Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Heathrow's Terminal 5, London


On a recent trip to London, we spent some time in the new Terminal 5. I had heard so many negative things about Terminal 5, that I was a bit nervous...but it seems like all the kinks have been worked out. It's light and airy, and has so many amazing food and shopping options.  We loved the Japanese fast food at Itsu (edamame, udon, rolls), and there's also a huge Wagamama (noodle bar) and Gordon Ramsay's restaurant, Plane Food. Plus there's a Paul Smith shop, Smythson, and our favorite pharmacy, Boots.  The security line went so fast, everyone was so polite and efficient. There was also a really cool water fountain outside that made it seem more like a park than an airport...
During our time at Heathrow, we were lucky enough to experience the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Lounge in Terminal 3.  The lounge is so over-the-top that I wish we got to the airport six hours early so we could actually take advantage of everything it had. Think food made to order served at booths (yes, with waiter service)...a candy bar...a kids' playroom...a library...a spa with services like haircuts, massage, mani/pedi (all you have to do is pre-book -- everything's free once you are in the lounge). There's even a sauna and a hot tub, and they sell bathing suits for the unprepared! It was so insane...a buffet with the most delicious and healthy food--we were out of our minds! Even better, we were able to be in there because I found out about an amazing deal on Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class fares from one of my favorite travel websites, Joe Brancatelli's Joe Sent Me. The flights were at least a third of the price, in high season!






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