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- The stylish exclusive lounge features remarkable cuisine and employees who exceed expectations.
- FURTHER READING: What UK airports have lounges that are truly worth purchasing access to?
While waiting in the security line, I've frequently daydreamed about being a millionaire so I could easily skip ahead of everyone else.
Typically, even after moving up to a lounge, you'll still encounter the security line, followed by the seemingly endless trek to your gate.
But, whisper it, Manchester Airport It might provide the solution through its Aether Lounge.
Favored by athletes, their partners, and business professionals, Aether offers a stylish private terminal free from lines and lengthy walks. It features a cozy lounge complete with refreshments and beverages, along with a limo service to transport you directly to your aircraft at the departure gate.
The best part is that the complete experience is priced at just £250 per person, which is significantly cheaper than The Windsor. Heathrow , where visitors can anticipate spending £3,812 for accommodations suitable for up to three individuals.
Away from the chaotic crowds, I felt elated as if walking on air during my visits, knowing that someone else was handling all the tough tasks, to put it mildly.
Upon reaching the reception area, I pass my bags to the welcoming staff members. They then label, measure, and inspect them prior to checking them in and loading them onto my aircraft.
Once you pass through a pair of double doors, you're welcome to treat yourself – enjoying a tempting menu crafted by Chef Adam Reid from Manchester, along with an assortment of beverages.
I choose a glass of wine, and as I sip it, watching an Emirates A380 – the largest aircraft in the sky – lumbering along the taxiway just 50 yards away provides quite an experience.
Chef Adam, who has claimed victory twice on TV's Great British Menu and earned 4 AA rosettes, has curated a menu titled 'heartwarming home-style dishes.' The selection consists of seven courses, providing ample opportunity to savor each one.
I tried the lunch menu.
Following small bites of split peas and crackers, an impressive item makes its appearance early on: malt loaf paired with whipped beef butter. This combination boasts a delightfully savory taste and can be generously applied without any sense of remorse.
'Approximately 40 percent of it is air,' Adam suggests.
The spread includes ham, hot-smoked salmon, and pickles. For the main course, I've selected a crumpet adorned with shrimp and tomato butter, accompanied by a side of salad.
A fruit crumble, accompanied by cheese and crackers, topped off with a coffee, enhances the overall experience.
Adam adds: 'Our aim was to develop something that transcends a typical dining experience without merely serving some food; we want our guests to leave feeling thoroughly satisfied.'
Mission complete!
The complete experience (£250 per person) understandably comes with a higher price tag compared to an upscale lounge in the main terminal, thus emphasizing the 'premium' offerings.
Considering this, employees are eager to put in extra effort. They also offer an additional service specifically tailored for those who plan to propose to their partner during their vacation.
Aether has partnered with Hancock’s jewelers based in Manchester, allowing customers to have their selected engagement rings delivered directly to the lounge. A password must be provided upon passing through security checkpoints to maintain privacy during this process.
To make guests feel more at home, hosts may also obtain requested items like newspapers (though digital editions are provided for free).
If you just want the terminal to bypass the lines without using the lounge and prefer not to walk, the cost is £110—perfect for those who might find the physical demands of the airport challenging.
'Affordable luxury' is also the central concept at another newcomer to Manchester Airport - Tribe, a vibrant, contemporary hotel located between Terminal One and Terminal Two, near the railway station.
The company, boasting 18 locations globally, specializes in 'smart, practical, design-focused hotels that provide guests with all they require and none of the unnecessary elements.'
The first level features an open design thanks to its lofty ceilings, and a portion of the living area extends underneath a grand central atrium that spans all eight floors above.
However, the ambiance and lighting lend a cozy atmosphere to both the bar and restaurant. The kitchen counter is exposed to the dining area, allowing guests to observe the culinary team in action.
The emphasis of the menu is on Italian cuisine, featuring guest chefs who prepare genuine dishes with generous servings.
As I was deciding what to order, I noticed pizzas and pastas that could easily pass for authentic options from downtown Naples.
We opted for what seemed like a lighter choice and went with stuzzichini starters including focaccia, fried mini mozzarella balls served with black truffle mayonnaise, along with abundant zucchini fries. These dishes proved to be quite filling, leaving us little space for our main courses of grilled sea bass and roasted chicken.
'Mamma' would surely have appreciated the sweets – with servings of homemade tiramisu scooped from large bowls.
The hotel’s amenities cater to the youthful and fashionable crowd, featuring a fully equipped fitness center.
The bedrooms feature a spacious entryway, likely intended for luggage.
In homage perhaps to Manchester's industrial past, my room featured a design inspired by manufacturing, complete with an exposed metal framework used for hanging clothing and accommodating the Nespresso machine.
Additionally, there was a decently sized desk available for those who needed to bring out their laptops for some urgent work just before their flight.
One small issue was that the available floor space around the central area of the room seemed somewhat limited.
However, the prices are quite competitive, offering accommodations for under £100 even when booked last-minute if you're enrolled in Accor Hotels' loyalty program.
Overall, a solid enhancement to the city’s bustling airport hotel market.
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