Oobi, Little Travel Princess & Etihad Airways First Class
in Melbourne
01/20/2018 by Sonja
Striking, sophisticated, stylish all sum up Etihad Airways Premium Lounge in Melbourne
Luxury on the ground
‘Wow’ is the best way to describe this Etihad Airways Air Line Lounge. It combines the sophistication of a 5 star hotel lobby, with top level service and food-champagne-wine and cocktails that will rival any of the high end Melbourne restaurants. Lounge Manager, Shea Bedwell prides in sourcing quality local produce where ever possible.
The Lounge
The Bar
This Air Line lounge guarantees you a luxurious start to your journey,
despite your class of travel.
How can you access the lounge?
The good news for most of us is that access to the lounge is not only for those who fly at the pointy end of the plane. Access to the lounge is permitted if you are:
- Flying on an Etihad Air Line international flight in residential, first or business class (complimentary access)
- Flying on an Etihad Air Line international flight in economy ($75 per adult, $45 per youth, free for children Under 12)
- Flying on certain Virgin international flights and are a Virgin Australia velocity gold, platinum or club member.
All travellers are welcome in Etihad’s Premium Lounge
especially families with children
A warm welcome
The entrance to the Etihad lounge boasts a ceiling of gold baubles, inviting you through to a space which includes a library, work, relaxation and dining areas.
The lounge caters for up to 133 passengers with two sides of the space fitted with floor to ceiling windows allowing for an amazing view of the tarmac and an abundance of natural light.
Plane spotting
Relaxing by the bar
Controlled at the touch of an iPad, technology within the lounge is state of the art. USB and power outlets are throughout with each chair (even the bar stools) having a plug within an arms reach.
The food and drink
A focal point of the lounge is the bar with its full bar service, ‘Mixologists’ and Baristas. Your wish is their command. I am not a big drinker but with the offer an Espresso Martini and French champagne – how could I say no!
Expresso Martinis - how can you say no?!
Mixologists and Baristas on staff
The lounge prides itself on sourcing fresh, local produce and as a result, showcases some of Victoria’s finest delicacies.
The food is mouth watering. At the time of writing, the lounge had moved from offering an alacarte to buffet service however; with passionate Chefs specialising in middle eastern cuisine the range of dishes and flavours are exceptional. For frequent travellers, unlike some competitor Air Line lounges, the good news is that the menu changes with the seasons. Bravo!
An array of middle east delicasies
Etihad’s food and service is 110%
Mouthwatering dips
Menu items include:
Chicken Tagine, rice pilaf with almonds and sultanas
Slow cooked lamb shoulder with roasted vegetables and pearl barley
Fatoush salad
Moussaka
Pitta bread with a trio of dips: Hommous, Babaganush and Roasted carrot
Turkish dates and apricots
Selection of soft cheese
Lemon curd tart
How can you not smile?
Oolala
Are children welcome in Etihad’s Air Line Lounge?
Yes.
Etihad Airlines pride itself as an Air Line for the leisure and family traveller and has an on-board flying nanny accessible for all class of passengers. These specialist Steward’s are trained in face painting, children’s games, arts and crafts and will even babysit your children 10 000 miles off the ground so you can relax and enjoy your flight.
Toys galore
TV too
Even an on board nanny!!
If you’re like me and travel with children, you and they will be delighted with the children’s space within the Air Line lounge. An activity room with books, games, toys and TV to entertain your little ones while you relax on the ground.
My little princesses are usually reluctant to go into kids clubs or spaces however; on the day of our visit to the lounge, they kept asking to go back in there. Why not?
So relaxed … children are most welcome in the Etihad premium lounge
Extra touches
The Melbourne Etihad premium lounge has kept the style and class of its A380 flowing into its lounge with Italian Poltrona Frau leather seating (as a side note this is the same leather used for upholstery within a Ferrari) and toiletries to match.
There is also a prayer room and shower facilities.
Shower facilities with luxury toiletries, towels and hair dryer
The Residence
If you are a VIP, or have the privilege of flying in the A380 residence, you may be fortunate enough to indulge in the residence section of the Etihad Airways Air Line lounge. This private area, with own bathroom and butler is aside the main entry providing seclusion from the main lounge. Without disclosing names, a few popular International and Australian celebrities, politicians and sportspersons have been spotted here.
The Residence private lounge
Books to read
Acknowledgments:
I would like to thank Etihad Air lines for the opportunity to review their Melbourne Lounge. From their management team to their floor staff, the service is exceptional. I look forward to being able to visit here again, hopefully on route to an exotic holiday.
Exceptional service from all staff within the Etihad Premium Lounge
My photographers, Reggie Regaldo and Alli Wood of Moss Media Photography in Carmel, thankyou. You have captured some beautiful images showcasing this amazing premium lounge.
Relaxing and reading in the library
Magazines, papers, books and TV
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