Latest news with #WindsorSuite
Metro
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
I tried Heathrow's £3,177 VIP terminal — how the other half fly
You know how airports have lounges – pay as you go, business class, first class and even those that go one tier above? But did you know there's a level even higher, so elite they don't call it a lounge, they call it a suite? That's where I'm writing this from. I'd heard that Heathrow Airport had reopened their Windsor Suite – used by the likes of the Beckhams and Prince Harry – after a major upgrade. Up until 2008, only diplomats and royals could use the service, but it was expanded ahead of the London 2012 Olympics. And, when I was invited to test it out, I thought I'd never live it down if I didn't take my family along with me. The first excitement came when our chauffeur pulled up at an entrance far from the normal drop-off zone and said 'I've got four VIPs' over the intercom. My four-year-old son still refers to himself as a VIP. I then gave my husband – who told me off for not telling him to dress a bit smarter – a quick briefing on what to expect: 'Give them our passports, and don't worry about the bags'. Immigration, bag-drop, check-in and security were going to be done as discreetly as possible; all we had to worry about was what we wanted from Michelin starred chef Jason Atherton's a la carte menu. There are eight suites at the terminal, but our very own waiting area was the Mayfair Lounge, one of the largest private rooms on offer. We had comfortable seating, a dining area, private bathroom, and – our children's favourite feature – a button that summoned staff in seconds. We weren't in the market, but if you're interested in high-end shopping, a private shopper will appear in a flash to guide you through the best Hermes and Louis Vuitton have to offer. Initially, I was worried that the bell would become irritating, but the staff seemed to love having the children around. In fact, they even took them for a 'backstage tour' of the kitchens and security so my husband and I could enjoy a glass of wine in peace. Once I'd polished off my rigatoni and a cheeky chicken burger on the side (well, why not?), representatives from our airline came to greet us and find out if we wanted to be first on the plane, or last. All too swiftly, it was time for our flight. After a rapid scan through the private security scanner, our chauffeur was waiting to take us on the seven-minute trip from terminal 5 to terminal 3. Regular passengers are told to allow 90 minutes for the same journey. More Trending As much as I enjoyed the luxury, service and comfort of the lounge, this was the most exciting bit. Our car was escorted along a city-sized road network, through the secret network of tunnels and along the runway to our waiting plane. We climbed a staircase that took us through a door most people wouldn't have seen as they boarded, and our host passed us over to the cabin crew's capable hands. I doubt we'll be travelling like this again soon, and taking our children to the airport will be a painful experience in the future, but overall I think if I could afford to do it again, I would. Arrival and check-in Regular terminal: Piccadilly Line, sweaty armpits, jostled by other people's bags, carrying your own bags. Queues and self-serve bag drops. First class lounge: You've still got to go through the main airport, you just do it a little quicker. Windsor Suite: Chauffeur driven, private entrance, concierge, bags taken care of. Regular travel: Queuing, rushing, processed cattle. First class lounge: Fast track, but still face potential for queues with other first and business class passengers. Windsor security: Private security with no queues, no rush and no public scrutiny or stress. Regular terminal: Lots of plastic seating, noise and distraction. No privacy and you've got to pay for all your snacks/restaurants. First class lounge: Shared space with other travellers, buffet or a la carte dining, and champagne. Windsor suite: Complete privacy, ample space to lounge around, a TV you can control, full a la carte menu, fine dining and a butler service. Regular travel: Walking forever to get to the gate, more waiting and more queuing. First class: You still have to walk to the gate, but you get priority boarding. Windsor suite: Chauffeur driven from your lounge to your aircraft – you can request being let on first or last. Regular travel: Most travellers. First class: Premium passengers and frequent flyers. Windsor suite: Royals, celebrities, the new Pope and (for one time only) me. Regular terminal: Free. First class lounge: Free with first class ticket. Windsor suite: Packages start at £3,177 (+VAT) for you and three guests. Access is reserved for high-profile travellers or can be booked separately if you're in business or first. MORE: Emirates business class review: I 'turned left' — now I'm ruined for life MORE: What I Own: At 22 and 23, we bought a run-down London four-bed for £910,000 MORE: Plane suddenly drops 500 feet to 'avoid mid-air collision' with British jet fighter
