Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi First Class Lounge and Spa
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After almost 2 years of refurbishment, the new Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi First Class Lounge has re-opened on 30 May, 2016. It is located after security checkpoint in Terminal 3.
Measuring just under 1,700 m², and boasting expansive views of the airport, the new facility is open round-the-clock for the exclusive use of guests of The Residence, Etihad First Class, Etihad Guest Exclusive, Etihad Guest Platinum members (plus one guest), Etihad Airways Partner (EAP) airline First Class guests, EAP ‘Invitation only’ members (plus two guests) and EAP equivalent Platinum members (plus one guest).
I have the opportunity to visit the lounge as a guest of Etihad Airways on a quiet Friday afternoon on July 1st.
Lounge attendant and bell boy at the podium to assist guest entry to the lounge.
The First Class Lounge and Spa is located on the 2nd floor, accessible by both elevator and stairs.
Beautiful and very impressive lounge lobby with fresh flowers.
Your luggage can be stored in one of many lockers in the cloak room behind lobby.
The lounge features 16 unique zones designed to ensure that guests can relax, re-energise and be entertained in total luxury before boarding their flight. An à la carte restaurant, showcase bar, fitness room, cigar lounge, Six Senses Spa, Style & Shave barbers, nail bar, TV room, secluded relaxation room, prayer room and children’s play room ensure that all guests receive a highly personalised experience and intuitive service.
There are concierge desk to assist passenger right next to the entrance of the main lounge.
An open kitchen, a small bar and a large area of dining table set up next to the entrance of the lounge.
More dining area next to the window.
Between the 2 dining area, there is a cigar room.
The cigar lounge provides a choice of nine carefully selected brands including Hoyo de Monterray, Cohiba, Bolivar, Montecristo, Arturo Fuente and Romeo Y Julieta from its own humidor.
The lounge also feature a dedicated smoking room
There are also 2 large private room available to family and guest on a first come first serve basis.
Additional seating area behind the restaurant and bar.
Additional dining area at the back of the lounge.
Relax and 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 Stylish Bar
The sculptural showcase bar, which is now a striking feature of Etihad Airways’ new collection of global lounges.
Unfortunately during my visit, it was Ramadan and no alcohol beverage could be served during the day.
Bartender Mikael with his mocktail creation.
A berry based fresh mocktail.
à la carte Dining
It is time to try out the fine dining offered in the lounge.
Etihad frequent flyers can instantly recognize the same tableware served onboard their flights.
I was offered 3 menu to choose my food and beverage from.
à la carte full menu, a lounge and bar dining menu and beverage menu.
From the à la carte menu
Emirati Cuisine
From the lounge and bar dining menu
Beverage Menu
A bespoke cocktail menu has been specially developed in partnership with leading London-based beverage consultancy Fluid Movement. The signature mocktail drink is the Abu Dhabi, which uses Middle-Eastern flavours such as aromatic cold brew coffee infused with cardamom and sprayed with delicate rose water. All mocktails and cocktails featured on the menu are one-of-a-kind and have been named after Etihad’s leading destinations including New York, Melbourne, Shanghai, Paris, Mumbai, Sydney and London.
I was offered a selection of bread to dine with.
My first course: Foie Gras Terrine.
It was certainly beautifully plate up.
Mango and Lemon sorbet in between courses.
Main course: King Scallops.
Dessert: Camel milk pannacotta.
I think the food and beverage standard is very high, the presentation is almost faultless. While Abu Dhabi is certainly not an easy location to get the freshest produce, Etihad made a great effort to ensure their guest get the best of everything on offer.
After the meal, I further explore the lounge by visiting its other features:
Style and Shave by Etihad Airways
At Style & Shave, men can enjoy a wet shave or haircut whilst ladies can book eyebrow shaping, nail treatments or a blow dry. Book your treatments at the Style & Shave reception.
- First Class guests and Platinum Card holders can receive 1 free 15-minute spa treatment or an express treatment at Style & Shave; whilst for other guests there is a fee.
Shave Area
Now service also include shoe shine.
Style Area
Now service also includes Nail Art.
The Fitness Room
I was told the gym is very popular in the morning.
The fitness room is equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym treadmills and cross trainers, and male and female washrooms and showers.
Shower room
The Six Senses Spa
- Residence guests will receive 2 free treatments.
- First Class guests and Platinum Card holders will receive 1 free 15-minute spa treatment or an express treatment at Style and Shave (Abu Dhabi only); whilst for other guests there is a fee.
The Children's room
Guests of the First Class Lounge & Spa will be attended to by a number of expertly trained staff - all of whom have undergone a rigorous selection process. The lounge features a General Manager, Concierge, Maître d’Hotel, Savoy-trained Butlers, chefs and mixologists among its highly trained lounge team.
Conclusion
The new Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa in Abu Dhabi is spectacular! The lounge is an ultra-exclusive lifestyle environment which tells the airline’s acclaimed guest experience and hospitality story with great design, style and comfort, world class dining, and bespoke beauty and relaxation services.
The only problem I have is "Time"! Make sure you allow plenty of time in order to enjoy the offering of this lounge.
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