National carrier, SAA, has opened its new international lounge at OR Tambo International Airport.

“Our commitment to offering customers exceptional services both in the air and on the ground, is revealed by the recent upgrades to our world-class airport lounges, called, The Lounge,” said an SAA spokesperson in a press release.

The opening of the OR Tambo International Premium Lounge is the first part of renovations of all lounges operated by SAA. The First-Class Platinum lounge at OR Tambo International will be renovated early 2024, to be followed by refurbishments of Gqeberha, Cape Town, OR Tambo Domestic and Durban lounges.

In partnership with Discovery and Investec, The Lounge features upgraded comforts where guests can connect, or be connected ahead of their travels, and features all-new contemporary design furniture and fittings as well as a carefully curated local art collection.

Guests have the option to be seated with a view over the airport ramp or work in one of the focus booths or simply relax in a quiet zone. The space has been carefully planned should guests wish to extend their meeting in the conference rooms or have a separate space to relax with the family.

A buffet dining menu is available throughout the day, satisfying all palates. The new bar is a show masterpiece from which trained baristas and mixologists will offer coffee of choice, a selection of cocktails and mocktails or the finest South African wines and bubbly.

Most notably, state-of-the-art La Marzocco coffee machines, often referred to as the ‘Ferrari’ of coffee machines, sourced from Florence, form part of a heritage brand dating back to 1927 and are the pinnacle in coffee craftsmanship.

To better serve guests with the ultimate coffee experience, the SAA Lounge team have undergone specialised training focused on brewing techniques and creating various kinds of coffee – all with an emphasis on harnessing the flavour of the different blends available to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Read more from Tourism Update