I have got airport angst. I used to love airports, they were glitzy, glamorous and invariably the gateway to somewhere warm and wonderful or exciting and exotic. Now they fill me with dread – it’s not just the queues, the security or even the simple bad manners of many of the people working there – they are simply places to keep, herd and dehumanise us while at the same time trying to extract as much money as possibly by serving indifferent food in uncomfortable watering holes. I’m sure it’s quite different if you are cocooned in First or Business Class but the majority of us aren’t. Interesting really that most places of refuge for the frazzled traveller i.e.spas are to be found only within the Business and First Class airport lounges.
British Airways are provided by Elemis but only for up the front travellers
Emirates has a two storey spectacular in their Dubai Business Lounge (only snag here, once you get in, you have to pay for your treatments!)
The Virgin ClubHouse at Terminal 3 is possibly the best of the lot, but again only for upper class
which is why I have to applaud some of the innovations found in airports for the humble traveller. Recently I spotted a Beauty Bubble at Nice where for 10Euros you could get an express blow-dry or manicure. Munich is dotted with little Sleep pods where you for a few Euros you can have a little peace and quiet all on your own. I know Clarins has a little manicure place at Gatwick, and a few others are now offering massage chairs but give me Bangkok anytime. Here for a few bucks you can have a back and shoulder massage with a good shot of oxygen to revive you after a long, long flight.
My dream airport treatment would be a dry floatation bed – just lie down in a darkened room and let the bed take your weight for total relaxation – I wouldn’t mind the hassle if I could look forward to one of these.
