Best places to relax and unwind at Hong Kong International Airport

If you arrive at the airport early, the Airport World Trade Centre  (closed) is a landside top-floor retreat that makes a scenic hangout. Located next to the airport’s ground transport hub, the Terrace Restaurant and Moon Bar lead on to the Sky Terrace, featuring panoramic views across the airfield and Lantau Island.

Travellers with the appropriate ticket, Cathay Pacific's Cathay membership or oneworld tier status know that relief is waiting at the end of the security and immigration processes – in the form of Cathay Pacific’s renowned four Business Class lounges or two (The Wing and The Pier) dedicated to First Class passengers.

These acclaimed Ilse Crawford-designed lounges encourage relaxation. You might settle in among the quiet places to work; take the opportunity to refresh with a shower; lead your own DIY yoga session or just stretch out in the individual cabanas. In addition to snacks and a la carte dishes, the popular Noodle Bar supplies comfort food, like dan dan noodles and Singaporean laksa.

Otherwise, for those willing to pay or with the necessary credit card status, Plaza Premium operates three airside lounges for passengers, plus the lounge near departure Gate 1, where elite passengers can get the Plaza Premium First experience.

If you're looking to unwind over a meal, we've put together a video above about the best places to eat in Hong Kong International Airport. 

There are still more options: HKIA has free shower facilities near Gate 12 for those who are arriving from connecting flights; and Refreshhh by Aerotel offers showers and massages to departing passengers near Gate 60, plus a Transit Resting Lounge near Gate 34.

Passengers with a longer transfer through HKIA can stretch out at the Relaxation Corner, located near Gate 23. This service is free and supplies day beds for weary flyers who might want to catch up on some sleep or massage services (at a cost) while their devices recharge.