Luxurious airport lounges ACTUALLY worth the money

Beyond the buffets

No one likes being in the airport. It's a necessary evil so many of us put up with just to get to our desired destination. To be frank, it's one of the worst parts of travelling. That is, unless you've got lounge access, of course. Some airport lounges are so swanky these days, you might even find it hard to leave. Here are some of the fanciest to splash out on next time you fly.

Amex Centurion Lounge, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, USA

If you're passing through Dallas, the American Express Centurion Lounge makes it very difficult to continue with your onward journey. This lounge really goes the extra (air)mile for its customers. Forget the sad buffets of other airport lounges – here there's an à la carte menu designed by James Beard Award-winning chef Dean Fearing, with dishes like vanilla French toast for breakfast or Texas mole for dinner.

Amex Centurion Lounge, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, USA

Plus, cocktails are designed by one of America's top mixologists, Jim Meehan (we'll have the white mimosa, please) and wines are selected by expert Anthony Giglio. Expect the finest prosecco from Italy and Malbec from Argentina.

Amex Centurion Lounge, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, USA

Spa treatments are by Exhale and usually include manicures, deep tissue massages and hand massages – perfect for unwinding before or after a long flight.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, JFK International Airport, New York, USA

Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse oozes fun and funky style, and we'd expect nothing less from one of the coolest airlines in the business. The striking red ball sofa is an excellent place to relax with a drink, and you'd be hard pressed not to fall asleep in some of the body-hugging soft seating.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, JFK International Airport, New York, USA

If you didn't bring a laptop or book, have no fear – there's a pool table to keep you entertained and TVs all around. And for dinner, you can dine from the à la carte menu with options like chicken tikka masala and tea-smoked salmon.

Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai International Airport, UAE

Dubai – a destination synonymous with luxury – has a few fantastic airport lounges. The Emirates First Class Lounge, though, is by far the best. This is the national carrier's home, after all, so they've gone all out with amenities and that classic luxury décor, with plenty of golds and rich wood.

Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai International Airport, UAE

This place is huge too – it spreads across the floor above the entire departures concourse, meaning you're unlikely to get bored. There's a cigar bar for drinks as well as some of the best cigars in the world, and à la carte and buffet dining options.

Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai International Airport, UAE

Daybeds make for excellent napping spots, or just offer some quiet time before you fly, and the direct boarding from the lounge is a huge plus. But the clincher here is the wine cellar. Not only can you usually drink fine wines and Champagnes in this lounge, but you'll also get a rundown of what's in the cellar from an expert, who can recommend the perfect bottle to purchase.

The Pier by Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific is a five-star airline and its First Class lounge – The Pier at Hong Kong International – really reflects that. Not only is there à la carte dining and a help-yourself pantry for snacking, there's an elegant bar with green onyx walls and walnut wood panels.

The Pier by Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong

But the best thing here has to be the eight individual day suites. Each one has a privacy curtain, a large window with a runway view and a soft daybed for a snooze before you fly.

The Pier by Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong

Plus, there's typically a personalised massage service for pre-flight pampering, and fancy toiletries and fluffy white towels in the shower rooms, some of which also have baths for a seriously luxe soak. Six private workstations with state-of-the-art iMac computers offer a serene space for productivity too.

Star Alliance Business Class Lounge, Los Angeles International Airport, California, USA

Forget the First Class Star Alliance lounge and head straight for Business – this is by far LAX's best space. This huge lounge rarely feels overcrowded thanks to its plentiful seating – including soft seating and dining tables.

Star Alliance Business Class Lounge, Los Angeles International Airport, California, USA

There's usually a decent buffet spread, a big bar area and an impressive wall of wine from which you can choose your favorite tipple. But the highlight here is actually outside...

Star Alliance Business Class Lounge, Los Angeles International Airport, California, USA

The best thing about this lounge is its outdoor terrace, where guests can watch the planes on the runway and enjoy the last few bits of SoCal sunshine before take-off.

Air France La Première, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

At its base in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Air France has created a spectacular and delightfully relaxing place to while away your wait. The restaurant in the La Première lounge is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse who has crafted a fine dining menu accompanied by exceptional French wines.

Air France La Première, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

Even the mineral water selection is special, with high-end brands like Fiji and Voss on offer for guests. There are small business booths with workstations for anyone wishing to knuckle down, and plenty of soft seating to stretch out on.

Air France La Première, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

Relaxation is taken seriously here too – there's plentiful space to chill out plus daybeds that come with pillows and blankets worth over $1,400. The spa typically offers massages tailored to the needs of frequent travellers. You may not want to board the plane after an hour or two in here, although Air France does have a fabulous First Class cabin, so it's not all bad once you leave.

