10 of the world's top airport
lounges
Travel is meant to be a rich
experience, a means of engaging with culture, cuisine and
pleasure. In the last decade, cities around the world have
helped this along by building exceptionally designed, clean,
well-functioning airports.
Along with them have come
equally stunning airport lounges, and the super-luxe
first-class areas in international hubs around the world are
a testament to a new age of luxury.
Instead of feeling like they're
on the wrong side of a quarantine -- and serving decidedly
lack-luster food (everyone's had a run-in with those dreaded
airport "panini") -- these lounges are oases offering
first-rate amenities, privacy and calm. It's all so good, in
fact, you might even want to get to the airport early.
Airports are gateways to the
world, and these 10 airport lounges cater to global
travelers who want the journey to be as memorable as the
destination.
Virgin Atlantic JFK Clubhouse,
John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
British Airways Concorde Room,
Heathrow Airport
Etihad's Diamond First Class
Lounge, Abu Dhabi International Airport
Finnair Lounge. Helsinki
Airport
Lufthansa First Class Terminal,
Frankfurt Airport
The Pier, Hong Kong
International Airport
Qantas First Lounge, Sydney
Airport
Qatar Airways Premium Terminal,
Doha International Airport
Singapore Airlines SilverKris
Lounges, Singapore Changi International Airport
Swiss Lounge, EuroAirport Basel
Mulhouse Freiburg
By Maud Doyle
WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL AIRPORTS
April 7, 2013
John F. Kennedy Airport, New York
JFK's Terminal 5, which includes the building formerly called the
TWA Flight Center, serves as the airport's JetBlue Terminal. The
space was designed by Finnish American architect Eero Saarinen in
1962, and was meant to look like a seagull in flight. The building's
unique design has been used as a New York filming location for
movies like Catch Me if You Can.
Madrid Barajas Airport
Madrid is quickly becoming a major travel center in Europe, and
besides being one of the easiest airports to navigate, it's also
beautiful. Terminal 4's architectural highlights include colorful
steel pylons supporting a bamboo ceiling that lets in sunlight with
the aim of creating a tranquil and calming space for passengers
passing through.
Beijing International Airport
Beijing International Airport's Terminal 3, opened for the 2008
Olympics, is one of the largest buildings on earth. From the sky,
the structure is meant to resemble a dragon adorned in the
traditional Chinese red-and-yellow color scheme. Huge skylights let
in plenty of natural light, and the entire terminal is color-coded
to help passengers navigate it effortlessly.
Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport's iconic peaked fiberglass roof is
meant to resemble the Rocky Mountains. Interior details throughout
the airport have sparked numerous conspiracy theories -- everything
from supposed Templar markings in the floors to the theory that the
airport serves as the secret headquarters for the Illuminati.
Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea
Incheon International Airport often finds itself at the top of
best airport lists across the globe, and for good reason.
Architecturally, it looks like a futuristic spaceport, and inside,
you'll find a Korean bathhouse, ice skating rink, movie theater,
shopping mall and free shower facilities.
Marrakech Menara Airport, Morocco
The white facade of Marrakech Menara Airport features intricate
cutout patterns on the roof overhand that filter the sunlight
beautifully. The arabesque patterns paired with the shape of the
building blend modernism and traditional Islamic design flawlessly.
Changi Airport, Singapore
Changi Airport's Terminal 3 in Singapore features an impressive
roof composed of more than 900 skylights, each adjustable to let in
the perfect amount of light, as well as a five-story vertical garden
in the baggage claim area. Indoor gardens scattered throughout the
airport lend a calming atmosphere to this busy hub.
Hong Kong International Airport
Located on a tiny island, Hong Kong International Airport makes
you feel like you're about to land on the water instead of a runway,
and the view coming in is spectacular. The interior is super easy to
navigate, and you won't have to wrestle your luggage up or down any
stairs or escalators between your plane and the express train to
Hong Kong.
Sondika Bilbao Airport, Spain
Sondika Bilbao Airport is nicknamed "La Paloma" due to its
resemblance to a dove taking flight. The steel and concrete
structure integrates into the surrounding green hills near Bilbao,
and the minimalist and sculptural four-floor departure hall gets a
healthy dose of natural sunlight throughout the day.
Carrasco International Airport, Uruguay
Architect Rafael Viñoly tipped his hat to the design of JFK
Airport circa 1960 when he designed Carrasco International Airport
in 2009. The curves of the interior are smooth and easy on the eyes,
and the departure hall is filled with natural sunlight. Terraces and
lounges throughout the airport provide comfortable places for
passengers waiting to depart or families waiting to welcome a loved
one home.
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