Maldives Trip Part 4A, The House, an Etihad Lounge, London’s Heathrow
Mention the Maldives and images of pristine turquoise blue waters come to mind. Overwater bungalows with direct jump-in access to the water and romantic sunsets are commonplace in this island paradise.
While it’s on almost everyone’s wish list, getting there can be a challenge. Flights are often ridiculously expensive and once you DO get to the islands, a barrage of expensive hotels with overpriced meals await. Never mind the flight distance involved, those expensive factors are enough to turn some people off and have them looking for cheaper destinations.
Yacht Time #YachtLife
Getting to paradise and back doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We booked a ridiculous, normally unattainable luxury vacation valued at almost $46,000 for a grand total of $1,818… for two people!
Considering that’s usually the price of a regular coach class ticket to the Maldives, that’s one heck of a steal.
In the series of posts to follow, we’re going to walk you through all the experiences that we enjoyed on this trip. While most people would consider this once-in-a-lifetime, with just a little legwork and dedication you can have a luxury getaway to make Instagram followers drool with envy.
Our $46,000 vacation to the Maldives for only $1,818
- Part 1 – Introduction and Planning
- Part 2 – Flights to London and Hamilton
- Part 3 – Refined Luxury London’s St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
- Part 4a – The House Lounge, London Heathrow
- Part 4b – Etihad First Class Apartment LHR-AUH
- Part 4c – Etihad First Class Lounge, Abu Dhabi
- Part 4d – A340 Etihad to Male, Flight Review
- Part 5 – A day in the life of Male, Capital City
- Part 6 – St Regis Airport Lounge
- Part 6b – Trans Maldivian Seaplane Ride
- Part 7 – The St Regis Hotel Arrival Experience
- Part 8 – Overwater Villa, $3000/night for FREE
- Part 9 – Things to do at the St Regis Maldives
- Part 10 – Free Breakfast at the St Regis Maldives
- Part 11 – How to not go broke eating in the Maldives
- Part 12 – Snorkeling at the St Regis Maldives
- Part 13 – Male Airport VIP experience
- Part 14 – Emirates First Class Male to Dubai
- Part 15 – Dubai Transit Hotel – Amazing Value
- Part 16 – Emirates First Class Dubai to Los Angeles
- Part 17 – Conclusion and Giveaway
The House Lounge
Etihad used to have their own dedicated lounge, but ever since they ran through a round of budget cuts, the lounge was the first to go. They’ve now rebranded this as “The House†with almost everything on the inside looking the same.
Etihad Boarding First Business
Once you pass security look for the Terminal 4 lounges sign. You’ll see an entrance to the Skyteam lounge and at the end is the House, home of Etihad “and other leading airlines…â€
Etihad House LHR Entrance
Etihad House LHR Entrance
Etihad House LHR Entrance
Check-in was very quick albeit it business like. Notice the design behind the counter? You’ll see this everywhere in Etihad’s design.
Etihad House LHR Entrance
Buffet Time
The breakfast buffet spread was out, consisting of cereals, croissants, fruit, muesli and yogurt.
Etihad House Breakfast
Etihad House LHR Food
Seating was plenty…
Etihad House LHR Seating
Etihad House LHR Seating
As was the alcohol… seriously. This is one impressive selection. Simply ask the bar tender for whatever you want and it’s yours.
Etihad House LHR Bar
My favorite section is the coffee and dates
Etihad House LHR Coffee
Food
Feeling like something a little lighter or fresher? You can order eggs in just about any way possible.including a full array of omelettes. You can also get some meat filled rolls with a side of sauce.
Etihad House Omelette
We opted for the omelette with a capuchiino.
Before we knew it, the lounge started to empty. Etihad was boarding and the lounge was emptying out. Besides, we didn’t want to fill up on food considering our flight was about to depart. We knew the food was going to be a LOT better onboard.
Etihad House Breakfast Menu
Etihad House Breakfast Menu
The lounge is simple enough, but its a great respite from the masses outside in the main hall. Etihad’s boarding gate was only a 2 minute walk from the lounge, so feel free to leave whenever you feel like.
Have you been to the Etihad London lounge before or after the cost cutting? What are your impressions?
April 11, 2019
Thanks for this! Looking forward to the other parts.