Courtesy of Belmond/Delta/Air France
There’s no shortage of new and exciting hotels and resorts on offer. In fact, our Best of the Best award winners this year prove that there’s still plenty to discover across the globe—even for seasoned travelers who think they’ve seen it all.
But travel these days is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Which is why we wanted to spotlight a trio of uniquely plush experiences you can enjoy on the way to wherever you’re headed. From a surprisingly luxe commercial airport lounge to an upgraded first-class flying experience and a stellar train suite, these experiences serve as a reminder that getting there is half the fun.
Delta One Lounge
Image Credit: Jason Dewey Kudos to Delta for its new ultra-premium lounges. Since last June, the airline has rolled them out at New York’s JFK, Boston Logan, and LAX. They’re game changers for commercial travel in the States, and the New York outpost is massive: nearly 40,000 square feet, with its own security checkpoint, an elevator to the concourse, a French brasserie, and a wellness area with nap pods, massage chairs, and therapist-administered spa treatments.
Air France La Première
Image Credit: Claire-Lise Havet The French flag carrier retains a certain je ne sais quoi: It’s one of the few to provide true first-class service. This year, it took that amenity to new heights, enlarging the footprint for each traveler to almost 38 square feet (25 percent more room than before), with two seating areas that convert to a seven-foot-long bed, enclosed by a floor-to-ceiling privacy curtain.
Belmond VSOE L’Observatoire
Image Credit: Courtesy of Belmond Belmond upgraded the onboard experience of its historic trains by launching private-bathroom- equipped suites two years ago, but nothing quite compares to the gigantic cabin it debuted this year, designed by French artist JR. It has a freestanding tub, a skylit bedroom, and walls lined with JR’s photographs. Behind the bookcase, there’s a secret tearoom with a fireplace and another skylight, the better to see what’s in your cup.
