Airport Spa to the Rescue: The Best Places to Get Pampered as you Travel

The lead-up to my trip to the US was completely and utterly insane. Between organizing the travel, packing for J and myself (complicated of course by the different climates, as well as three fancy events – including a wedding and a reunion), making sure the HK apartment would be all squared away while I was gone (thank goodness for Olive!), arranging a bit of this and that for Hubby, and tying up a zillion and one loose ends at the office, I literally did not have one single moment for pre-holiday maintenance (gasp).

It is with this in mind that we’ve pulled together a look at a few noteworthy airport spas  –multi-tasking moms, take note! So get to the airport a touch early, leave Hubby in charge of the kiddos, and make your way over to these spots for a few moments of peace.

Newark Liberty International Airport

The first night of our honeymoon a couple years back, Hubby and I actually missed our flight to paradise.  It’s a long story – and it’s too painful to recount –  but the bottom line is that we were stuck at Newark overnight. Could the start of our dream trip to Vietnam have been any worse?

I hope that you are never in such a predicament, but if you are, you may be in luck –  just last month D_Parture Spa opened the world’s first eco-friendly, full-service airport day spa.  The newest facility of this US-chain, the Terminal C location has been constructed using green design concepts, sustainable materials and eco-friendly products. You’ll get way more than just a chair massage here – they offer a range of treatments lasting from 10 minutes to 2 hours (each using environmentally and socially responsible brands like Osea and Karma).  Waxes, facials, manicures, blowouts – even kid’s cuts – are all available.

D Parture Spa
Newark Liberty International Airport –  Terminal C, Gate 92

Gatwick Airport London
The freshly remodeled Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Clubhouse at London’s Gatwick Airport reopened with a fancy updated interior back in November. A slew of 15-minute treatments in the signature Cowshed Spa —manicures, massages, shaves, waxes —are free for Clubhouse guests (and can be upgraded to more enhanced treatments for anywhere from £10-70).   And the lounge’s soundproof kids’ playroom, Guitar Hero corner and the Wii Sports area will keep the kiddos (and Hubby) more than occupied.  No appointments are taken – it’s first come, first served. Check out the killer spa menu here.

Cowshed Spa and Internal Garden
The Virgin Atlantic Gatwick Clubhouse
Located in the Upper Level Departure Lounge

Heathrow & JFK
Those traveling on the long hauls out of London and New York on British Airways, take note: First and Club World passengers, as well as Gold Executive Club members, get a complimentary treatment at the Elemis Travel Spa.  Their range of 15-minute treatments is specially-devised for travel (and don’t require you to remove your clothes).  On departure, treatments are designed to aid sleep and relaxation; on arrival, they are designed to re-awaken and energize.  Of course, all treatments are subject to opening hours and availability – so hustle!

Elemis Travel Spa – British Airways Terrace Lounge
Heathrow – Terminal 5
New York JFK

Vancouver International Airport
There are a total of four locations of absolute spa – Canada’s largest spa chain – at the Vancouver International Airport.  Services range from anti-fatigue and jetlag treatments (please and thank you!),  chair massages, manicures and pedicures, waxing, facials, blowouts, hot shaves — you name it. Heck, they even offer spray tanning.  And if feel the need to get out of the airport, there is also a location at the Fairmont Hotel above the U.S. Terminal.

absolute spa
Domestic Terminal
Before Security, Level 1
After Security, Gate C32  and Gate C44

U.S. Terminal
After Security, Gate E85
Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Above U.S. Terminal