Wider seats, better food, and chichi toiletries. But increasingly, the real pampering starts before you get on the plane. Business 2.0 magazine has the details on some of the world’s most lavish layovers.

One such hotspot is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow. Offering a nice break from the usual sofas and oyster bars, the Heathrow Clubhouse has been designed to give the feel of a private members club. A long cocktail bar, backed with rose tinted glass, opens into the lounge area where streams flow soothingly down a Japanese water wall into the pool. A gallery overlooking the airport offers views of planes tooing and froing.

For sheer luxury you can visit the in-house Spa for a cleansing facial or a relaxing massage. There’s even a hair dresser if you need to neaten up your locks before boarding. You’re not cut off from the outside world either as the whole lounge has wireless internet and laptop points. A breath of fresh air compared to your usual departure lounge, the Clubhouse might persuade you that airports aren’t so ghastly after all. It’ll certainly make you feel smugly superior to everyone else at Heathrow.