Relax in the world’s most luxurious airports

For many, airports conjure up images of boredom and restless children, but you don’t have to wait until you’ve reached your holiday destination to indulge in some luxury.

Cheapflights.co.uk, leader in flight deals publishing, guides travellers through the world’s most luxurious airports and what they have to offer. You could find yourself playing golf, having a massage, going for a swim or looking at some of the world’s finest art.

“Luxurious airport experiences used to be reserved for the likes of celebrities and those with private planes, but today it applies to everyone and we can all enjoy the perks without the prices,” says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk.

“Airports are stepping up their game and providing travellers with the extraordinary experiences they’d hope to get in their holiday destination. With places to relax and interesting things to do while waiting for flights, the airport is no longer a chore and you just might wish your flight were delayed so you can enjoy it that bit more!” adds Hallak.

Delve into the delights of some of the world’s most luxurious airports and all that they have to offer.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport
With a rainforest as one of the main features of this airport, it’s no surprise it was voted the World's Best Airport in the 2005 AETRA awards, 2006 ACI-ASQ awards and 2007 ACI-ASQ awards. With the co-operation of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, a section of rain forest was relocated from the jungle to the Satellite Building. The complex also features a reflexology and massage centre, aiming to energise and relieve any pain or stress before or after flights. Kuala Lumpur International Airport prides itself on promoting environmental responsibility to local and foreign travellers and is the first and only airport in the world to receive the Green Globe 21 certificate from 2004 onwards.

San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport features galleries throughout the terminals showing art, science, historical and cultural exhibitions, as well as over sixty works of art commissioned and purchased by the San Francisco Arts Commission. Examine the three aquatic communities in the aquarium or investigate aviation in the museum and library. The yoga room gives travellers time out and a chance for relaxation and self-reflection. Kids can explore weather related exhibits from the Exploratorium of San Francisco in The SFO Kids’ Spot.

Incheon International Airport, South Korea
Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea and one of the largest and busiest in the world. This modern airport offers something for the whole family - from relaxing in the spa, to putting balls in the golf course, placing bets in the casino to taking a stroll around the indoor gardens. Incheon International Airport also has a number of excellent restaurants and traditional shops. This luxury airport has been named the world’s best airport by the Airports Council International for five consecutive years and awarded the full five star rating by Skytrax.

Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport features the SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course. This unique facility, which is Hong Kong’s first nine-hole golf course created to United States Golf Association standards, also features a signature hole known as Island Green. The hole is located on an island in the middle of an artificial lake. Although the golf course is undoubtedly the main attraction, there is also an aviation discovery centre, i-Sports offering various one of a kind sports simulators such as skiing and boxing.

Qantas First Lounge, Sydney International Airport
The Qantas First Lounge in Sydney International Airport is the essence of luxury. Previous winner of the Designer of the Year Award, Marc Newson has sourced the finest materials to make this lounge a haven of relaxation. Incorporated into the design is a floor to ceiling curved wall of foliage. A complimentary spa treatment leaves travellers feeling rested while the fine dining menus, created by Neil Perry, the founder of Rockpool restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne, will leave taste buds tingling.