When travelling, we often focus entirely on the destination and how we’re getting there, with little to no thought put into our pre-flight experience. However, discerning travelers understand that the journey begins long before takeoff—at exclusive airport lounges like The Private Room at Changi Airport.
When you’re flying business or first class, lounge access is usually baked into your ticket; but even if you’re not, lounge access is still within reach through programs like DragonPass, offered as a complimentary perk with the newly launched DCS Imperium World Elite Card.
Here, the terminal’s buzz fades as you indulge in fine dining, bespoke cocktails, and a refined ambiance, setting the tone for your journey. If you have an upcoming trip planned for the holidays, here are some of the lounges around the world that are well worth checking in early for.
P.s. Read to the end to find out how you can score an easy 100,000-mile bonus with the all-new DCS Imperium card.
Bangkok Airport—Coral Finest Business Class Lounge
Image: Sightseeing Bangkok
With almost 30 lounges competing for your attention in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge effortlessly rises above the rest. Having taken over the former Thai Airways First Class Lounge, this spot at Concourse D has a fully-stocked bar with 18 different cocktail options and a curated buffet of gourmet hot dishes.
Image: MGRonline
For those seeking respite from travel’s demands, a 15-minute neck and shoulder massage by the lounge’s therapist offers the perfect antidote. While the lounge is open 24 hours a day, the massage service is only available from 6am to midnight. The lounge also has private bedrooms equipped with Omazz mattresses for travellers who have an overnight connection in Bangkok and just need a place to sleep for a few hours.
Access to the Coral Finest Business Class Lounge is limited to DragonPass, Priority Pass, and LoungeKey members, as well as holders of select credit cards.
Location: International Concourse D, on level three, near gate D1
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Changi Airport—The Private Room
Image: Instagram – thewiiingman
A little closer to home is Singapore Airlines’ The Private Room at Changi Airport. This has got to be one of the most exclusive airport lounges in Changi, and it received a fresh renovation in mid-2022, bringing it on par with other premium airport lounges around the world.
Image: Instagram – limey_dan
The pièce de résistance of The Private Room is undeniably its culinary offerings. The curated menu features indulgent dishes like lobster laksa and truffle ee fu noodles, allowing you to savour Singaporean and international delicacies before your month-long vacation to Europe. For travelers needing a moment of repose, The Private Room provides exclusive day rooms, two of which are equipped with plush beds and COMO Shambhala essential oil diffusers.
Access to The Private Room is reserved exclusively for passengers flying Singapore Airlines Suites and First Class.
Location: Terminal 3, Third Floor
Opening hours: 5:30am-2:30am
Hamad International Airport—Al Safwa First Class Lounge
Image: Qatar Airways
Another elite airport lounge that many frequent fliers rave about is the Al Safwa Lounge at Doha’s Hamad International Airport. Upon entry, you’ll immediately be impressed by the museum-esque aesthetic curated by Italian architect Antonio Citterio. This vibe is further elevated by the antiques on display, courtesy of a loan from the Museum of Islamic Art.
Image: Instagram – captainshari
Once seated, you can order from an extensive menu that includes breakfast omelets, beef tenderloin for lunch, sandwiches and pastries for afternoon tea, and a variety of desserts. Beverages, ranging from champagne to non-alcoholic options, are also available to quench your thirst after indulging in the lounge’s offerings. There’s even a private jacuzzi and a duty-free shop within Al Safwa for any last-minute shopping.
Access to the Al Safwa First Class Lounge is limited to passengers on a Qatar Airways first-class flight, passengers on first-class flights with the Oneworld alliance, Qatar Privilege Club Platinum members on Qatar Airways business class flights, and Qatar Airways business class passengers who pay an access fee of 600 QAR (~S$220).
Location: Level 3, after immigration and security
Opening hours: 24/7, Daily
Barcelona Airport—Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge
Image: Priority Pass
Business travellers would love the amenities over at the Sala VIP Pau Casals lounge at Barcelona Airport. The expansive space has plenty of seating from cubicles to shared tables and even large working desks for those travelling in and out of Barcelona El Prat and having to take meetings in transit.
