Review: Inside the Qantas International First Class Lounge and spa at Sydney International Airport

FREE facials and massages, a Neil Perry designed menu and French champagne are some of the perks when you fly First Class — and that’s before you even step on the plane.

“TATTINGER, Bollinger or Veuve Clicquot?” the hostess replied when I asked for a glass of champagne. Now that’s my kind of question!

I’m sitting at the Qantas First Class International lounge in Sydney awaiting my flight.

While I’m certainly not travelling First Class, I’ve been afforded a look at how the other half lives inside Qantas’ most prestigious lounge.

And I’m already impressed.

“Should I order from the Neil Perry designed menu before or after my spa treatment?” I ask the hostess.

“Why not both?” she replies.

The lounge provides a luxury dining experience.

Fantastic, and yes, that’s right, I’ve been booked in for a half-hour complimentary facial treatment before my flight.

Operated by Aurora Spa, the within the International First Class lounge is the perfect way to kick off a long flight to relax tired muscles and rehydrate skin before take off.

And of course, the facilities are — for want of a better phrase — First Class.

The complimentary treatments include a variety of soothing and therapeutic massages, hand and foot spa therapy, facials for both men and women, and refreshing eye treatments.

Stepping inside the spa takes instantly you away from the hustle and bustle of the airport and you’d swear you were at an exclusive resort.

The beautiful vertical garden upon entry provides a lush, green spectacle.

After the spa treatments, guests are again invited to sample some of Perry’s best at the restaurant before their flight.

His signature salt and pepper squid with green chilli dipping source is hard to come by and can be served up in just minutes for those who need to eat and run. Not that you’d want to here.

The seasonal menu features all day dining options, signature sandwiches, side dishes as well as dessert and cheese and “market inspirations”.

Qantas also prides itself on it’s wine list which offers a selection of five white wines, six reds, three champagnes and a rosé.

First Class passengers enjoy complimentary spa treatments.

On top of the food and wine, the lounge also boats free internet access, meeting rooms, Apple computers and printing facilities, a library, shower facilities and complimentary newspapers and magazines.

All Qantas and Emirates First Class passengers plus one guest travelling on the same flight as well as Qantas and Emirates Platinum Frequent Flyer members plus one guest travelling on the same flight are eligible to access the Qantas First Class International Lounge.

While most of us may not be lucky enough to, Qantas also offers an equally generous lounge experience for it’s domestic and international Business Class passengers and eligible Frequent Flyer members.

Our expert tip is to get to the airport as early as possible, you’ll want to make the most of your time here!

A look inside the First Class Lounge which opened in May 2007.