BRITISH Airways just opened its biggest airport lounge after London Heathrow, and it’s so luxury, you could easily forget you’re even waiting for a flight.
Stepping into the new Miami hub feels less like the airport and more like walking into a seriously swanky bar – think The Ritz high-octane glamour or the sleek Ned hotel owned by trendsetters, Soho House.
The bar looks like it is part of The Ritz and boasts lots of different tipples[/caption]
It sprawls across 13,000 square feet and is split into five zones, making you feel more like you’re in a grand five-star hotel than a waiting area.
And as far as details go, this lounge has it all.
The elegant gold and glass bar invites guests to enjoy a glass of champagne while they perch on a soft red velvet high chair, with views of the airport’s taxiways.
Below passengers’ feet are lines of tiles that from afar appear to just have a fancy pattern, but upon a closer look reveal rows of the British flag carrier’s iconic logo.
Surrounding the bar are a number of cosy, snug areas with plush seating and navy sofas, furnished with red, white and blue barrel cushions reminiscent of the London Underground.
And the pattern also looks like the tailfin of a Boeing jet.
But the lounge doesn’t just nod to the UK.
Groups of three throughout the lounge and geometric shapes reflect the Art Deco style of the ‘Magic City’ – as Miami is affectionately called.
Even the tables have surfaces made from recycled British Airways cabin crew uniforms, and there’s a floor mural that spells out ‘London Calling’ if you look up to the mirrored ceiling.
The entire lounge sits above the departure gate, so passengers can sit at the windows and watch luggage vehicles whizz around the airport.
And of course, you can also see British Airways’ planes parked before taking off.
I sat watching the busy airport whilst enjoying a ‘British G ‘n’ Tea’ cocktail with earl grey tea.
The posh airport pedestal made me feel as if I was apart of the rich and famous crowd from Miami’s Star Island, where the likes of Will Smith and Mark Zuckerberg live.
I wasn’t short for choice when it came to tipples either, following up my G ‘n’ Tea’ with a Prickly Margarita with pear and the best espresso martini I’ve ever had.
With so many cocktails on offer, it was wise to line my stomach before the flight at the buffet, which includes seasonal Miami dishes with a British twist.
And there is even a sweet buffet with both American and British sweets[/caption]
I tucked into creamy asparagus, a kale salad with toasted coconut and citrus honey vinaigrette and Kalamata olives, followed by a peach and vanilla custard dessert.
There is also a large pick n’ mix section, with both classic British sweets like cola bottles and American candy like Swedish Fish.
A few bowls went down a treat before my eight-hour flight.
Those in First Class can head to the Concord Dining Room, which looks more like an opulent British train carriage than an airport lounge.
First Class guests can indulge in four different types of champagne, including unlimited refills of the £190 per bottle, Pommery Cuvée Louise 2005 (well… unlimited but bear in mind you’ll be boarding a flight).
Many of the details relate to Miami’s Art Deco architecture[/caption]
Even the bathrooms are inspired by Miami’s striped deck chairs[/caption]
As for food, the fancy meal options in First Class include wagyu beef strip loin with mushrooms and roasted scallops.
Anyone more interested in smashing out a tonne of emails instead of necking bubbles can make use of the lounge’s focus pods – large phone-box style, sound-proof rooms.
And if you need to freshen up, there are bathrooms and showers decorated like Miami’s red and white striped beach chairs.
Of course, I did make it to the beach, but the lounge was so great that it almost made me forget the holiday that preceded it.
Meanwhile, in other airport news – a top UK airport has also opened a huge new departures lounge with interactive Lego store and street food market.
Plus, the little-known £2 trick to skip queues and relax in airport lounges before your summer holiday.
And you can enjoy all of this, whilst looking out across the airport[/caption]
