Assessment: AEGEAN Airways Business Lounge, Athens, Greece

Situated within the airport’s Non-Schengen space, that is the flagship lounge of AEGEAN’s rising ambitions — not only a resting spot, however a press release. When you’ve meandered your manner by way of the retailers, following the enterprise lounge indicators, it opens at 5:00 am and runs till 1:00 am.

It’s a lounge that cuts by way of the chaos — not with extra or opulence, however with composure. Learn on for our full expertise.

First impressions

The lounge is reached by following the indicators to the third flooring of the Non-Schengen Space (Space A) in the principle terminal constructing. Despite the fact that we arrived on the opening time of 5:00 am, we weren’t the primary to enter as a handful of individuals have been already there.

Gaining entry as AEGEAN enterprise class travellers, although, is swift and environment friendly, and we’re greeted by hushed lighting and well-zoned areas that unfold one after the opposite — it’s not open-plan chaos, however a circulate of experiences, from espresso corners to assembly rooms to serene seating clusters.

Designed throughout greater than 1,200 sq. metres, this stunning lounge attracts from Greece’s pure supplies and architectural heritage — polished terrazzo, heat wooden, marble, glass — however interpreted by way of a distinctly trendy lens. Suppose Cycladic curves meet tech startup cool.

And at 5:00 am, solely a dozen or so folks shared the area, making it really feel much less like an airport lounge and extra like a fantastically appointed non-public membership we’d by accident stumbled into.

Consolation and seating

The seating is quietly masterful in its versatility. When you hint the lounge from left to proper, you start with a collection of reclining loungers, excellent for energy naps or post-red-eye horizontal considering.

Subsequent comes an extended communal desk with stools and a drinks station, excellent for small gatherings or sociable solo travellers.

Glass partitions conceal meeting-room styled areas, excellent for an hour’s writing or a Zoom name. One room is devoted to the Onassis Basis, the doorway intriguingly etched with the phrases“The Art of Waiting.”

Past this enclave, the seating opens up. Spherical tables are flanked by upright chairs, and past them: crescent-shaped sofas (every comfortably seating 4), plush leather-based armchairs that invite you to sink deep, and work-appropriate upright seats by a windowsill overlooking the tarmac.

(At dawn, the blinds are progressively lifted, with the potential for plane-watching clearly constructed into the structure.)

The general capability is beneficiant — with seating for over 200 — however even at peak, the structure would forestall the area from ever feeling crowded. Giant potted crops break up the sightlines, and the air feels nonetheless, not sterile.

Foods and drinks

AEGEAN places the emphasis is on refreshments that cater for quite a lot of tastes and occasions of day, together with some glorious Greek delicacies that you just wouldn’t anticipate from a lounge. A small island – its form probably mirroring the curves present in AEGEAN’s emblem – is adorned with pastries and truffles, with tea and low amenities past.

In the meantime, the central meals island anchors the breakfast providing. On it: Greek yoghurts, chopped fruits, cereals, and truffles organized with a type of informal class.

Past that, it’s the savoury choice that really shines. Bougatsa cream pie, a vegan chickpea and herb pastry, graviera cheese pie, omelette rolls, bacon, and a cherry tomato–feta omelette sit alongside heartier choices like rooster soup and vegetable soup. Close by, platters of meats, cheeses, sandwiches, and mini burgers await the grazers. A large selection of breads, marmalade and honey spherical off the unfold.

Drinks stations are nicely distributed: water, juices, teas and low machines are present in distinct areas, minimising queues.

And tucked on the far finish, an understated but elegant alcohol show gives a rotating choice of wines (together with Greek labels) and spirits — Metaxa amongst them — positive to fulfill travellers of all time zones.

Extra amenities

Past meals and furnishings, AEGEAN has thought fastidiously about operate. Charging factors are plentiful — constructed into tables and seating areas alike — and the WiFi quick. A devoted information stand gives not solely AEGEAN’s Blue in-flight journal but additionally Athens Voice, Costa Navarino Shops, and a curated choice of Greek newspapers.

The restrooms are discreetly positioned and spotless throughout our go to, full with Korres toiletries, an Athenian model deeply rooted in its Greek heritage.

Departure boards are well-placed all through so you may maintain abreast of your flight’s developments, together with some inspiration for quite a lot of locations frequented by the airline.

The ultimate verdict

AEGEAN’s flagship Business Class lounge at Athens will not be about opulence or Instagram moments. It doesn’t scream on your consideration. As an alternative, it quietly earns your respect — by way of element, by way of design, and thru a peaceful confidence in what it gives.

It’s unmistakably Greek, however globally competent. Trendy, however timeless. Spacious, however not soulless. When you crave a genuinely well-executed area to recharge, refocus, or simply be earlier than a flight, that is most actually a lounge that delivers.

Disclosure: Our journey was sponsored by AEGEAN Airways.