Metro
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Tom Cruise splashes out on lavish gift for rumoured girlfriend Ana De Armas
Rumours that Tom Cruise and Ana De Armas are an item continue to fly as the Mission: Impossible star reportedly spent a huge amount just to get her to the airport. While neither actor has spoken about their possible romance, they have been spotted together at David Beckham's lavish 50th birthday bash as well as enjoying a stroll in London. And it seems the Top Gun star, 62, is determined to impress the Blonde actor, 37, by spending more than £4,000 to drop her at Heathrow Airport via his private helicopter so she could make her flight to New York City. Ana was seen arriving at the airport in the helicopter, smiling as she walking through the airport donning a casual blue denim jeans and white t-shirt ensemble with a long tan coat. The Sun reports that Cruise, who is currently promoting the latest Mission: Impossible film The Final Reckoning, spent £4,850 to charter the vehicle, and £3,812 for Ana to use the airport's VIP Windsor Suite. An insider told the publication: 'Tom wants Ana to know she can have the best of the best and doesn't think twice about the bill. 'He's a total gent and just wants to do right by Ana. If that means splashing the cash then so be it.' It's not the first time Ana and Tom have taken to the skies together, as last month the rumoured lovebirds were spotted enjoying a cosy helicopter ride at Farnborough Airport. Accompanied by her two dogs, Ana was travelling with Tom from Madrid, and they both appeared to be in high spirits as they landed in London. In March, the pair was snapped at London Heliport, having arrived back in London after using Tom's aircraft the day before. The pair were reportedly accompanied by director Doug Liman on the outing, who also joined them in their April helicopter ride. It's speculated that the pair could be set to collaborate, but the name of the project they are working on was not specified. The month before, on Valentine's Day, the duo was snapped on a night out in Soho, London. Ana was seen holding takeaway bags, and the pair were seen hopping in a taxi together. More Trending At the time, a source told People that the stars were dining with their agents and 'discussing potential collaborations down the line.' It was also noted that the pair 'appeared to have no romantic connection, just friends.' It comes as Tom made a rare comment about his ex Nicole Kidman, whom he was married to from 1990 until 2001, and starred alongside in Stanley Kubrick's thriller Eyes Wide Shut. In an interview with the British Film Institute's (BFI) Sight and Sound magazine, Cruise said of making the film: 'I flew out to his (Kubrick's) house and I landed in his backyard. I read the script the day before and we spent the day taking about it. I knew all of his films. 'Then it was basically he and I getting to know each other. And when we were doing that, I suggested Nicole play the role (of Alice). Because obviously she's a great actress.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Tom Cruise praises 'brilliant' Mickey Rourke after CBB star infamously slammed him as 'irrelevant' MORE: Amber Heard announces birth of twins as she completes 'dream family' MORE: Grammy- winning country singer's husband reveals she once shot at him after discovering affair
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Loved-up Tom Cruise, 62, splashes eye-watering sum on lavish gift for girlfriend Ana De Armas, 37
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TOM Cruise is going all out to impress new girlfriend Ana de Armas — spending £8,600 just on a trip to an airport. The Hollywood actor, 62, splashed the cash on a trip to New York City. 4 Tom Cruise spent £8,600 on a trip to an airport for his new girlfriend Ana de Armas Credit: Getty 4 Ana and Tom after a mini-break to Madrid Credit: BackGrid 4 Ana in a chopper for a private Heathrow-bound flight Credit: BackGrid 4 Ana at JFK Airport in New York Credit: He chartered his own £1million helicopter to take her from central London to Heathrow Airport at a cost of £4,850. Tom then spent a further £3,812 getting her into the airport's VIP Windsor Suite. The £8,662 he spent was more than double the cost of her first class British Airways ticket across the pond. A source said: 'Tom wants Ana to know she can have the best of the best and doesn't think twice about the bill. 'He's a total gent and just wants to do right by Ana. "If that means splashing the cash then so be it.' Ana, who starred in Bond film No Time To Die in 2021 was first linked with Tom after they were spotted on a dinner date on Valentine's Day. Since then things have been hotting up — with Tom whisking her away for a mini-break to Madrid for Easter. They went public with their romance at David Beckham's 50th birthday party in London earlier this month.
