So my last post was about the Etihad business class flight from New York- Abu Dhabi.
Here’s the part where I touch down in Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Soon as I got off the aircraft, I immediately saw an Etihad airport staff bearing my name.
I thought she was just going to walk/ escort me to the business class lounge.
I didn’t expect a RIDE!
Yes, I hopped on that indoor cart normally used for elderly passengers. I could have walked but it seemed rude to refuse the ride, as they (the Etihad staff and the cart driver) had been waiting just outside the tube gate and we landed about 10 minutes later than ETA.
We weaved in and out amongst the exiting crowds, (with the driver happily using the cart horn) and soon we reached the Etihad Business Class lounge.
They have a locker where I stashed my hand luggage for the time being. I arrived with about an hour to go before arrivals “peak time” (this was about 10 PM Abu Dhabi time) came, when most flights from Europe arrived, and soon this lounge would be packed.
So I had time to chat abit with Laureen, the Etihad staff who escorted me, who I found out was also Filipino. Etihad has a very multicultural staff at the airport, but I found majority were Filipinos. I was thrilled–it felt like being in Manila once more! A lot of them had been there for ages. One lady I interviewed spoke to , I learned she’s been there for 18 years without ever going back to the Philippines!
Anyway, the lounge gives you free Wi-Fi, and free buffet food. They serve a smorgasbord of international cuisines, and caters to all dietary requirements.
 |
| the beef stroganoff-steamed vegetables combination was soo good and comforting! |
I had about 3-4 more hours to spare before my connecting Abu Dhabi-London flight. I was really happy with the late dinner/midnight meal I had and wondering where else to wander when Laureen asked me , “Why don’t you book a massage at our spa?”
Well, true I did fly 13 hours but I was on business class. I wasn’t really stressed (in fact quite the complete opposite!) , but I decided to check it out. So it turns out that all first and business class Etihad passengers are entitled to complimentary 15-minute massages at their Six Senses Spa, located just in front of the lounge entrance.
They have 6 different treatments to choose from, including 2 mini-facials. I chose “The Hedonist”– a light head massage. It was really relaxing, you get to go inside a mini-room complete with aromatherapy and music.
This service is just amazing! Just one of the things to add on your “things to do while waiting to board.” On the other hand, I found this ironic. They offer it to business and first class passengers, when I can imagine I’d be more in NEED of this if I flew economy.
This is the lounge toilet
Love the dark, belevedere-ish theme. Inside was also an attendant who , er, I guess makes sure you have everything you need?
Gotta love the toilet bidet sprays!
Overall I’m really impressed with the Business Class lounge of Etihad in Abu Dhabi. They are soon going to open a new airport, and I can only imagine how much bigger/ indulgent the new lounge will be!
Next post on this will be my Abu Dhabi- London flight.
————————————
This trip was sponsored by Etihad Airways Opinions of the product/service are entirely mine.
Leave a Reply