Fancy a full-body massage before a long-haul flight or being driven to your plane in a Porsche? Who wouldn’t love that? A luxurious business class lounge is one of the things that can make a long haul flight tolerable.

With some airlines setting the bar higher than others, dark and cramped airline lounges are a thing of the past. You are now treated to meals especially prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and get to experience a realistic racetrack that provides the excitement of a car race, right inside an airport lounge. 

Yes, air travel can be a painstaking experience, but there are many perks to flying when you have access to 10 of the most luxurious business class lounges across the world.  Here are my choices in no particular order:

1. Al Mourjan Business Lounge, Hamad International Airport, Doha (Qatar Airways)

From a fully equipped business center to having state-of-the-art workstations, Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan Business Lounge at the Hamad International Airport is the best in the game of exclusivity. It’s indeed incomparable. . 

The stunning space creates the ambience of a resort, with an extensive buffet on offer. The lounge is adorned with marbles, top-of-the-line designer furniture, and bronze walls displaying Arab calligraphy. The lounge also offers shower rooms, prayer rooms, and game rooms. Ready to be treated like a star?

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2. CIP Lounge, Ataturk International Airport, Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)

Picture yourself receiving a massage in your seat or relaxing to soothing live piano music right before you jet off half way across the world. The Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge does it all. The two-story lounge has a perfect blend of modern and traditional decor, and can seat around a thousand people. 

There’s entertainment for both children and adults. From a golf simulator and a movie marathon for the grown-ups to playrooms that contain Legos and toys for the children, there’s something for everyone. There’s a treat for your palette too — an olive bar, a mezze selection, etc. And to top it all, enjoy fresh-baked Turkish breads.

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3. Pier Business Class Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong (Cathay Airlines)

One of the most luxurious airport lounges the world over, the Pier Business Class Lounge is the ultimate example of business class luxury. Sample a la carte meals and a wide selection of tea varieties at the wellness area or take a quick nap at the relaxation room. You can even unwind at one of the 14 shower suites or enjoy a soothing drink before you head off to catch your flight. 

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4. SilverKris Lounge, Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore (Singapore Airlines)

When you walk into the SilverKris Lounge at the Singapore Changi Airport, you are spoiled with choices. Of the four levels of lounges to choose from, the one that lingers in the memory the longest is The Private Room. Reserved for Singapore Airlines’ first-class and suite passengers only, it is a standalone lounge within a lounge. The Private Room offers linen tablecloths, a la carte menu, and a beautiful selection of spirits and wine. The first class lounge is is available for first class passengers on Star Alliance members and is absolutely wonderful, but The Private Room is just next level.

Modeled as a ‘home away from home’, the SilverKris Lounge boasts of the widest variety of lounge foods — western dishes, pastas, Chinese stir-fried classics or Indian curries, including vegetarian cuisines. To catch up on your work, head over to the productivity pods that let you work in privacy. Don’t forget to visit Jewel while at Chengi airport as well. It is unique among airports in that it really is a separate experience altogether. Do head over there when in Chengi.

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5. Emirates Dubai First And Business Class Lounges, Dubai International Airport, Dubai (Emirates)

Unwind in style at the Emirates Dubai First Class Lounge in Dubai. You’ll be bowled over by the wide variety of food items and beverages the lounge offers. The international selection of dishes has almost everything. You name it, and they’ll likely serve it. 

Relax on Italian leather couches and refresh yourself in designer showers and bathrooms, while the gold-plated wall clocks from Geneva keep track of your time. But wait, that’s not all.

Drift to the whiff of wine towards the wine cellar. Yes, a wine cellar! You can view, taste, and buy from a wide range of wines that have been sourced from across the world. 

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6. Qantas First Class Lounge, Sydney International Airport, Sydney (Qantas Airlines)

Tilted lines, clean design and great service, this airport lounge boasts 8,400 plants. Designed by a tropical botanist named Patrick Blanc,  the Qantas First Class Lounge at the Sydney International Airport brings vertical garden systems from the outdoors to the indoors. 

Ranked amongst the best in the world, the lounge boasts of top-notch a la carte dining and its wine list exclusively showcases Australian producers. Choose from four white wines or from four non-vintage champagnes. Pamper yourself at the on-site spa or relax on any of the luxurious leather lounge chairs, recliners, and sofas. This is a lounge that should be on the wish list of many travelers.

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7. Thai Airways Royal First Lounge, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok (Thai Airways)

Luxurious amenities await you at The Thai Airways Royal First Lounge in Bangkok. From private shower suites, nap rooms, buffet and à la carte dining, to the THAI’s Royal Orchid Spa, there’s everything to make you feel like a royal. Indulge your senses with a full body oil massage or sauna and steam room sessions. When at the dining area, don’t forget to try the Pad Thai.

8. Finnair Premium Lounge, Helsinki, Helsinki Airport, (Finnair)

The swanky Premium Lounge at the Helsinki Airport features a Nordic design inspired by the Finnish outdoors. Going by the temperatures of Finland, the most interesting feature of the lounge is the sauna — a unique amenity, definitely.

Relax and unwind over a glass of self-serve champagne or choose from the lounge’s extensive liquor range. For families with children, the play area is a welcome sight.

9. Air France Business Class Lounge, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris (Air France)

This business lounge in Paris is a favorite of many. Reopened in 2018, the lounge underwent a complete makeover, but at the same time ensured a balance between elegance, comfort, and creativity. With a seating capacity of 540, the lounge also has a Parisian bistro-styled dining corner and a stunning bar. 

Pamper your tired muscles at the wellness center that offers spa treatments, private saunas, and a detox bar. Do step into this lounge the next time you’re airport hopping. 

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10. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, JFK Airport, New York (Virgin Atlantic)

To sink your teeth into that famous Clubhouse burger, you have to stop by at the Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse in New York’s JFK airport. A mix of British style with uptown New York cool, the lounge transports you to a world of graceful elegance. 

Take a quick trip to the renowned Clubhouse Spa for a complimentary treatment. Later, try the a la carte menu that features five-star dining and smaller tapas-style dishes. But of all the delicacies, it’s the Clubhouse burger that has garnered the largest fan following. Don’t miss it for anything.

After the lounge well of course it’s the flight. Check out my article on best business class flights.