Soundproof pods for comfort and privacy: Travellers get first-class treatment at airline's new premium lounge

Business travellers fly in and out of airports about as often as ordinary workers ride the train or bus to work. There is only one difference: the little perks in life can make that journey easier.

Your Qatar Airways experience begins as soon as you step into the new Premium Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 1.

A standing stone wall or megalith adorned with fresh white orchids and the word "Marhaba" ("welcome" in Arabic) greets you at the entrance - the first step to enjoying the award-winning airline's signature pampering hospitality.

It is Qatar Airways' fifth international Premium Lounge and serves business class passengers departing from Singapore on its daily flights to Doha. Measuring a generous 700 sq m, it was voted the World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge at the Skytrax 2021 World Airline Awards, ensuring you will always have space and privacy. Designed to bridge the gap between business class and first class lounges, it can accommodate up to 85 passengers.

Says group chief executive, H.E. Mr Akbar Al Baker: "Qatar Airways has already set the industry standard for business travel with our award-winning Business Class seats. We are now redefining the new standard for business class lounges. We want to ensure that the on-ground experience offered to our passengers is on par with our iconic five-star airline experience."

Thanks to its myriad high-end, sophisticated amenities, features, and service standards, the Premium Lounge operates from 6pm to 2.30am and makes you feel like you are in a first class lounge instead.

Taking a seat in luxury

Even where you choose to rest and recharge in the lounge is a personalised experience. There are seven seating areas in the Premium Lounge to accommodate every business traveller's preference.

Passengers love the five Quiet Pods - soundproof cocoons with a coat hanger, reading lights and universal charging points, where you can enjoy catching up on stock market updates or taking a power nap. You can even download digital newspapers, books, and magazines to your smartphone or tablet by scanning QR codes in the lounge. The Premium Lounge also has a discreet, private prayer room.

Those who travel in Qatar Airways' Business Class may be familiar with the Quiet Pods, as they resemble the airline's award-winning Qsuite Business Class seats. They are known for their comfortable, fully lie-flat beds and personal doors, which give passengers complete privacy during flights.

Fuelling up with style

For passengers who want to enjoy a good night's sleep in their Qsuite, fuelling up before boarding is essential so that you won't need meal service. The Premium Lounge features multiple dining areas, including the Principal Lounge, Garden Bistro, High Seating, Brasserie and Private Lounge, to make you feel like you are in a Michelin-grade fine dining restaurant.

Cold cuts, fruit, and pastries are available at the open buffet counter wherever you choose to chill out. If you have spent a hectic day with back-to-back meetings or site visits and are hungry, scan a QR code for a seasonal, a la carte menu featuring international favourites, from Grilled Lamb Rack with Mashed Potatoes and Chicken Satay to sushi rolls and chocolate fondant. The Premium Lounge has an in-house kitchen, just like any full-service restaurant.

Travellers can also indulge in a nightcap or two at the Martini Bar, which features crystal chandeliers and has a mixologist serving up cocktails and mocktails.

Still have time before boarding (two TV monitors will alert you when it's time to head to the gate)? The well-appointed bathrooms are thoughtfully stocked with luxurious Diptyque toiletries.

Qatar Airways Premium Lounge in Singapore is one of the many reasons to celebrate an illustrious year. To commemorate its 25th anniversary, it has unveiled a Boeing 777-300 aircraft painted in the carrier's retro livery design.

Other accolades include numerous industry awards, including Skytrax's Airline of the Year 2021, which it has won for a historic sixth time.

It also received Skytrax awards for the World's Best Business Class, World's Best Business Class Airline Seat, World's Best Business Class Onboard Catering, and Best Airline in the Middle East.

Enjoy the Premium Lounge on your next Qatar Airways Business Class flight.