Virgin Atlantic Heathrow Clubhouse Interior Design

A few months ago Virgin Atlantic’s internationally renowned Upper Class service. Now, to Virgin, first class doesn’t just mean turning left when you board the plane, jumping queues, or even a swanky lounge with serve yourself drinks and snacks…. no, Virgin’s take on first class is extending the full VIP treatment – and coming immediately after 6 days in a field in Somerset, this was going to be some well needed luxury.

Before I’m escorted towards what is possibly one of the most breathtaking VIP lounge’s in international air travel, you get a glimpse into just how much impeccable service is integral to Virgin’s Upper Class offering. Yes, the day begins with chauffeur service direct to Virgin’s very own entrance, at which I’m greeted by a luggage handler – this is the last time I see my bags until New York – and a charming member of staff who, whilst walking from the limo, checks me in – at which point I’m sent straight through to a personal security area and am shown towards the ridiculously lavish Heathrow clubhouse. This takes no more than 5 minutes. This could be very easy to get used to.

So, as you’ll see – the Heathrow Upper Class clubhouse is a rather splendid affair. Designed by award-winning London based architects, SOFTROOM, in conjunction with Virgin’s own design team, the sweeping, organic space blurs the lines between distinct areas, offering an imposing space with a grand scale that sits up and shouts “wow” right at you, whilst juxtaposing said wow-factor with a luxurious subtlety. The amenities are equally “wow”, and equally luxurious – yes, there’s free booze – in fact the champagne is virtually thrust into your hand the minute you check in – and yes, there’s free grub, and rather good it is too. But, this isn’t any old VIP lounge, because here we have designer cocktails, 3D TV, games room and pool table, a library stocked with design, architecture and fashion coffee-table tomes, a complimentary Bumble & Bumble hair salon and, a Cowshed spa complete with treatment rooms, steam room showers, a sauna and a circular hydro spa pool. One beautifully cooked full English breakfast, a few glasses of champagne and a Thai foot massage later, and I was just about ready for boarding.

Best of interior and architecture