Business Insider
07-05-2025
- Business Insider
Top 10 most luxurious airports in the world
These airports are no longer just transit points—they are luxury destinations in their own right, turning mundane layovers into opulent experiences that travellers might not want to end. Some airports worldwide are transforming layovers into luxury experiences with amenities like rooftop pools, spas, and designer shopping. Dubai International Airport leads global rankings with features like zen gardens, gourmet dining, luxury duty-free shops, and a five-star hotel. Other airports, such as Doha, Paris CDG, and Singapore Changi, provide signature attractions like iconic sculptures, art museums, and indoor waterfalls. Airports that redefine the travel experience While most travellers consider airports a stressful necessity filled with overpriced snacks and endless queues, some elite global terminals have transformed this perception. These airports offer more than just functional services—they deliver extravagant experiences that rival five-star resorts. From rooftop pools to designer boutiques and private spas, these hubs elevate "airport time" into a highlight of the journey. In an era where flight delays are increasingly common, these terminals offer sanctuary, indulgence, and even reasons to arrive early—or miss a flight altogether. How the rankings were determined Based on an extensive review of over 1,800 airports worldwide, researchers identified 69 luxury contenders—each boasting a minimum of 10 premium lounges. Here are the top 10 global leaders in luxury aviation: 1. Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Luxury Score: 83/100 Leading the global rankings, Dubai International Airport embodies the UAE's dedication to luxury and innovation. With a five-star hotel inside the terminal, passengers can unwind in zen gardens, take a dip in the outdoor pool, watch a film at the cinema, or dine at gourmet restaurants. The vast duty-free zone even offers luxury cars and rare spirits. Its towering palm trees and open spaces create an oasis amid the airport bustle. 2. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – Luxury Score: 82/100 Just one point behind DXB, Heathrow remains Europe's busiest airport and a luxury leader. Terminal 5 houses brands like Cartier, Gucci, and Chanel. With 43 lounges—many with private suites and spa treatments —Heathrow offers premium comfort. The Concorde Room and Windsor Suite cater to the elite, including royalty and celebrities, offering discretion and exclusivity. 3. Hamad International Airport, Doha (DOH) – Luxury Score: 73/100 Qatar's flagship airport features water-inspired architecture, high-end retailers like Hermès and Tiffany & Co., and an iconic 23-foot bronze teddy bear sculpture by Urs Fischer. The Al Mourjan Business Lounge is vast, while sleeping pods with ensuite bathrooms revolutionise layover experiences. Hamad International Airport, Doha 4. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – Luxury Score: 66/100 With Parisian charm and efficiency, CDG offers designer shopping from Louis Vuitton to Dior, an airport art museum, and Guerlain spa treatments. Terminal 2E's elegant design and La Belle Époque restaurant, which serves vintage champagne, elevate the travel experience. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport 5. Sydney International Airport (SYD) – Luxury Score: 61/100 Oceania's top luxury hub blends historical significance with modern style. The Qantas First Lounge features a vertical garden, spa, and menu by chef Neil Perry. With Cartier and Armani boutiques, SYD also boasts a striking runway that extends into Botany Bay. 6. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) – Luxury Score: 59/100 Home to the world's tallest indoor waterfall, Changi's Jewel complex also houses themed gardens, a rooftop pool, and free movie theatres. The airport's lounges offer chef-prepared meals, full-body massages, and tranquil relaxation pods for premium passengers. 7. Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok (BKK) – Luxury Score: 57/100 A blend of modern and traditional Thai design, BKK features luxury retail, the world's tallest control tower, and cultural experiences like traditional massages and craft demonstrations. Its massive single-building terminal is an architectural marvel. 8. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) – Luxury Score: 54/100 Built on reclaimed land, HKG includes an IMAX cinema, golf course, and exclusive luxury shopping. The Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge offers private cabanas, massages, and personal assistants, while the Peninsula Hotel provides concierge services with Rolls-Royce transfers. Hong Kong International Airport 9. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – Luxury Score: 51/100 DON'T MISS THIS: West Africa's air transport still the costliest globally – ECOWAS official warns Germany's busiest airport and Lufthansa's hub showcases precision luxury. Passengers can browse luxury car showrooms, while the Lufthansa First Class Terminal provides bathtub suites, personal assistants, and even collectible rubber ducks. 10. Narita International Airport, Tokyo (NRT) – Luxury Score: 48/100 Narita excels in cultural refinement. It pioneered the capsule hotel concept for jet-lag recovery and offers tatami meditation rooms, sake tastings, and tea ceremony demonstrations. Shopping options include exclusive electronics and traditional crafts unique to Japan. Narita International Airport Conclusion
