Cover The Plaza Premium Lounge dining area at KLIA

From art gallery-inspired interiors to lavish amenities and culinary flair, these airport lounges are the perfect place to unwind in between those long flights

Air travel has never been busier, with more travellers seeking exclusive and luxurious experiences during their journeys. To abate the fatigue of those long haul flights and tiresome layovers, first class or business class airport lounges offer a relaxing and peaceful escape from the chaotic hustle and bustle of airport life, where travellers can unwind, catch their breath, and even attend to some work while awaiting their next flight.

From the newly-opened Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno at Hamad International Airport in Doha to Kuala Lumpur's own refurbished Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), pay a visit to these lavish and luxurious spaces across the most popular airports in Asia and the Middle East. 

Read more: These Are The Best First Class Airline Suites That Money Can Buy

Plaza Premium First at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 5 Plaza Premium First runway view
Photo 2 of 5 Plaza Premium First relaxation lounge
Photo 3 of 5 The Plaza Premium Lounge relaxation area
Photo 4 of 5 The Plaza Premium Lounge dining area
Photo 5 of 5 Plaza Premium Lounge main entrance

Plaza Premium Group has unveiled its latest luxury lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, complete with dedicated spaces for relaxation, dining, ‘work from anywhere’ spaces, socialising, and even private rooms for families or corporate usage. The new area combines the Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First concepts under one roof, making it one of the largest Plaza Premium lounges globally.

Showcasing Malaysian culture, the lounge features local cuisine, architectural elements, and artwork from up-and-coming Malaysian artists. From furniture that incorporates batik patterns and rattan wave-inspired design elements to an art mural at its entrance and an eye-catching Rainforest Tree centrepiece, this cheerful lounge celebrates the colourful cultural elements unique to Malaysia and Southeast Asia. In fact, the lounge doubles as a trendy art gallery, presenting an inaugural exhibition of local art curated in collaboration with The Art People Gallery.

See also: 8 Long Weekends in 2023 and How to Maximise Your Public Holidays

SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport, Singapore

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 3 The 'Room within a Room’ in the centre of The Private Room lounge boasts architectural glass screens and Lasvit custom-made light installations
Photo 2 of 3 The Crystal Bar features a wall adorned with Lalique crystal lighting also inspired by the aquatic ginger.
Photo 3 of 3 The wall façade with handcrafted glass flowers inspired by the Singapore Airlines Batik Motif

In late 2022, Singapore Airlines (SIA) invested a whopping US$50 million into renovating the SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold Lounges at Changi Airport. Aside from offering exclusive access to the First Class and Business Class Lounges via its foyer, the SilverKris Lounge leads to The Private Room, a secluded area with around 78 seats that's only accessible to passengers travelling in SIA Suites or First Class. It features pocket seating booths for solo travellers, duo seating booths for small groups, and four day rooms for those seeking privacy and relaxation. Suspended over the lobby of The Private Room is a stunning light dome adorned with custom-made crystal flowers from Lalique, inspired by aquatic ginger (one of the flowers used in SIA’s Batik Motif). 

Don't miss: Breitling Collaborates With Singapore Airlines on Two Pilot's Watches

The First Class SilverKris Lounge also deserves a mention, accommodating up to 134 customers. The lounge now includes a larger dining room with a live station, an expanded dining area, an upgraded bar, productivity pods, a dedicated meeting room, and a new playroom for kids with a nearby sitting area for parents. Order speciality cocktails like the SilverKris Sling at the fan-favourite watering hole known as the Crystal Bar, now with a refreshed look that features a wall adorned with Lalique crystal lighting also inspired by the aquatic ginger shape.

Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, Hamad International Airport, Doha

Tatler Asia
Above The Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno
Tatler Asia
Above The new Louis Vuitton lounge is located at Hamad International Airport's Central Concourse
Tatler Asia
Above The lounge and F&B offerings are adorned with iconic Louis Vuitton elements

Launched on May 22, 2023, the fabulous Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno is a must-visit spot in Hamad International Airport's Central Concourse.

The exciting collaboration between the renowned three-star Michelin chef and the esteemed French Maison promises an extraordinary experience for travellers. Open 24/7 and accessible from the Al Mourjan Business Lounge - The Garden, the lounge exudes a contemporary tropical vibe, bathed in soft light and adorned with iconic Louis Vuitton elements and atelier oï's delightful Quetzal bird creations.

Seating arrangements are both sophisticated and inviting, featuring designer pieces from the Maison. The restaurant offers a diverse menu with local ingredients, French favourites, and international delights to cater to every palate and dietary need. 

Cathay Pacific's The Wing, First, Hong Kong International Airport

Indulge in the exclusivity of The Wing, First—Cathay Pacific's First Class lounge located in the South Departures Hall transit area of the Hong Kong International Airport. This elegant sanctuary offers unmatched privacy, comfort, and service, providing the perfect space to relax before a flight. Travellers will appreciate the tranquility of the lounge's five stylish Cabanas, each equipped with a spacious bath, invigorating rain shower, cozy day bed, and ample workspace with convenient outlets and connectivity. 

Enjoy a welcome drink at the champagne bar or enjoy wine pairings with your main course at The Haven Restaurant when you dine at this stylish lounge that reopened in 2023 along with The Deck, acclaimed for its exquisite culinary offerings and beautiful sunset views from the Terrace.   

JAL First Class Lounge, Tokyo International Airport, Haneda

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 3 JAL First Class Lounge, Tokyo International Airport
Photo 2 of 3 The walkway leading to JAL’s Table is framed by decorative Japanese folding screens featuring cherry blossoms
Photo 3 of 3 Sushi Tsurutei offers handmade sushi by expert Japanese chefs

A world of elegance and tranquility awaits at Japan Airlines' First Class Lounge in Haneda Airport's Terminal 3. Following its 2014 refurbishment, this spacious and sophisticated lounge welcomes guests to a truly luxurious environment. Its unique ‘room to room’ concept, developed by Ryu Kosaka from Aoyama Nomura Design, boasts themed areas with different styles and furnishings, allowing travellers to select their preferred space.

Indulge in the ultimate culinary experience at Sushi Tsurutei, where handmade sushi crafted by expert chefs are to be enjoyed amidst the serene ambiance. For utmost privacy, retreat to The Red Suite, a premium sanctuary divided into four zones, offering contemporary furniture, dark wood accents, and a sense of opulence. The area of the lounge that overlooks the runway encapsulates the perfect balance of modern Japanese design and the traditional Japanese spirit, with cosy seating and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide a perfect view.

Topics