This is a review of my short layover in Emirates First Class lounge Dubai before connecting to a Singapore First class flight on the flagship double decker A380. Emirates does not do anything by half measures, and their First Class lounges are no exception! With luxurious spaces to relax, enjoy a gourmet meal, complimentary spa treatments and refresh in a luxury shower suite.
Is there any better way to start your journey?
It took about 15 minutes to get to this First Class lounge in concourse A. Depending on your arrival gates it may take longer, so look out for the buggies. Emirates does also have staff greeting incoming First Class passengers to help them connect onto their onward flights or get to lounges, but this seems to be inconsistently done.
Passengers travelling on Emirates First class flights are invited to use the First lounges. Emirates has multiple First Class lounges in their terminal 3 hub. Depending on the time you have you can use the one closest to your gates or use both! I have also reviewed the Concourse B First Class Lounge
As you enter a very grand, hotel like lobby, there are several “check-in” desk where staff at hand to let you through. I checked through in a few seconds.
Interestingly, I was not asked if I was familiar with the lounge etc like some lounge staff tend to do, if only to make small talk. Sometimes you can get valuable information on how best to spend your time, especially with a lounge of this calibre and size!
As I walked in I had the same sense of excitement as if I was checking into a fancy hotel, and unable to decide where to even begin!?
The lounge is absolutely huge!
Yet you are greeted by a space that looks and feels very familiar (if you have flown Emirates at all )..
Luxurious cream leather sofas, the yellow lamps right down to the plush carpeting is all on brand and comforting..
This was no ordinary lounge, the vast space seemed almost like its own terminal with its own duty free shopping, dining areas, bars etc.
While most business class lounges provide buffet style catering, Emirates First Class lounges have their own restaurants with a la carte menus & waiter service!
You generally have to wait to be seated, however, I could hardly see many guests in there.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t hungry after the flight in so skipped the restaurant and ordered a drink at the bar while trying to figure out how best to maximise my time.
Meanwhile, I could only see 2 or 3 other passengers in the entire lounge. My first priority was to have a shower. Much needed after a short and warm overnight flight! I made a quick dash to the Spa where was I warmly welcomed and presented an extensive array of treatment options. The back and shoulder massage had a slot available 40 min later, decision made!
As I made my way to find the showers, the sheer size of this lounge was just unfolding before me. It felt like a 20 min walk before I was able to locate one of the shower areas. And to my surprise, all the showers were occupied so there was a bit of a wait.
It was weird as I probably in all saw about 5/6 actual passengers in total at this point! The spacing and zoning areas do create a very exclusive feel. As I was sitting just by the corner catching up on morning news, within 5/6 minutes later, I got a spot. The staff were very apologetic for the wait. It was impressive how quickly they turned it around.
The showers are nicely appointed and stocked out with everything you could possibly need. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry to take any pictures of the shower spas. Too bad I forgot to actually take pictures of it!
After the shower, I headed straight to the spa for the massage.
Well, the massage was incredible and really set me up to enjoy this flight! I walked out feeling 20 kilos lighter! The masseuse was very well skilled, having years of experience in the industry. She even gave me here card, so I can book her in advance for my next visit in the lounge!
There truly is an extensive range of complementary treatments available, anyone would be spoilt for choice. Here’s a peak of some of the other areas
There was just enough time to order another drink at the bar and a few bites, before boarding.
And almost like that, the 2 hours or so was over, my first class suite was awaiting for boarding!
This lounge was rather spectacular. It has all you could possibly want for even a 10 hour layover! Unfortunately, I neither had the time or hunger to try out the real dining options, thus I will exclude that from rating, that will be for another time!
You can find out more about Emirates lounges in Dubai here
Faze, founder of Wander Up Front and Elevate Your Stay, is a London-based travel specialist with a deep passion for aviation. With over 2 million miles flown, he has spent the last 7 years focusing on First and Business class experiences.
Faze provides straightforward, no-frills insights into premium airline products and services, sharing what matters to help travellers make informed choices.
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