Virgin Australia has unveiled the new look for its top-tier, invitation-only private lounge network in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Previously branded as The Club, Virgin Australia’s new pre-flight high-end hangouts are now dubbed Beyond Lounges.

Reserved for corporate partners, some high-status Velocity Frequent Flyer members and very, very important people (VVIPs) throughout the country, the Beyond Lounges are accessed via a low-key doorway simply labelled as “Private”.

Virgin Australia says the re-opening of the lounge network, a key benefit of the new Virgin Australia Beyond loyalty program announced last year, marks a “major milestone in the airline’s transformation plan” and follows a long list of significant customer improvements since Virgin Australia relaunched in 2020.

Within the new lounge to maintain a level of privacy there will be no boarding announcements. Instead, personalised 1:1 boarding invitations from the Beyond Lounge Hosts will inform members when it’s time to board their flight.

Virgin Australia Beyond is now the highest tier of loyalty for Virgin Australia customers and sits alongside the airline’s 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 to also 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.

Located near Virgin Australia’s existing domestic lounges, the Virgin Australia Beyond lounges will be accessed with a sustainable digital membership card, provided to the carrier’s most loyal flyers.

Responding to survey results of Beyond members conducted last year, privacy was viewed to be one of the most important attributes of the invitation-only lounges. With that in mind, 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.

Privacy pods – member favourite in the lounges – 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. 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.

Capacity at the Beyond Lounges is 109 guests in Melbourne, 91 in Sydney and 44 in Brisbane.

New à la carte dining with beverages to complement

To coincide with the opening of Beyond, Virgin Australia has launched a new 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 favourite that members insisted on retaining.