Etihad is well on its way to completely reshaping the aviation industry into one that resembles the comfort and luxury of a prestigious hotel.
Flying tends to draw mixed emotions from holidaymakers, with some saying they love it and others declaring it an exhausting necessity to reach their desired destination.
Despite airline efforts over the years to introduce more comfort and additional in-flight options, they haven’t seem to be able to completely shake the negative for an entirely pleasurable experience.
Except now. Etihad seems to have found the solution and it’s making air travel more like spending the night at your favourite five-star hotel.
The transformation began two years ago, when the carrier unveiled The Residence. It’s practically a flying penthouse suite with a double bedroom, ensuite, a living room and a personal butler.
Now, the carrier is taking its hotel-appeal to its ground experience, with a new First Class Lounge & Spa at Abu Dhabi International Airport that is so pimped out, it’s better than some high end properties.
Located at Terminal 3, the new flagship is inspired by five star hotels, private members’ clubs and fine dining establishments to offer an ultra-exclusive lifestyle environment that is unrivalled in design, style and comfort.
There’s over 1,700m² of space for First Class travellers to enjoy and 16 unique zones including an à la carte restaurant, showcase bar, fitness room, cigar lounge, Six Senses Spa, Style and Shave hairdresser, nail bar, TV room, secluded relaxation room, prayer room and children’s play room.
Guest will be attended to by a number of expertly trained staff (who have undergone a ‘rigorous’ selection process – wow) and the food is prepared by an Executive Chef with an extensive career working for leading hotel brands.
There’s a Cigar Lounge stocked with premium brands including Hoyo de Monterray, Cohiba, Bolivar, Montecristo, Arturo Fuente and Romeo Y Julieta, while the Six Senses Spa comprises of three treatment rooms and shower facilities.
In keeping with a focus on health and wellbeing, the Relax & Recline area features a large video wall made up of 27 individual screens, soothing sound and lighting, and is furnished with six Poltona Frau leather recliners.
The fitness room is equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym treadmills and cross trainers, and male and female washrooms and showers.
Oh and let’s not forget, those Residence guests have their own exclusive private space located adjacent to the main lounge entrance that boasts a dedicated Savoy-trained Butler, custom-made Poltrona Frau Italian leather armchairs and sofas and shower room stocked with Acqua di Parma products.
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