Airport Spas that go beyond the basic backrub sounds divine. Though, most of us want to get in and out of an airport as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, we’ve all experienced those times when we get to the airport and fear we will never get back out!
The proliferation of posh first and business class lounges has created luxe refuges for high-end fliers, but left the coach class majority to fend for themselves…until now.
These days, in airports around the world, get dealt a delay and you can while away the wait time in a full-service luxury spa. I’m not talking about blowouts and ten-minute shoulder massages—though you CAN get those in mainly every major airport in the world—I mean real deal spas with complete, state-of-the-art facilities: spacious treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas and even pools.
Here are some of the world’s most pampering airport spas, open not only to first classers but anyone and everyone that wants to add some Zen to their layover.
Absolute Spa at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel, Vancouver International Airport, Above the Domestic and U.S. Departure Gates
From massages to manicures to makeup applications and everything in between, this full-service spa offers over 100 treatments; many specially designed to pamper frequent fliers. We have been to the spa and read more about our review here.
These travel-tailored treatments include the Aromatherapy Associates Jet Lag Recovery Anti-Swelling Leg Treatment, which uses pink grapefruit, juniper berry and rosemary to purify and revive legs and reduce fluid retention after a long flight.
From massages to manicures to makeup applications and everything in between, this full-service spa offers over 100 treatments; many specifically designed to pamper frequent fliers.
These travel-tailored treatments include the Aromatherapy Associates Jet Lag Recovery Anti-Swelling Leg Treatment, which uses pink grapefruit, juniper berry and rosemary to purify and revive legs and reduce fluid retention after a long flight.
If you’re a fellow avid skier flying to Whistler to hit the slopes, this treatment is a must pre and post-slopes. But wait…there’s more! Facial “elevations” (spa talk for add-ons) include a nourishing eye treatment and an oxygen blast, both well suited for a proper post-travel refresh.
All Absolute Spa guests have full access to the Fairmont Vancouver Airport’s health club, including a mechanized lap pool, saunas & state of the art fitness equipment, relaxation lounge and even a complimentary Youngblood mineral makeup consultation.
Be Relax Spa, JFK Airport, JetBlue Terminal 5
Though I hate to admit it as a native New Yorker, the more I’ve traveled, the more I’ve realized how rundown, old and just plain sad my hometown’s airports are. JetBlue is taking steps to rectify this situation.
Last spring, they brought French spa chain Be Relax into JFK’s Terminal 5 to open a gleaming 1,000 square foot facility. Now any passenger with 10 minutes or more to spare can drop in for a chair or table massage, blow-out or even an acupuncture session.
You may be leery of getting a facial—even a specially designed Anti-Jet Lag one— at an airport, but this Allure editor survived and enjoyed her facial experience at Be Relax! Still unsure? A less ambitious choice is an OPI manicure/pedicure. Ask for Umera.
Emirates Timeless Spa, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3
The name Emirates has become synonymous with luxury, so it should come as no surprise that Dubai International Airport boasts three Emirates Timeless Spa locations. Though there are spas in both the first- and business-class lounges, all passengers traveling through the airport, whether flying Emirates or not, can enjoy the complete Timeless Spa experience at the spa in the Dubai International Airport Hotel.
The hotel spa has seven full treatment rooms, a relaxation room and a pristine pool and Jacuzzi. Travelers can choose from facials, manicures & pedicures, body scrubs and seven different types of massage.
The spa’s most popular massage, the Desert Aroma Massage, is performed with a selection of aromatic essential oils inspired by the desert, but the genuinely stressed out traveler may want to opt for the profoundly healing Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage. Not sure which to pick? You can take your time making your choice: true to its “timeless” title, the spa is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Fit & Fly Spa at Hilton Munich Airport
Formerly a Kempinski property, this striking all-glass luxury hotel is now a Hilton, located between the two terminal buildings at Munich international airport. Inside the hotel, you’ll find The Fit & Fly Spa with its gorgeous pool area (with a 17-meter pool), Jacuzzi, sauna and massage treatment rooms.
The spa’s thirty-minute massages, like the medical lymphatic drainage and foot reflexology massage, are a perfect post-travel treat but are also short enough to enjoy during a layover or delay. Even if you don’t opt for a massage, you can use the spa’s swank, state of the art facilities: A two-hour pass can be purchased for 20 Euros.
Wellness Spa, Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 2
Wellness Spa is the more comprehensive of the two spas located in Singapore’s Changi Airport. It offers a full menu of organic spa treatments, including neck, shoulder, back, foot and aromatherapeutic massages as well as foot reflexology.
Weary travelers can purify and moisturize face and eyes with the spa’s Rejuvenating Treatments. All you green beauty lovers will be happy to know the spa’s treatments feature Jasmin Aromatique products, an organic, botanical-based skincare line from Australia.
Have a few hours to kill and just want to Netflix and chill…and maybe shower, too? Wellness Spa has made the most of its beautiful facilities by offering several packages designed for you to do just that.
There’s Kickback and Relax, Shower and Refresh, the Private Resting Area Package and the Long Stay Package. Each package includes a 15-minute neck-and-shoulder massage, as well as additional options like a hot shower, traditional Japanese bento, use of the spa’s wifi-equipped Relax Zone or even access to one of the spa’s private rooms with full amenities and a reclining chair.
