Arguably, there’s never been more of a need for airport lounges. Travel might be back, but it’s still not quite the same experience that we all remember (and loved). Thanks to lengthy screening and check-in queues and delays in departures, airport lounges are now much more than just pit stops for a glass of Champagne before your next flight (although they certainly still offer that). Admittedly, one of the greatest pleasures when visiting an airport lounge is being able to escape the mania of busy terminals, and that of other passengers. But, as travel becomes more complex, premium passengers are demanding much more than a private space to eat, drink and work, and airlines are listening.

While I was transiting through Singapore’s Changi Airport in April, I found that the once bustling hub of activity was still a remnant of its former self. However, one sign pointed to its reawakening – the final touches were being made on Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris and KrisFlyer Lounges as part of a major revamp first announced in 2019. On a recent visit through the airport, en route to the Maldives, we checked in to check out the airline’s new lounges.

SilverKris First and Private Room, SilverKris Business & Gold lounge general information and layout

Following an extensive three-year and $52m AUD upgrade and expansion, Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Terminal 3 are back, and with them a complete redesign across the board. There’s now capacity for 1150 passengers across a luxurious 6100 square metres, adding more than 30 per cent more space and seats than previously possible. The SilverKris Lounge is split into three offerings – The Private Room, First Class and Business Class lounges – all catering to passengers flying at the pointier end of the plane. The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge has also been moved to its own separate area, enabling local Singapore-based design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates to double the floor space, meaning those passengers with KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold memberships can enjoy an expanded open-plan working space and dining area with exceptional views of the runway for serious plane-spotters.

The Private Room

Reserved for 78 of the airline’s first-class passengers or those travelling in a suite, The Private Room offers a truly exclusive and luxurious experience. Upon entering through the foyer, guests are met with a stunning light dome designed by French glassmaker Lalique, featuring 107 crystal flowers and metal leaves, before entering a tranquil sanctuary of calming marble interiors and furnishings inspired by nature and the ocean. Custom light pieces from Czech-based design firm Lasvit and tall, fluted glass screens offer ample space for solo travellers, while a central living space and booth seating offers room for larger groups. For guests looking to rest and unwind, four day rooms are available with either Tempur Zero-G beds or luxe leather recliners.

First Class Lounge

With sleek, modern interiors, passengers in the First Class Lounge are welcomed by a stunning, fully-stocked curved bar, illuminated by 119 Lalique crystals in the shape of aquatic ginger flowers – a nod to the airline’s iconic batik floral motif. As with The Private Room, this lounge comes complete with four private-use day rooms with either Poltrona Frau recliners or Tempur Zero-G beds, available for use in two-hour blocks. For those passengers requiring privacy and space to work, productivity pods with several ports for charging and lighting mean Zoom calls and emails before flights can be conducted without disruption. Groups travelling together on business are free to make use of a dedicated meeting room that fits six. Weary and hungry travellers also need not go without – the newly designed dining area has doubled in space, with room now for 50 passengers across family-sized booths for small groups and families, and tables for solo travellers. But who said adults should have all the fun? A new dedicated playroom keeps children’s noise at bay while providing parents and caregivers space to keep a watchful eye on young ones.

Business Class Lounge

Larger than both The Private Room and First Class Lounge combined, the Business Class Lounge has also been given an extensive upgrade. With room for 570 passengers, the lounge is broken up into four distinct sections. Perhaps the most notable, however, is the new rest area, nestled behind the main dining hall and through an almost hidden doorway. Featuring 14 chaise lounges in semi-enclosed cubicles, this area provides those passengers with long layovers or overnight transits the space for some serious shut-eye. The lounge also has a full-service bar area, a newly designed dining hall with room for almost 200 passengers and an array of booth seats, propeller-shaped communal tables and productivity pods across the living room area. Charging your devices is also a breeze, with wireless charging pads and universal charging ports available. A dedicated service area staffed with Singapore Airlines representatives also means help is at hand should you need it.

KrisFlyer Gold Lounge

Accented with muted blue furnishings, high bar chairs and yellow mood lighting, the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge comfortably fits 350 passengers, more than double the previous capacity. Abounding in natural daylight and high ceilings, the open-plan floor space now includes an enviable and uninterrupted view of the runway, dedicated restrooms with showers and ample seating and tables with charging ports and wireless charging pads on communal tables.

