#1 Singapore Changi Airport: Changi is not an airport,it’s an experience. And that is what makes it the world’s number one airport. Indoor you can enjoy a movie in one its movies theatres, get a massage in a signature spa, or simply nap in its Snooze lounge. Want to stretch outside? You ‘ll find  5 specialty gardens including a butterfly garden and an outdoor pool. Yes enjoy your layover!

An indoor garden in Changi Airport. Photo by Eustaquio Santimano.

#2 Abu Dhabi Airport: Voted the” favourite airport in the Middle East”, Abu Dhabi airport boasts several perks for travellers. Check in your luggage in one of its city points before you arrive to the airport and literally breeze through passport control. Once inside, you can take a refreshing shower and do some luxurious shopping from its wide ranging boutiques. If you need to catch up on some sleep, try out their sleeping pods, comfy armchairs that fold out into flat beds(there is an hourly fee though 😦 )

One of the shopping corners at Abu Dhabi airport. Photo by Ahmed Hashim.

#3 Amsterdam Schiphol: A personal favourite, Schiphol is a truly enjoyable airport. You can spend long hours shopping in many one of a kind shops. Grab a bunch of fresh flowers from House of Tulips;  an  innovative flower shop designed as a sunny flower market, get cool Dutch souvenirs from famous NL+ or fill up or your carry-on with authentic Dutch cheese from Say Cheese. For some relaxation you can enjoy a good read in the Airport Library (currently closed for renovations until end of 2015) or go for a nap in Yotel , a new concept design hotel offering stay at affordable rates.

A unique dutch food corner at Schiphol airport. Photo by urasimaru.

#4 Johansburg Airport: or OR Tambo made it to the top of the list of African airports for several reasons. It’s a modern airport with various facilities such as WIFI hotspots, internet cafes, religious facilities (a Christine chapel and Muslim prayer room) and a selection of cafes and restaurants. Completing that is the high speed train, the Gautrain, connecting the airport to various suburban areas of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Just a small note based on various reviews, airport staff need to be a bit more friendly 🙂

The Gautrain high speed train at OR Tambo airport. Photo courtesy of http://www.johannesburg-airport.com

#5 Vancouver Airport: Arriving to this Canadian airport puts an instant smile on your face. It has a relaxing atmosphere with an artistic touch as it displays an impressive collection of Native American/Pacific sculptures and pieces of art. It is known for its helpful and efficient staff and passengers appreciate the large seating areas with plenty of charging docks available for their convenience.

Artistic displays at Vancouver airport. Photo by MandyJ.

#6 Lima Airport: also known as Jorge Chavez airport, is the largest airport in Peru and  has been voted the best airport in South America for several years. Travellers chose it for its pleasant ambience and attractive special offers from the various confectionery , perfume and souvenir shops.  One of its lounges, the Sumaq VIP lounge has an outdoor patio that can be a pleasurable sunny spot for relaxation.

A souvenir display at Lima airport. Photo by Margalit Francus.

#7 Auckland Airport: “Welcome to New Zealand” that’s what this airport tries to say to its arriving passengers. It’s a clean, easy to navigate airport and offers a good selection of shops if you have some time. The airport highlight is a tree structure called the Pou Manawa with interesting images representative of New Zealand nature that are displayed on a big white ceiling. With native Maori music playing in the background, its a  great spot to unwind.

The Pou Manawa at Auckland airport. Photo courtesy of http://www.ifaipublications.com