Take a nap at mega carriers’ lounges while you wait for flights

Definitely, you will not have the same feeling you had at home when you are at the airport, especially on holidays when the airport terminals are crowded and you need that place to heave a sigh of relief from the heat oozing from the crowd.

Sure, you can still have a home-away-from-home feeling away from the crowd of travellers, but at a comfortable place where you can be treated to a feast of sort and like a king or queen in that bar filled with choice wine, and in that mioni restaurant filled with choice menu.

You can still get that ‘still on holiday’ or ‘am at work’ feeling even when you are at the airport and get a perfect way to relax or work before a flight.

There are amazing airport lounges that offer beyond comfortable seating and beverages. These lounges complement their services with plasma screens, WI-FI connectivity, full-fledged spas, private nap rooms, and meals catered by celebrity chefs.

At the Air France l’Espace Premiere lounge in Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport, Terminal 2E), after being welcomed at a private, dedicated check-in area, first-class Air France travellers are escorted to the lounge where the décor matches Air France’s l’Espace Premiere in-flight cabins that feature plush red carpet, oversized leather armchairs. The amenities here include a work area with free Internet access; a relaxation area with reclining chaise lounges, showers, and Clarins massages; and meals, wines, and champagne. At departure, an agent accompanies travelers to a dedicated boarding gate, and a private Mercedes sedan then takes them to their plane.

As for British Airways Concorde Room, London (Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5), this lounge for first-class flyers includes a bar with floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the airport (the better to gloat over less-fortunate travellers), and a restaurant with intimate booths offering all-day dining.

Three private cabana rooms with beds and ensuite bathrooms can be reserved in advance; a wide range of spa services will also be available at the adjacent Elemis travel spa. Staff at the lounge’s dedicated concierge desk will do everything from booking theater tickets and calling taxis to changing flight reservations (in case you want to stay a little longer).

At Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London (Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3), the friendly, luxurious clubhouse offers the ultimate airport experience.  You can abandon the hustle and bustle of the airport and retreat to the tranquil and luxurious sanctuary of the Clubhouse.  Its sumptuous, chilled surroundings enhance your enjoyment whether you want to relax, work, play or dine.

“We are confident it offers the ultimate haven before your flight. You can go all out with a last minute trim, a lush facial at the Cowshed Spa or a Bellini from the Cocktail Bar or simply lounge on a chaise longue with a bite to eat while you check your emails. There is so much to enjoy that  you will be reluctant to leave, but happily the luxury does not stop once you are in the air”, says the airline management.

At the heart of the Clubhouse is the lively bar area. Why not sip a champagne cocktail at our 14 metre long cocktail bar? Take a seat and our staff will serve you with a selection of complimentary classic drinks and sophisticated cocktails.  In the Clubhouse, you can enjoy everything from the complimentary Clubhouse British Breakfast and Clubhouse burger to lighter bites or even traditional afternoon tea.

You can also treat yourself to a selection from the Deli. “From our delicious homemade granola and home-cured salmon in the mornings to an array of delicious salads, farmhouse cheeses and cured meats during the day, the Deli is perfect for a quick bite or to sample a bit of everything”.

Built at a cost of $90 million, Qatar Airways Premium Terminal in Doha features facilities ranging from exclusive check-in, duty free shopping, conference rooms, nursery and play area to spa treatment rooms, sauna, jacuzzi and fine dining restaurants on 10.000 square-meters.

Water features are evident throughout the Premium Terminal offering tranquil serene surroundings. The innovative facilities are designed to provide the best level of comfort and hospitality. At the entrance, you will be met by a concierge. There are dedicated First and Business-Class check-in desks, and for passengers with hand baggage, there are Self-service check-in kiosks.

It offers fine dining with wide choice of hot and cold Arabic and international cuisine and with the UK-based spa specialists, Elemis is providing all the treatments which includes manicures, facials and massages. There are also Spa, jacuzzi, sauna and massage treatment rooms for passengers to relax and unwind before their flight with entertainment and Business-facilities as well as business Centre with secretarial services and free internet access stations.

As for South African Airways All-inclusive Airport Lounge Lagos Airport, you will meet an exquisite lounge with private rest room, sophisticated baths and a restaurant with dynamic recipe for local and continental cuisines.

The aesthetics of the furniture, IT system deployed, and the state-of-art of equipment  are bewildering and leave one familiar with the old facility in a daze about how the old restaurant earmarked and planned by Strabag, which built the airport, metamorphosed to such epitome of artistic beauty.

That was the creative work of Carmela Augustino, an Italian architect who flew from Rome to design the lounge. During a media tour of the facility, John Ng, group general manager, Gabfol Lounge, said it was built to prove that Nigeria could own a VIP lounge comparable to those seen in modern airports in advanced countries.

The lounge has 620 square metre of total usable space with multi facilities including full bar and restaurant that boasts of freshly made food and great cocktails. It also contains spa—foot spa, neck and shoulder spa, aroma therapy spa, shower facilities for both male and female.

It has compartments, which includes VIP lounge area with comfortable lounge chairs and high sofas and large projection screen.

SADE WILLIAMS