Lufthansa First Class Lounge, Frankfurt Airport, Germany

Lufthansa's First Class Lounge is known for its exceptional food, with a range of hot and cold dishes, and à la carte dining returning in the near future. There's a lot to love about this place, with its private cubicles ideal for working in and fantastic views of planes taking off.

Lufthansa First Class Lounge, Frankfurt Airport, Germany

There are nap rooms where you can snooze on a proper bed with white sheets and a pillow, plus fantastic bathrooms where you can have a soak and enjoy some of the luxury toiletries.

Lufthansa First Class Lounge, Frankfurt Airport, Germany

A swanky cigar lounge will be the highlight for many passengers. Here you can enjoy a classic combination: a glass of whiskey and a high-quality cigar. When it comes to boarding time, you might even be lucky enough to get picked up in a limousine and taken right to the plane on the tarmac.

British Airways Concorde Room, Heathrow Airport, England, UK

For British Airways' First Class passengers, the Concorde Room is a spectacular place to begin your journey. This lounge quite literally looks like someone's living room, with its funky furniture and bold, statement sofas.

British Airways Concorde Room, Heathrow Airport, England, UK

The restaurant serves excellent British cuisine, from Scottish salmon to Yorkshire cheeses, and guests can enjoy complimentary Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Get your work done in the business center or if you're after some serious relaxation, grab one of the sumptuous daybeds (pictured) on the terrace, which overlooks the departures terminal with views of planes in the background.

British Airways Concorde Room, Heathrow Airport, England, UK

Serious sleepers should book into one of the private cabanas, which come with their own bathroom so you don't have to line up to use the communal ones.

EVA Air The Infinity, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei, Taiwan

Channel your inner sci-fi nerd at this one. If you've ever wanted to spend time in the mess hall of the Starship Enterprise, or sit on the bridge of a space craft and give orders like a true captain, this might just be the lounge for you. Located at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, the EVA Air Infinity lounge looks positively futuristic.

EVA Air The Infinity, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei, Taiwan

You won't find any evil klingons here though. Instead, it's all smiling staff and sumptuous luxury. Expect plush leather seating, showers and plenty of drinks and snacks. Enjoy a drink at the bar and tuck into delicious Chinese and Western food.

EVA Air The Infinity, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei, Taiwan

The main lighting installation even changes colour to add to the futuristic experience in this intriguing lounge, which overall is a welcome departure from many of the basic interiors of classic airport lounges.

British Airways Club Lounge, JFK International Airport, New York, USA

BA chic Club Lounge in JFK’s Terminal 7 is exclusively for those traveling in First, Club World and card holders traveling to London Heathrow.

British Airways Club Lounge, JFK International Airport, New York, USA

Facilities at the lounge include beers provided by UK brand BrewDog. However, the biggest change is the introduction of BA's new app ‘Your Menu’ that allows guests to order complimentary food from their mobile via a QR code.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Heathrow Airport, England, UK

Virgin’s exceptional Clubhouse has just reopened at Heathrow Terminal 3. Passengers flying in Upper Class, Delta One and Club Gold members can be whizzed through security, and within minutes of arriving at the airport be kicking back in one of the Eames-style chairs in the bar area. It’s a great place for celebrity-spotting too – it's a rare day that you’d visit this lounge and not spot a famous face.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Heathrow Airport, England, UK

Key to the lounge’s updated offering is the food. While the self-serve deli has gone, the reimagined food and drink menu can be ordered via the app and it’s top-notch. Feast on potted salmon, dig into a tasty vegan burger made with pea, mushroom and beetroot, or order a hearty, gently-spiced chicken curry.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Heathrow Airport, England, UK

But it’s not all about living life to excess, as Virgin’s lounges are also focused on wellness. While the spa area is on hold for now, cycling fans can work up a sweat with the brand-new suite of Peloton bikes that also have a fabulous view of the runway, before taking a shower with toiletries provided by luxe brand REN.

Punta Cana VIP Lounge, Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic

Why end a luxury break in the Caribbean at a busy, stuffy departures lounge when you could check-in to the VIP Lounge at Punta Cana International Airport? This pay-to-use lounge takes the edge off the disappointment of leaving this idyllic isle, with complimentary food and drink, and ample soft seating.

Punta Cana VIP Lounge, Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic

Expect all the usual facilities, such as free Wi-Fi and shower rooms, as well as plenty of magazines and newspapers to keep you occupied. Come boarding time, though, you'll be wishing you were delayed, as this lounge comes with one very special feature...

Punta Cana VIP Lounge, Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic

Out on the sun terrace, which overlooks the runway, is an infinity pool. The only airport lounge pool in the world, this is a truly special way to end a week or two in the Dominican Republic. You better hope your flight is leaving from Terminal B...

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