Turkish Airlines, the favoured commute option in and out of Turkey, now strikes the deluxe chord in its newly upgraded CIP first class lounge at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Its specialities now outclass other first class facilities in many airports around the world. The spacious and elegantly designed rest and relaxation hotspot is highly recommended for travellers connecting through Istanbul. The Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge at Ataturk Airport, Istanbul is situated at the International Departures level. Re-opened in early 2013 to first and business class passengers on all Star Alliance flights, Star Alliance Gold members and Miles and Smiles elite members, the lounge offers private quarters for VIP and VVIP guests at the airport. Star Alliance Gold members and Miles and Smile elite members may also invite one guest to the elite 3,000 sq. meter luxury enclave.

Just present your boarding pass and other credentials to the front desk receiver, and you are good to get in. Mesmerizing architecture, elegant décor, relaxing and inviting ambience welcomes you to have a good time the way you want. Ethnic Turkish and modern artistic taste merge together into the open-air dome shaped rooms created for defining compact spaces without making the guests claustrophobic. Distinct, yet the design elements blend into the overall theme of CIP lounge making it one grand work of artistic pleasure. Be ready to explore new themes at every nook and corner of this massive lounge.

Problem with the previous version of CIP was its lack of space which resulted in complaints from frequent fliers and featured in reviews of travel journalists. Turkish Airlines Istanbul responded by adding an extra level to the existing facility which was completed in February 2013. The new addition below the primary lounge space can be reached by a beautiful spiral staircase that leads to an indoor garden. While the new level reportedly increases lounge space by a sprawling 70 per cent, it also adds to the luxury experience of the guests.

Seating options in the lounge differs according to your need and comfort. Lounge chairs and couches add to the relief quotient while workstations equipped with iMac computers and free Wi Fi let you keep in touch with your work and family. Entertainment varieties include a full size billiards table, reading room and library, amphitheatre with popcorn vending machines, kids’ play corners with video game parlours et cetera. An average occupancy of 30 per cent during weekends and more in weekdays, guarantee that you grab a wholesome share of your rewards from CIP.

While you are at it, you might want to put your heavy luggage to rest. Securing your belongings become easier with two dedicated self-service locker compartments. Individual lockers are equipped with moderately large spaces for safekeeping and programmed to operate under any chosen combination from the user.

The other mammoth experience in IST Terminal is the lounge’s grand dining experience. Gourmet caterers Do & Co have gone the whole distance to make food in CIP a world standard feature of the airport. From breakfast to lunch, brunches to gala dinner receptions, the lounge is stacked with numerous food and drinks joints.

Fresh fruits, cold cuts, hot dishes, cold dishes – you name it! Pick up your favourites from the aplenty buffet corners inside the lounge. Breakfast items ranging from pizzas to varieties of sandwiches are served hot during morning hours. There is also an “eggs-to-order” station to serve you your choice of eggs. Beverage bars offering authentic Turkish tea and coffee attract a lot of passengers. We have tried it ourselves and it is just delicious! Children can enjoy in the dedicated sweet section filled with local desserts and treats. Traditional Turkish cuisine is the flavour during afternoon hours as breakfast counters turn into luncheon buffets. Soup, bread, grilled meat, pastas, pizzas and sandwiches are amongst the hot picks.

Amenities inside the lounge enclosure also include:

• Day Rooms
• Shower Suites
• Free Wi-Fi
• iMac Computers
• Printers
• Universal power outlets
• Complimentary massages
• Virtual golf simulator
• Putting green
• Micro car-race track

In the amenities area, the lounge scores aces in every front. The same can be said for its excellent service. Hygiene around the lounge is professionally maintained round the clock by in-house attendants. Though gate boarding announcements are not made vocally, flight information boards are to be found abundantly. This change accounts for the relaxed quietness of the CIP lounge. We at World Luxury Tourism (WLT) recommend you to try this Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge experience at the Ataturk International (IST) Airport in Istanbul.

Watch this video for more on Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge experience