I check out Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow Clubhouse refurbishment

Last month, Virgin Atlantic released photos of its Clubhouse refurbishment at Heathrow. I was able to see it for myself on the inaugural flight to Seoul last week.

Part One of the refurbishment is now complete with “the major pieces for this year now in place”.

A second phase is due to be delivered this year, but new CEO Corneel Koster tells me that they’re “not unveiling our next plans yet” except that they will continue to “progressively invest in the flagship Clubhouse” throughout 2026.

What we do know is that it will include an overhaul of the outdoor rooftop terrace, a secret space most people never new existed.

“Even before we uplifted it, the Clubhouse was still a fantastic space with an amazing team and we still win lots of awards, but I am excited about revamping those spaces.”

Inside Virgin Atlantic’s refurbished Clubhouse

Having not visited the Clubhouse during the refurbishment program I had expected half to be completed with the other half in the existing style. This is not what has happened, however: instead, Virgin Atlantic has refurbished various areas throughout the entire lounge which sit cheek-by-jowl with the existing areas.

In general, the new spaces feature richer and plusher textures (lots of deep red velvet!) but the overall effect is cohesive with the existing design, with some of the key 70s-inspired details remaining.

One of the biggest changes has been to repurpose the space along the window, which previously felt underutilised. It has been transformed into a Soho House style dining area:

“The Gallery with runway views is just amazing. We’ve been able to add roughly 70 seats, which is really important. Whilst we never wanted to have a sea of seats the way some lounges do, we did need more capacity.”

This was always my favourite spot in the lounge thanks to the views and the glass partition that created a quieter, more private space from the rest of the Clubhouse. It definitely feels like it has been upgraded with a more thoughtful use of the space.

Another headline change includes the ‘Royal Box’, a new invite-only space first introduced in Virgin’s LA Clubhouse.

This is a private room in the corner of the Clubhouse with commanding views, with lush red velvet seating and iconic Virgin memorabilia including Princess Diana’s handwritten note to Richard Branson:

I did ask if this was the original and was told it was a copy, which is a relief – I don’t think the original would have survived very long before someone pinched it!

Virgin Atlantic has yet to clarify to whom it will offer the Royal Box, although I presume it will be for secret-status Wings members and (potentially) celebrities and media personalities. It will include a secret menu only available to Royal Box guests.

Nearby, the Cinema has been revamped with new wavey seating. I still don’t quite ‘get’ the point of the screens – they were just looping news channels – although my concerns of screen-facing seats have been allayed.

Other additions include a nap-nook area (no food and drink allowed) plus some meditation pods:

The Spa, which was shuttered during covid, is back open with a pop-up partnership with Secret Spa for paid-for treatments. Prices range from £28 for 15-minute treatments to £56 for a 30-minute express oil massage.

“We’re testing different spa opportunities to see whether there’s demand, and the Secret Spa trial has been really successful, with very, very high demand. So I’d expect us to evolve back into some form of a spa offering going forward.”

New York and Revivals refurbishments to come

Corneel also reconfirmed the timelines for the New York Clubhouse refurbishment as well as announcing that the Revivals arrivals lounge at Heathrow is also due for a makeover.

“We’re really looking to invest.” 2027 will see a “complete overhaul” of the New York Clubhouse:

“I can’t tell you yet whether it will close or whether we’ll do it in phases, we’re looking at a few different options, but what I can tell you is that it will look and feel like a complete transformation.

And then later next year, we’ll get to Revivals as well. That’s such a beautiful space to me, it always feels like coming home. I love Revivals, but I look foward to it getting a next-level uplift.”