Departures Magazine: The World's Fanciest Airport Lounges (PHOTOS)

Ironically, the greatest trials of air travel often occur in the few hours before takeoff. The process should be simple, really: Show up at the airport; flash a passport; drop bags and board the plane. But this sort of efficiency was abandoned sometime in the halcyon days of the 1960s amid concerns for safety, heightened security and the democratization of travel.

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--consider the brightly painted struts and wood ceilings of Madrid-Barajas or the soaring, glass-roofed spaces of Incheon International in South Korea. 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 this new age of luxury.

Instead of making travelers feel like they are on the wrong side of a quarantine -- and serving decidedly lack-luster food -- these lounges offer first-rate amenities, privacy and calm. It's all so good, in fact, you might even want to get to the airport early.

Consider how much improved an airport experience would be if you had an entire terminal to yourself, as at the Premium Terminal at Doha International, which is operated by Qatar Airways. A nearly 100-foot-tall vertical garden (not to mention a Payot Paris day spa) greets passengers at Qantas's First Lounge at Sydney Airport, and thoughtful elements (noise-dampening felt walls, Marimekko tableware, elegant Finnish and Nordic furniture designs) mark the Finnair Lounge at Helsinki Airport. Freshly made Japanese noodles or a true fine-dining experience at restaurant Haven can be had at The Pier at Hong Kong International Airport.

Airports are gateways to the world, and these ten airport lounges cater to global travelers who want the journey to be as memorable as the destination.

--Maud Doyle

• Virgin Atlantic JFK Clubhouse, John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York

  The feeling that half of Manhattan has joined you at your gate at JFK is over. This March, Virgin Atlantic premiered its new Clubhouse with an Austin Powers?meets?uptown mod cocktail lounge at its heart, complete with a red leather sofa and purple lighting. But it?s the Clubhouse Spa, featuring Dr. Hauschka products and treatments, that really makes the JFK Clubhouse a standout layover option. In the end, just like the $17 million flagship at Heathrow airport, this lounge offers everything you need (massages, facials, foot treatments), everything you didn?t know you needed (a Bumble and Bumble salon) and several things that you don?t really need at all but are certainly nice to have (anyone for a game of pool?). <em>Beyond TSA checkpoint in A Concourse, above boarding gates A4 and A5; <a href="http://virgin-atlantic.com" target="_hplink">virgin-atlantic.com</a></em>.

• British Airways Concorde Room, Heathrow Airport

  The decidedly unfashionable herringbone print, velvets and crystal chandeliers of the Concorde Room at Heathrow recall a well-to-do British gentleman?s study in all its relaxed, un-modern glory. Quite simply, this is a retreat?albeit one with full waiter service, complimentary wines and Champagne and private, hotel-style cabanas with day beds and en-suite bathrooms. If retreating isn?t your habit, book a theater ticket with the concierge and head to the terrace for a drink from the fabulous Concorde Bar and views of the runway. <em>Terminal 5; <a href="http://britishairways.com" target="_hplink">britishairways.com</a></em>.

• Finnair Lounge, Helsinki Airport

  From felt walls that swallow outside noise to Marimekko tableware to the wireless, mobile phone?charging system PowerKiss (wireless!), the simplicity and thoughtfulness of the Finnair Lounge makes it exceptional. A buffet is always on, and in addition to the views, the elegant Finnish and Nordic furniture designs provide their own easy pleasure. For those on the way to Asia, the midnight buffet is particularly elaborate. Travelers in need of a spa will need to have patience?the Finnair Spa (complete with traditional Finnish saunas) will reopen this winter, but in the meantime there are showers at the lounge. <em>Terminal T2 between Gates 36 and 37; <a href="http://finnair.com" target="_hplink">finnair.com</a></em>.

• The Pier, Hong Kong International Airport

  The seasoned traveler will be forgiven for any long-standing preconceptions about eating (or, sadly, not eating) in airports. Thankfully, not far from Gate 62 at Hong Kong International, those expectations will be overturned. At The Pier?Cathay Pacific?s glass-enclosed first- and business-class break area?you?ll find freshly made Japanese noodles at the Noodle Bar and proper fine dining and modern decor at the first-class Haven restaurant. (There are also two more fully stocked caf?/bars.) In addition to the business centers, the WiFi, the leather armchairs and the pebbled showers, a glass of Champagne also goes a long way to ease travel stress. <em>Gates 62?66, Northwest Concourse; <a href="http://cathaypacific.com" target="_hplink">cathaypacific.com</a></em>.

• Qantas First Lounge, Sydney Airport

  Modernity, with polished surfaces, clear glass and stainless steel, is the norm of airport luxury today, give or take a Dutch modern knock-off table or two and a leather armchair. Which is why we?re thrilled with the 98-foot, 8,400-plant vertical garden that greets passengers at the Qantas First Lounge at Sydney Airport. It leaves the air in the atrium feeling cleaner and lighter. Better yet, part of the garden is incorporated into each of the Payot Paris day spa treatment rooms, so you can forget, for the moment, that you?re in transit. The upper floor of the lounge, designed by Marc Newson and replete with recliners and sofas (in addition to those leather armchairs), also includes an open kitchen restaurant serving food by Australian chef Neil Perry. <em>International Terminal; <a href="http://qantas.com.au" target="_hplink">qantas.com.au</a></em>.

• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounges, Singapore Changi International Airport

  At Singapore Changi International, as throngs of travelers roll handcarts piled high with suitcases to overflowing check-in lines, Passenger Relations Officers greet first-class passengers of Singapore Airlines curbside, taking their bags, guiding them to an armchair in the first-class check-in lounge and checking them in personally. Next it?s off to the first-class SilverKris Lounges, where, depending on their mood, guests can choose from meeting rooms, caf?/bars or 13 Italian-leather slumberettes. Don?t worry?the staff will wake you before your flight. Terminal 2 on Level 3 (North Wing); <em>Terminal 3 on Level 3; <a href="http://singaporeair.com" target="_hplink">singaporeair.com</a></em>.

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