You won’t find The Windsor Suite on airport signage. There is no kiosk attendant pointing the way, no branded escalator, and no lounge map. And that’s the point. This somewhat secret VIP terminal at Heathrow Airport in London rewrites the rules of airport travel—for those willing to drop about five grand for the privilege. Here’s a look at Heathrow’s best kept secret: The Windsor Suite.
The Process
You enter The Windsor Suite through a private gate, where you are greeted by your assigned butler, and glide through a velvet-roped check-in that is more like a discreet hotel than a terminal. Special requests are handled by the concierge team. Balloons for a birthday? Check. A particular Champagne brand? Check. At boarding time, you’ll avoid all the TSA jostling and the crowds when an all-electric BMW whisks you directly to the aircraft door.
Remodeled Privacy
A recent £3 million overhaul has transformed The Windsor Suite from a discreet hideaway into a hospitality statement. Designed by Oliver Burns Studio, each of the eight private lounges looks more like a Mayfair townhouse than a departure lounge. With hand-tufted Axminster carpets, Tom Dixon fixtures, and bespoke British millwork setting the tone, this is not a transit stop. This is where you arrive.
Windsor caters to royals, celebrities, and those who fly with only one name on the manifest. Middle Eastern elites love it for westbound flights to New York and L.A.; tech moguls love it for the peace and quiet, and celebs love it for the anonymity.
The Cuisine
Forget the lounge-standard trail mix. This is Michelin level fare. The Windsor’s culinary experience is curated by Michelin-starred Chef Jason Atherton who creates seasonal menus from which you order, like any fine dining restaurant. Atherton is known for his exclusive dishes, such as English butter shortbread with praline cream, Earl Grey tea ice cream, custard sauce, and charred mandarin.
The Art
The Windsor Lounge’s real flex is on the walls. The lounge doubles as an art gallery, curated by Tanya Baxter Contemporary. You’ll spy original works by Banksy, Hockney, Warhol, and Emin. And, everything is for sale. Scan a QR codes and have your Warhol packaged then and there.
The Price Tag
£3,812 (about $5,000 US) for three hours covers up to three people, and includes chauffeured transfers, the lounge and its amenities, and personalized assistance. You do need to be flying in First or Business class on any airline operating at Heathrow to utilize the lounge. The service is not accessible to those flying in Economy or Premium Economy classes. Bookings can be made through the official Heathrow VIP website.
FAQs
Q: Where is The Windsor Suite located?
A: The Windsor Suite is located in Heathrow airport, in London.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: The Windsor Suite does not publicly list a formal dress code, and while there are no strict attire requirements, guests typically spiff things up a bit, considering the clientele.
Q: Does the entrance fee cover all food and beverage?
A: Yes, the experience is all inclusive. You can dine and imbibe to your heart’s content.