SilverKris First and Private Room, SilverKris Business & KrisFlyer Gold Lounge food & beverage review

The Private Room

As the most premium lounge offering, passengers here are treated to a la carte-style fine dining and drinks, with menus easily accessed through QR codes placed throughout the room. A dedicated wait-staffed bar at the back of the lounge serves a selection of rare and luxury wines, tipples and brews. On our visit, this included Comtes Champagne, a delightful 2015 Domaine Laroche Chablis 1er Cru and a 2010 Louis Latour Château Corton Grancey Grand Cru. Breakfast, served between 5am and 11am, features an Asian-influenced menu including dim sum, chicken congee and roti prata, while lunch (served from 11am to 6pm) includes a mix of local favourites including satay, an assortment of dim sum and crispy seafood noodles with king prawns and scallops, in addition to Western favourites including a wagyu burger with portobello mushrooms and tomatoes or a dish of sauteed lobster with pasta. Dinner follows with similar fare, along with dishes including lamb shank osso bucco and chicken cordon bleu. For passengers looking for lighter snacks, cheese and starters are available as part of the a la carte service.

First Class Lounge

There might not be table service in the First Class Lounge, but guests can still expect a well-stocked buffet of dishes, including laksa, dim sum and vegetarian samosas. A live cooking station with a private chef is also available to whip up local favourites such as roti prata, bak chor mee and pasta. Come breakfast, guests can expect baked waffles and pastries from the new breakfast station, and those needing a caffeine fix won’t need to look far. The airline’s flagship bar includes barista-made coffee and a selection of cocktails, including the signature SilverKris Sling, a rift on the classic Singapore Sling, made with gin, orange liqueur, Champagne and orange and pineapple juices. A self-service bar is also available for guests in need of a tipple, and featured a vintage 2017 Piper-Heidsieck Rare Millesime Brut during our visit.

Business Class Lounge

With room for close to 200 passengers, the Business Class Lounge offers a sprawling selection of locally inspired dishes including satay, dim sum and noodles, as well as international favourites, including Indian and Italian dishes. On pour is Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, as well as a selection of spirits and wines, available from the dedicated bar or from the main dining hall.

KrisFlyer Gold Lounge

When it comes to the food offering within the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge, opt for the now classic Singapore Airlines laksa and chwee kueh, as well as freshly steamed dim sum, Asian-inspired dishes and Indian favourites such as tikka masala. Sandwiches, muffins and salads were also available during our visit, while the walk-up bar provided light refreshments, including spirits, wines and brews, best enjoyed looking out to the runway as planes land and take off.

SilverKris First and Private Room, SilverKris Business & KrisFlyer Gold Lounge amenities review

Across all three premium sections within the SilverKris Lounges, walk-in showers come with Singapore-based wellness brand COMO Shambhala amenities, including signature essential oil scents designed to help invigorate or unwind passengers before or after a flight. For those unable to rest, yoga mats and blocks are also available on request. For the first time, guests of the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge also have access to in-lounge showers alongside restroom facilities.

How to get to Singapore Airlines lounges

The SilverKris Lounges are located on level three above departure gate A (those flying back to Australia with Singapore Airlines will be familiar with this location) in Changi Airport’s Terminal 3. For passengers arriving in another terminal (T1 or T2), look for signs for the complimentary Skytrain service near the main transit area. For passengers departing from Singapore, you’ll need to clear customs and immigration before entering the terminal. Entry to the SilverKris Lounge foyer is best accessed via the escalator (or lifts) found between the Hermès and Luvenus boutiques. Friendly airport ground staff are also on hand at information desks should you find yourself feeling lost.

The SilverKris Lounge foyer provides access to The Private Room and First Class sections (both on your left-hand side upon entry) and the Business Class section (towards your right). For ease of access, we recommend having your boarding pass ready for Singapore Airlines staff to scan before entry.

Who can access Singapore Airlines lounges?

Lounge access is dependent on your class of travel or your KrisFlyer status. The Private Room is exclusively available to passengers flying first class or in a suite, while Solitaire PPS Club members are allowed to access the First Class section of the SilverKris Lounge. Passengers flying business class or PPS Club members are granted access to the Business Class section of the lounge, while KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members are able to enter the KrisFlyer Gold lounge.

This writer was a guest of Singapore Airlines.