Virgin Australia opens secret, invitation-only lounges
Virgin Australia has lifted the curtain on the airline’s long awaited invitation-only private Beyond Lounges in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, reserved for corporate partners, some high-status Velocity Frequent Flyer members and key opinion leaders throughout the country.
The re-opening of the highly anticipated lounge network – previously known as The Club – signifies a major milestone in the airline’s transformation plan and follows a long list of significant customer improvements since Virgin Australia was relaunched in 2020.
Virgin Australia Beyond is now the highest tier of loyalty for Virgin Australia customers and sits alongside the airline’s award-winning Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program which continues to offer Red, Silver, Gold and Platinum status.
Beyond member benefits include:
- 12-month annual membership for the primary member with the option also to nominate a spouse/partner for Beyond membership to enjoy the same benefits. Membership is reviewed each year.
- Access to dedicated Beyond Lounges in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane with a relaxed à la carte menu offering.
- Dedicated phone concierge service to make or change bookings.
- 4 x complimentary upgrades to Business Class each year*.
- 1 x complimentary Velocity Gold membership for the primary member’s executive assistant.
With capacity for hundreds of Virgin Australia’s most valued frequent flyers across the three capital city private lounges, members will enter via a discreet door with access granted through a sustainable digital membership card only given to Virgin Australia’s most loyal flyers.
Privacy pods
Locations of the entrance doors will continue to remain unmarked but are located in close proximity to Virgin Australia’s existing domestic lounges in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. In a survey of Beyond members conducted last year, privacy was found to be one of the most important attributes of the invitation-only lounges. Once through the discreet entrance, members will experience a quiet and welcoming space, with design elements including feature leather clad and oak timber walls, plush ‘Chester-style’ armchairs, bright greenery and secluded privacy pods.
The privacy pods are a member favourite in the lounges and contain timber cabinetry with built-in charging stations, making it easy for members to work or relax on the fly. Transparent frosted glass surrounds the pods allowing for natural light to enter while maintaining discretion for those seated inside.
Numerous seating zones are spread throughout the lounges, providing members with different spaces to dine, relax, refresh and recharge in a delightfully Virgin Australia way. End of day facilities such as showers (available from 1 July 2022), towels and premium bathroom amenities by Appelles Apothecary Lab are also available for members.
Private offices and board rooms are also available in each Beyond Lounge and can be booked by members ahead of or on the day of travel.
New menu launched
To coincide with the opening of Beyond, Virgin Australia has launched a new and fresh à la carte menu for Beyond members, featuring light and substantial fresh menu options using ‘the finest Australian produce’. All food is freshly prepared on site and can be ordered with the airline’s dedicated Beyond Lounge Hosts who are on hand to deliver a personalised service experience.
The breakfast and all-day dining menus will rotate regularly based on supply and seasonality, and include the following dishes:
- Breakfast options including eggs made to order:
- Superfood salads;
- Sandwiches and healthy wraps;
- Seafood and meat pastas;
- Decadent desserts;
- Cheese boards featuring some of the best Australian cheesemongers; and
- Virgin Australia’s signature truffle fries, a firm favourite members insisted on retaining.
To complement the menu, Virgin Australia Beyond members will have access to a wide range of carefully selected beverages, including spirits, Australian wine (pink, white and red), cocktails, freshly squeezed juices, sparkling and still water, tea and coffee.
Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said,
We are continuing to write a new chapter at Virgin Australia and this is the next wonderful edition of our transformation journey. Virgin Australia is dedicated to providing exceptional service experiences and product offerings at great value prices, and Beyond is a great example of Virgin Australia investing in the products and services our guests value most.
