The Top Six Airline Lounges

The regular leisure traveler may never step foot in an airport lounge, but savvy business travelers know the importance of a great one. When resting and unwinding between flights is key, amenities including five-star dining, comfortable seating, and even massages make all the difference. Michael Gros wrote his list of the best business and first-class lounges for WorldMate Travelog, here are a few of his top choices:

Qantas Club Lounge at Sydney International Airport

Qantas has won design awards for its Club Lounge in Sydney, and it’s no surprise. The lounge is beautiful and is stylishly designed to meet your desires with a variety of amenities. If you need to meet clients or co-workers on the road, why not stop by one of the lounge’s Meeting Rooms? They’re open during business hours during the week and on weekends by request. The rooms are full equipped for meetings and include technology systems and catering services.

The Air France l’Espace Premiere lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The l’Espace lounge was designed with typical French design flair and service. The lounge’s décor matches Air France’s l’Espace first-class cabins and features plush red carpets and oversized leather armchairs. Travelers are treated to a private, dedicated check-in area in the lounge. While waiting for your flight, you can dine on meals from some of France’s top chefs and sample a wide selection of wines and champagne from premiere French wineries. Then treat yourself to a full-body massage or visit the relaxation area with its reclining chaise lounges, Internet access and showers.

The Cathay Pacific Pier at the Hong Kong International Airport

Cathay Pacific went out of its way in its Pier lounge to provide for personal comforts. The Pier’s private Day-Break Rooms include showers, wake-up calls and waiter service with food and drinks. Or you can sink into each room’s Balzac armchair and flip on the TV. To catch up on your work, head to the Personal Living Spaces. They feature spacious work areas with wired PCs or high-speed wireless Internet connections for your laptop. Hungry? The Pier includes a wide variety of dining options, including the Haven for fancy dining; the Short Bar, which includes a full selection of beverages; the Long Bar which features widescreen TVs and the Noodle Bar, with many hot items on the menu. The Pier also features a juice bar and coffee bar.

For the rest of Michael’s picks, read the full list at WorldMate Travelog.