Even Silver-tier travellers can access this incredible new business lounge

Experience business class frills at economy fares.

Fluffy daybed duvets, a date-night-worthy bar, direct gates to planes and endless delicious dishes ... is Etihad's new business lounge the world's best? For Europe- or Arabia-bound Australians the dazzling three-storey flagship oasis in Abu Dhabi is transit gold. And that's usually what's required to enter - gold status or a business class ticket. But this lounge is one of few globally that welcome Silver tier members (of Etihad Guest; partner airlines including Virgin Australia still require Gold status). Joining the UAE's national recently revamped airline loyalty program just become worth it for the lounge alone.

THE DESIGN: Big. That must have been the design keyword. The showroom-sparkling Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A, a decade in the making (where Australia-bound planes now arrive and depart) is designed to handle a whopping 45 million passengers annually. Likewise the Etihad business lounge (near gate C27) is a tri-level mini universe with multi dining areas, bars, and relaxation pods accessed by lifts and escalators. It's flooded with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and the feel is upscale and modern, featuring the Etihad geometric pattern in black tile and wood, plus pops of gold and glass.

THE FOOD: The improvement in food options and vibe compared to the former lounge is intergalactic. On level two, Liwan Global Dining is a buffet feast with an on-trend hotel feel, featuring Emirati and Western dishes with chef-staffed cooking stations (my delicious chicken shawarma is whipped up like wizardry). There is another significant buffet area near the Constellation Bar, and several other snack outlets are potted around the lounge.

THE SERVICE: Door greeters escort guests to one of multiple reception counters. This lounge is a showpiece of an airline that prides itself on service so there is ample, polite staff who double as guides. Because, trust me, you will need them simply to find the buffet. And a shout-out to the shower suite attendants armed with fluffy towels.

THE DRINKS: Head directly towards the third (top) floor to the Constellation Bar, part of the misnamed Roof Lounge (it's covered), where the designers have let loose with a 172-piece, 25-metre-long glass lighting sculpture - Panora - which depicts the Abu Dhabi city skyline. But the real drawcard is the barista coffee, full bar cocktails (espresso martini anyone?) and a standing ovation for the creative mocktail list.

THE VERDICT: Zayed International Airport is a major hub for Australian travellers and this new lounge is a game changer for those in business class, or Etihad Guest members with status. The direct-lounge boarding (usually for A380s) gives this a George Jetson-seque bonus point.