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The world’s most impressive airports

Five airports that go all out on luxury design, premium cuisine and first class service. Transit time never looked so good.

Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport
The benchmark for luxury travel, Changi Airport recently topped the rankings in the World Airport Awards for the fourth year running. Its multiple gardens, rooftop pool, SK-II spa, 24-hour cinema and kinetic rain art installation make it a lavish space, but it's Shigemi Kawahara's tonkotsu broth at Ippudo Express and the freshly-made la mian at Paradise Inn that will really take your transit time to the next level. Good news for those just passing through: you can sample Raffle's famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling at the Long Bar.
 
Seoul Incheon International Airport
If it's activities you're after, Incheon International has them by the bucket load. There's a golf course, ice skating rink, casino, indoor gardens, a Museum of Korean Culture  and an award-winning shopping mall. For those looking for a more tranquil transit, head up to the Observation Deck  for caffeine with a view or make use of the private sleeping rooms and Thai-style massages on offer at the Spa on Air. Complimentary showers are available to all passengers and you'll get a small shower kit if you're in transit, too. Just make sure that you save enough time for the blueberry makgeolli bread from Bizeun.
 
Munich Airport
As one of the busiest hubs in Europe, Munich Airport combines cool efficiency with clean, contemporary design. Business travellers will benefit from the airport's exclusive VipWing with PA and conference services, as well as quiet spaces to work. For those wanting a pre-flight workout, it doesn't get much better than 20 minutes of EMS training at the Bodystreet Fitness Studio. Those at the other end of the spectrum should pay a visit to Airbräu, the world's first airport brewery, for some first-class Bavarian home-brew.
The Perfectionists' Café
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
The allure of Australian airports lies in their great coffee and luxe lounges. Case in point: Sydney's American Express Lounge. Exclusively designed for Card Members, the serene space is a triple threat: a luxurious haven away from the airport's general hustle and bustle, a celebration of contemporary design and a gateway into premium lounges eschewing the traditional business or first class ticket. Amenity-wise, it's top notch. The seasonal menu, barista-served coffee and tailored wine list are made even more impressive by the high-speed WiFi, plethora of power points, living wall entrance and industrial-style accents.
 
London Heathrow Airport
What Heathrow Airport lacks in greenery, it makes up for in choice. Boutique-wise you'll find the best of British design - Burberry, Jo Malone et al - mixed with international designers. Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsey have both been enlisted to offer passengers speedy culinary delights that hit the mark. You can't beat Blumenthal's Warm Salt Beef & Pickle Burger at The Perfectionists' Café. Keen to steer clear of the many gastro pubs? Head straight for the Fortnum & Mason Champagne Bar  for a drop of 2000 Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac Léognan Bordeaux.
 
This article is presented by American Express. Go the distance with Membership Rewards.