This stylish lounge at JFK Airport 

is all about 'unparalleled luxury'

Hollis Johnson

Over the past decade, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport has

 made a concerted effort to improve customer experience and integrate a

 higher level of luxury amenities. One of the most recent and impressive

 additions is the Etihad Airways Premium Lounge located inside JFK's 

Terminal 4.

"Everything we do at Etihad is about providing unparalleled luxury," Etihad 

senior vice president for the Americas, Martin Drew, told Business Insider

 during a tour of the facility. "We don't necessarily benchmark ourselves just

 against other airlines, but more so against some of the finest hotels and

 restaurants in the world."

Opened at the end of 2015, the lounge extends the Etihad's premium service 

beyond the aircraft — putting the airline in a prime position to attract highly

 lucrative business and high-class leisure travelers. In addition to the lounge,

 the Abu Dhabi-based airline is ramping up its New York operation with the

 adoption of the Airbus A380 superjumbo on its JFK-bound flights.

Here's a closer look at the JFK Terminal 4's Etihad Lounge.

View As: One Page Slides

As the frosted glass doors slide open, we were immediately

 greeted by an Etihad Airways employee.

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Once inside, the lounge features a fully stocked bar,...

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... An assortment of fine dining options, as well as plenty

 of places to ...

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... Drink and ...

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... Eat.

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In addition, there's also plenty of space to simply sit back

 and relax or,...

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... To have a pleasant conversation.

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Custom furnishings found in the lounge are courtesy of Boss.

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A glass wall not only bathes the lounge in sunlight, but...

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... Also offers passengers a front-row seat to the day-to-day

 ground operations at JFK.

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Overall, the lounge is elegantly designed— punctuated

by Abu Dhabi-inspired geometric styling cues.

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Examples of this include the bar's prominent light fixture and...

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... Intricate series of latticework.

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However, the lounge's piece de resistance can be found

 behind a carefully hidden secret door.

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Here, Martin Drew shows us the location of the hidden door.

 Inside, you'll find a private lounge for passengers traveling

 on board the "The Residence".

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Available only on Etihad's A380 fleet, The Residence is a 

125 sq. ft. flying home. It's the most exclusive first-class

 seat in the world. Which means the accompanying lounge

 must be top notch.

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It certainly doesn't disappoint. The 500 sq. ft. Residence

lounge offers unrivaled privacy with two discrete entrances 

along with plenty of space and entertainment options.

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The eye-catching light fixture at the center of the

 Residence lounge is inspired the by the desert dunes that

 dot the Abu Dhabi landscape.

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Other features include a prayer room as well as fine dining

 for two. (Martin Drew points out that the Bernadaud

 charger plates are 24 karat gold.)

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In addition, there's a private ensuite bath and shower 

featuring...

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... toiletries from Acqua Di Parma.

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The hot and cold buffet is fully stocked with full meals and

 light snacks.

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For bleary-eyed morning travelers, fresh juices, coffee,

 fruits, and cookies are available.

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Salads, greens, fruits, and grains are also put out...

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... plus a Middle Eastern inspired mezze with hummus,

 baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh.

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Plus, three hot entrees are put out, including a 48-hour

 marinated tandoori chicken which is also available from

 the dining menu.

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The beautifully appointed bar, resplendent in geometric

 shapes and facets, serves up some impressive drinks.

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The signature cocktails are named after major cities serviced

 by Etihad Airways.

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The "New York" is built off a Big Apple theme — applejack,

 walnut-infused bourbon, apple juice, and maple syrup 

make up the bulk of the flavor. It's sweet and cidery —

 dangerously so, as it packs a punch.

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Of course, if "New York" packs a punch, then the "Los

 Angeles" is a two-punch wallop. It's a flashy and fun drink,

 with tequila, coffee, rice milk, chili liqueur, cocoa, and bitters

 topped with a dense puff of candy floss and a delicate

 dahlia blossom. It's incredibly sweet and incredibly boozy.

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The main dining menu is small but well-crafted. Whether

 you're looking for a full meal or a light snack, you'll find 

something that suits you.

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An elegantly plated beef brisket is surrounded by an odd,

 vegetal parsnip puree, roasted zucchini and beets, and a

 slick of rich au jus. The meat is impossibly tender, while 

the parsnip puree falls flat amongst the lustrous beef.

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The New England shrimp risotto is rich and velvety, thick

 with savory corn custard and small, succulent shrimp.

 The lightest hint of truffle lends an aromatic twist, and

 Parmigiano cheese adds a welcome salty note. 

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The tandoori chicken, while inconsistent, is still good overall.

 The chicken itself is tender, juicy, and fiery — after 

marinating for 48 hours, it had better be. The rice, however,

 is dry, and the cabbage coleslaw is forgettable.

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The dining area is spacious and well appointed, although

 the walls are curiously bare. For better or worse, Etihad's

 decor errs on the side of spartan in lieu of overstated flash 

and opulence.

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In addition to Etihad ticket holders, premium cabin

 passengers traveling with Air Serbia can also access the

 New York lounge.

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