lounge chairs, premium Iberico ham, and a one-of-a-kind rubber duck keepsake… What makes this lounge even more special is that its colours and accessories change according to the seasons.