The World's 10 Best Airport Lounges

ISTANBUL ATATURK INTERNATIONAL, Millennium Lounge. This spacious lounge, shared by a number of international airlines, is nothing to look at, but it offers decent hot food, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, snug seating areas and refuge from the crowds and high prices in Turkey's largest airport. Moreover, it's open 24 hours, a rarity. Located in the main international terminal, up one level, after main airport security and before a second screening at the departure gates.

ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL, Etihad Airways Premium Lounge. The sumptuous first-class lounge of Abu Dhabi's flag carrier boasts a kitchen and chef's table, a spa, cigar lounge, Champagne bar, day beds and sleek modern furniture. The business-class lounge also has a spa, plus a cocktail bar, art gallery and business center. Open 24 hours. The Etihad Premium Lounge is relocating to the new terminal 3 at the end of March.

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL, Emirates Airlines. This elegant lounge shows what money can buy, which, it turns out, is a lot, even in the present economic crisis. The first-class lounge has a wine cellar, spa, buffet and juice bars, a kids' play area and free Wi-Fi. The business-class lounge has a spa (for a fee), showers, two business centers, PCs and a conference room. Located in Terminal 3.

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL, Cathay Pacific Airways. Cathay has two blue-chip lounges at its home airport in Hong Kong. The Wing, for both first- and business-class travelers, features the superb Long Bar, which overlooks the concourse and is flooded with soft, natural light; the Noodle Bar has some of the best airport food on the planet. Open from 5:30 a.m. till the last flight departure. Located on levels 6 and 7, the south concourse. Cathay's newest lounge, The Pier, lacks the natural light of The Wing, as it's located on a lower level, but is similarly kitted-out and comfortable. The Pier is open daily from 6 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. Located on level 5, northwest concourse, near gates 62-66.