That’s not to say leisure travelers won’t enjoy this lounge. The buffet section features a constant rotation of hot dishes, alongside a wide selection of tapas and Spanish cold cuts to indulge in.
Access to the Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge is available to DragonPass, Priority Pass, and LoungeKey members.
Location: Terminal 1
Opening hours: 5am-11:30pm
Hong Kong International Airport—Intervals Sky Bar & Lounge
Image: ACI
A hidden gem in the vastness of the Hong Kong International Airport is the Intervals Sky Bar & Lounge. Having just opened its doors in June 2023, it’s a new space for travellers and AV geeks alike to sip on flights of cocktails while watching the planes taxi under the Sky Bridge. The lounge also plays host to award-winning bartenders from around the world, with the roster rotating each month so you’ll always have a reason to come back to try a new tipple.
Unlike some lounges tucked away in secluded corners, Intervals Sky Bar & Lounge is bathed in natural light due to its strategic location. However, this design choice may result in a warmer atmosphere during afternoon departures.
Access to Intervals Sky Bar & Lounge is limited to DragonPass, Priority Pass, and LoungeKey, as well as holders of select credit cards.
Location: Between Gates 12 & 24 around the Sky Bridge
Opening hours: 7am-11:30pm
Charles de Gaulle—Air France La Première
Image: Air France
The recent Paris Olympics also marked the debut of a new ground experience for those flying Air France’s ultra-elite La Première class. Beyond the exclusive check-in lounge, travelers can reserve one of three private suites, each featuring a living area, a bedroom with a double bed, and an outdoor patio—a level of comfort rarely seen in airport lounges.
Image: Air France
All these perks are on top of the catering that has been curated by renowned chef Alain Ducasse. Other privileges include a 30-minute treatment at the on-site Sisley spa and two private transfers: one from your hotel to Charles de Gaulle and another from the lounge to your plane on the tarmac in a Porsche Cayenne.
Access to the Air France La Première lounge is exclusive to passengers flying Air France La Première. Air France business class passengers can purchase access for an additional fee.
Location: Terminal 2E
Opening hours: 6am-9pm
Start your vacation early at these luxurious airport lounges
Not all airport lounges are made equal, and that’s okay. All that matters is having the knowledge of which lounge to head to during your next flight, whether it’s on Singapore Airlines Suites or Air France’s La Première.
Image: DCS
Even if you’re not always flying in luxury, the newly-launched DCS Imperium World Elite Card puts these coveted sanctuaries well within reach with programs like DragonPass, offered as a complimentary perk.
This card is the latest challenger in the elite black card arena, previously dominated by long-established players, but it’s redefining the game with a host of standout benefits—including the ability to sign up with no prior banking relationship.
Beyond complimentary DragonPass membership, cardholders enjoy high mileage earn rates of 2.4 miles per dollar on foreign transactions and 1.6 miles per dollar on local transactions, along with access to the Imperium Concierge for seamless travel and lifestyle assistance. However, the perks don’t stop at earning miles. The DCS Imperium Card comes with a complimentary airport limousine service, and global access to over 1,200 lounges through the Mastercard Travel Pass.
Travel can often bring its fair share of challenges, from misplaced baggage to unexpected emergencies. As a DCS Imperium cardholder, you’ll have 24-hour global assistance, ensuring peace of mind no matter where your journey takes you.
From 21st November 2024 to 15th February 2025, earn a boosted 4 miles per S$1 spent abroad, making it easier than ever to rack up miles. With the DCS Imperium Card as your go-to payment method, you’ll be well on your way to redeeming premium-cabin flights—granting access to exclusive lounges that go beyond DragonPass offerings.
And here’s the best part: new members are welcomed with a staggering 100,000-mile bonus, equivalent to 250,000 Imperium Points and a complimentary bottle of Tomatin 3388 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (worth $2,388) upon payment of the annual membership fee. That’s a head start to elevating your travel experience to the next level.
Express your interest for the DCS Imperium Card here
This post was brought to you by DCS.
Cover image: ACI
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