Virgin Australia launches new ‘secret’ invite-only lounge

It’s been a long time coming, but Virgin Australia has finally opened these ‘secret’ doors to guests — but there’s a big catch on how to get in.

Anyone who has ever been lucky enough to fly business class will tell you that it ruins flying forever.

Because next time you fly in economy it’s a rough landing – your eyes have been opened to the possibility that a long-haul flight can be a delicious indulgence and not an endurance test. You can never unsee those busi-class PJs and a la carte menu.

We had a sneak peek at Virgin's new Beyond Lounge … and we like what we see.

Which is exactly how I feel about airports after having a sneak peek at Virgin’s new Beyond Lounge (which was formerly known as The Club). I now know that time at the airport doesn’t have to be spent sitting on the floor next to a power point eating a limp wrap from the food court. It can be spent in the lap of luxury.

Today Virgin unveiled their brand new Beyond Lounges in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It’s a cut above the business class lounge you may be familiar with – this is reserved for the airline’s “most loyal guests from the worlds of business, travel, politics, sport, music, entertainment and society”.

The lounges are hidden behind an unmarked door, and only members know the location of the door.

What’s it like inside the Beyond Lounge?

After battling your way through airport security it’s blissfully peaceful. The walls are clad in leather and oak, there are Chester-style armchairs everywhere and secluded “privacy pods” if you need to get work done (or you’re super famous and don’t want to be seen).

There are different seating zones throughout the lounges, providing members with different spaces to dine, work, and relax.

There are different zones for dining and relaxing.

Sleek bathrooms include showers with plush towels and premium bathroom amenities by Appelles Apothecary Lab are also available.

Private offices and boardrooms are also available in each Beyond Lounge. To maintain the tranquil atmosphere they don’t do standard boarding announcements. Instead, Beyond Lounge Hosts will come by when it’s time for members to board their flight and provide “personalised 1:1 boarding invitations”. Slick.

The truffle fries are back by popular demand.

Some of the menu options will delight.

Who gets an invite to Virgin’s Beyond Lounge?

Probably not you or I. I’m so sorry to break the news.

The lounge is reserved for corporate partners, some high-status Velocity Frequent Flyer members and “key opinion leaders throughout the country”. Members must be invited by the CEO or company executives.

There are privacy pods with their own personal charging station.

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka was cagey about the number of people who would be invited to the exclusive club, and wouldn’t be drawn on the secret formula that ascertained who made the cut.

“It is a very special experience for our most important guests who require privacy,” she explained to gathered media.

“It’s also a way to say thank you to those people who are very important to our business.”

“ … We know Beyond is going to be very popular with business leaders who are looking for premium travel experiences for their businesses.”

Food and beverage in Beyond Lounge

There’s not a bain marie in sight here. There are baristas to make a coffee to your specifications and hosts to come and take your order from the a la carte dining menu (which you can see at the end of this post).

Make sure you wear a comfy pair of pants.

According to Hrdlicka, there was one item that members of The Club were pretty insistent returned to the menu in the Beyond Lounges.“ The truffle fries are back by popular demand,” she announced.

Extra perks of being a Beyond member

It’s not just the truffle fries. There are a range of perks that Beyond members get.

12-month annual membership for the primary member with the option to also nominate a spouse/partner for Beyond membership to enjoy the same benefits. Membership is reviewed each year.

We hope you're hungry for the visit.

- Access to dedicated Beyond Lounges in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane with à la carte menu offering.

- Dedicated phone concierge service to make or change bookings.

- 4 x complimentary upgrades to Business Class each year.

- 1 x complimentary Velocity Gold membership for the primary member’s executive assistant.

The full Beyond Lounge a la carte menu

Imagine never having to pay $92 for a bottle of water at the airport again. Bliss …

Breakfast:

Seasonal fruit platter;

Free range eggs any style on toast with your choice of bacon, pork sausage, tomato, avocado, spinach and mushrooms;

Toasted sourdough or croissant with Pepe Saya butter and a choice of condiments;

Toasted sourdough, tomato pesto, serrano ham, piquillo peppers and Manchego cheese;

Organic buckwheat and date toasted muesli and yoghurt (GF)

Small plates

Fresh sandwiches:

Signature truffle fries

In-house roasted mixed nut combination

Seasonal Australian artisan cheese selection with traditional accompaniments.

Main Plates

Grass-fed steak sandwich with Australian cheddar, pickle and gem lettuce

Superfood salad with red quinoa, avocado, kale, pomegranate and smoked almonds (vegan)

Superfood salad with cauliflower kimchi, sushi rice, edamame, avocado, sesame seeds, ponzu sauce

Salad of brown rice, beetroot kraut, broccolini, chickpeas, grapefruit and pecans

Grilled calamari spaghetti, garlic, chilli, white wine and Queensland bottarga

Gnocchi, braised lamb, green peas, forest mushrooms, mint, goat cheese

Penne pasta, grilled chorizo, shaved zucchini, tomato, marjoram pesto, pecorino

Halloumi sliders, hummus, grilled eggplant, chilli-tomato relish, rocket

Pulled beef brisket tacos, cos lettuce, broccomole, chipotle mayonnaise

Hot smoked salmon tostada, cucumber dill slaw, avocado, jalapeño mayonnaise

Dessert

Salted caramel tartlet, chocolate ganache, raspberry coulis, vanilla ice cream

White chocolate panna cotta, fresh berries, hazelnut crumble

Pistachio pavlova, whipped mascarpone cream, rhubarb-ginger jam

Chocolate mud cake

Matcha green tea cake

Carrot-orange cake