Louis Vuitton has long embodied the art of travel. From its iconic trunks and luggage bags that have accompanied elite travellers from city to city, to its travel book series that inspire artistic voyages, the French house often comes top of mind when it comes to luxury travel. Now, the Maison is expanding its presence in the world of hospitality with the opening of its first ever airport lounge in Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA).
Unveiled last week, the lounge is situated on the second floor adjacent to The Orchard indoor garden and is accessible through an elevator located at the rear end of the LV duty free store. (Fun fact: did you know that HIA is the only airport in the world to house two Louis Vuitton stores?) It is an invitation-only Lounge that is reserved for Qatar Airways Gold and Platinum Privilege Club members and Louis Vuitton VIPs.
Officially named the “Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno”, the exclusive space is the result of a three-way partnership between the iconic luxury house, the world-class airport, and three-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. The renowned chef is responsible for curating the menu at the lounge’s restaurant, which will feature local ingredients and influences with round-the-clock service.
“When you are in the airport, I think you need something else [rather] than just a simple café or bistro. You have to be sure that wherever you come from in the world, you have what you need. And, you know, Qatar has become the hub of the world,” Chef Alléno told The Moodie Davitt Report.
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Aside from the restaurant, there is also a bar tucked within the the glass-encased lounge which serves up premium spirits, Veuve Champagne and a curated list of mocktails. Interior-wise, the lounge is furnished with designer pieces including India Mahdavi low tables and Costela armchairs by Martin Eisler. You’ll also find LV’s signature floral motifs in gold all across the marble floor, as well as ‘grill marks’ on sandwiches.
The Doha airport lounge is Louis Vuitton’s ninth culinary project since 2020, out of a list that includes permanent restaurants in stores, a chocolate shop in Tokyo. The Maison is also planning to turn its corporate headquarters in Paris into a hotel, offering consumers experiences that go beyond a store visit.
Commenting on the opening, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said, “I don’t think any airport in the world will ever be able to match what we have done here. This is a brand that my country is trying to project with the quality and attention to detail, the standards, and of course, most importantly, the hospitality we provide to our passengers entering my country from this gateway.”
Defining a new level of luxury with @qatardutyfree at the opening of the world’s first Louis Vuitton Lounge at @HIAQatar 🌍✨ #QatarAirways #HamadInternationalAirport #Doha pic.twitter.com/uv55fJP19i
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) May 23, 2023
Besides Louis Vuitton, Dior also recently opened a spa in the same airport. They both join HIA’s existing luxury offerings such as the Emporio Armani Caffee, Fendi Caffee, Ralph Lauren’s Ralph’s Coffee, and Harrod’s Tea Room. In other recent news, Prada has unveiled the Prada Caffee in Harrod’s London. It’s clear that more luxury fashion houses are looking to tap into hospitality—and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
For more information about Hamad International Airport, visit this website.
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