Top Tips
- If you are flying Virgin from JFK, Newark, Dulles, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Heathrow, Gatwick, Hong Kong or Joburg, make extra time to enjoy their Clubhouse.
- There maybe more airlines using them, such as Singapore Airlines out of JFK
- Try their spa for a massage or treatment. You can book or walk in. One treatment is complimentary.
- The food is superb and you can order as much as you want.
Virgin has the best lounges in the world. Recently I enjoyed their JFK Clubhouse going home on Singapore Airlines. I had not flown out of JFK for a while, so was pleasantly surprised to find I would be using the Clubhouse.
The layout
Just to the right of the entrance is what I call the Big Apple room where you can keep luggage (at your own risk) while you roam around.
After you walk in, the clubhouse spreads out with a lot of space and a superb look, feel. It is very modern, open and funky.
There was this amazing billiards table and sofa area, all in red (picture from Virgin Atlantic).
Outstanding Food
When I got my burger, it looked so delicious (it was) that I started eating immediately. Later though I remembered to take a picture, so a half eaten burger is what you see.
Shamelessly, I ordered more. Here is the chicken tikka masala. Looking at it, I almost forgot to take a picture (again), but remembered just in time. It didn’t taste like tikka masala (more like Goan cuisine), but was very tasty. I almost missed it, but there is a naan tucked in between the pappadam.
The Virgin Bar
Surprisingly empty at 7.45PM. What a great look nonetheless. Most of the people had ordered drinks where they were sitting to eat.
Psychedelic Loos
The entrance was a passage with the overhead lights changing colours every few seconds. Very cool. Something I have not seen anywhere.
The shower rooms were large, spacious and with great amenities. Their Cowshed shampoo and bathing gels are my favourite.
The Spa
I was so busy eating and checking out the place, I didn’t have time for the spa. The menu has many treatments for 15-45 minutes. Many are complimentary. If you have a second treatment, you need to pay. I would suggest taking the 15 minute complimentary head massage. Perfect before a long flight.
Other things I enjoyed.
The Plane spotting was amazing. Right next to the Virgin Atlantic A340-600 to London and the Singapore Air A380 to Singapore. This is a kaleidoscope of the inside and outside.
The service was great – quick and friendly. Last but not least, the lounge was right next to the gate so you can enjoy more time here.
Many superlatives here, but fully deserved. Truly an experience to be repeated as often as possible.
Try it out soon!
