Reading, writing and experiencing luxury is what we do for a living. There are a few brands that get us really excited and high up in the ranks is Etihad Airways. In a short time the airline has not only redefined but also set the rules when it comes to luxury in skies.
After the stunning and extravagant Residence suite, here is a luxurious launch-pad, before getting on board and settling into your seat – the Etihad Airways First Class Lounge & Spa at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal 3.
Launched today, the airline’s flagship First Class Lounge & Spa has rewritten style and comfort to match new levels of luxury. An à la carte restaurant, showcase bar, fitness room, cigar lounge, Six Senses Spa, Style & Shave barbers, nail bar, TV room, secluded relaxation room, prayer room and children’s play room – all promising a “highly personalised experience and intuitive service”.
The lounge provides access to guests of The Residence, Etihad First Class, Etihad Guest Exclusive, Etihad Guest Platinum members (plus one guest), Etihad Airways Partner (EAP) airline First Class guests, EAP ‘Invitation only’ members (plus two guests) and EAP equivalent Platinum members (plus one guest).
Here at the lounge, you will have the attention of a dedicated Savoy-trained Butler, custom-made Poltrona Frau Italian leather armchairs and sofas, its own shower room stocked with a range of Acqua di Parma products, a prayer room, and private dining.
The meals are overlooked by an Executive Chef who “brings with him immense experience from a long career with leading hotel brands including Ritz Carlton, Shangri-La, and Intercontinental”. The menus are frequently changed, and offer a range of Arabian, Indian and international cuisine made to order at any time of day. Guests can also try out the five-course Emirati tasting menu, developed by chefs from Mezlai at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
The lounge also features a well-stocked sculptural showcase bar with 75 premium spirits, champagne and aperitifs.
As well as this, there is a bespoke cocktail menu specially developed in partnership with leading London-based beverage consultancy Fluid Movement. You should try the signature mocktail drink Abu Dhabi, which uses aromatic cold brew coffee infused with cardamom and sprayed with delicate rose water.
The cigar lounge provides a choice of nine carefully selected brands including Hoyo de Monterray, Cohiba, Bolivar, Montecristo, Arturo Fuente and Romeo Y Julieta from its own humidor.
The Six Senses Spa offers three treatment rooms with shower facilities. First Class guests can enjoy a complimentary treatment, while guests in The Residence are offered two complimentary treatments.
Now, in a lounge area you will want to relax, but Etihad makes sure that you also watch your health and wellbeing by providing access to a Relax & Recline area featuring a large video wall made up of 27 individual screens, soothing sound and lighting, and is furnished with six Poltona Frau leather recliners.
AND there will be a fitness room equipped with state-of- the-art Technogym treadmills and cross trainers, and male and female washrooms and showers. After all this if you have the time, and would like a hair do, then Style & Shave will offer a series of hair and shave services, including one complimentary express treatment and a shoe shine service. The nail bar provides hair and nail services, including nail art, and one complimentary express treatment.
Are you tired reading? Then book a flight, and relax at the lounge.
I would check-in six hours early.
So here could be this awesome luxury package – Fly Etihad to Abu Dhabi, stay at St Regis Saadiyat Island for a day, then check in to Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resort, then have a day of fun at the Yas Marina and Ferrari World, and then wash out all that exhaustion at say, the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, and then check-into the Etihad Airways Lounge & Spa. This is the life, my friends, this is the life.
