Wellness takes flight: How airports in Asia are transforming layovers into opportunities for relaxation

Air travel often leaves passengers drained by long lines, flight delays and the constant buzz of terminal traffic. In response, leading airports are turning transit time into opportunities for wellness. Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN), Japan's Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) recognize the toll of long journeys on mind and body. Traveler wellbeing stands as a strategic priority, with a holistic approach that addresses physical, mental and nutritional needs.

Mindful moments

Cafe Lounge NODOKA, located landside at Kansai International Airport (KIX) and open to all visitors, features cafe seating, private rooms and an artificial lawn with tents and hammocks that evoke a mountain retreat. Guests can sip free drinks, browse books, listen to music or nap on bead cushions, while snacks, alcoholic beverages, newspapers, magazines, Wi-Fi and seven showers add comfort.

In March, KIX introduced two new lounges as part of Terminal 1's renovation. "These lounges were designed not only to enhance passenger convenience but also to elevate the relaxation experience for international travelers," says Fumio Owed, Corporate Executive Vice President (CCO-Non Aeronautical). KIX Lounge Kansai, which celebrates the region's cultural hospitality, spans 2,970 square meters with 658 seats and offers massage chairs, showers, private and family rooms, as well as quiet areas for calls or online meetings. KIX Lounge Premium, at 800 square meters with 143 seats, emphasizes calm with a wind-inspired theme. It provides massage chairs, showers, private rooms, a manned bar and made-to-order meals.

Wellness at KIX extends to sustainability. Through the Fry to Fly project, airport restaurat recycle waste oil into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), an initiative led by JGC Holdings, Japan Airlines and Kansai Airports to power planes with domestically produced SAF.

The international area also reflects four moods - Fun, Peaceful, Active and Curious - with the Peaceful zone dedicated to nature and calm. The central plaza offers a free relaxation area, while the final phase of Terminal 1's renovation, opening next summer, will expand wellness-focused retail and dining options.

"These facilities are particularly beneficial for customers who are tired from long flights and transits, as well as for a variety of health-conscious consumers," Owada shares.

Multi-sensory approach

"Changi Airport has tapped into the power of human senses, incorporating subtle design elements to ensure every traveler enjoys a calm, seamless and memorable journey," says a Changi Airport representative.

Scent and sound play a central role in creating a welcoming, calm atmosphere. Across its four terminals, the airport diffuses its signature Orchid Tea fragrance - a blend of orchid, rose, ylang-ylang and spices - while carpeted floors soften noise. The "Quiet Terminal Initiative," launched in 2018, removed boarding announcements to maintain a tranquil atmosphere.

Design choices amplify the calming effect. Terminal 2's 2023 expansion includes immersive features such as the Wonderfall, a 14-meter digital waterfall, and Dreamscape, a garden with a real-time digital sky. "Immersive digital installations provide a refreshing escape from typical stresses of air travel," the representative explains.

With more than 600,000 plants, Changi Airport houses some of the world's most extensive airport gardens. "These vibrant green spaces not only reinvigorate weary travelers, but also elevate the airport's visual appeal," the Changi spokesperson adds.

Activity is equally important. The Fit&Fun Zone at Terminal 2 offers interactive play areas, trampoline pods and pendulum chairs to relieve fatigue. At Jewel Changi Airport, travelers can join yoga, barre and pilates classes at the Minmed Wellness Collective, cycle past the Rain Vortex or take a 3.5 km ride to Jurassic Mile, home to life-sized dinosaurs. Fitness enthusiasts can scale Climb@T3's 12-meter bouldering wall or book private Gym Pods.

Food rounds out the wellness experience. "Changi Airport recognizes that eating well plays a vital role in supporting travelers' overall wellbeing," says its representative. Dining options range from plant-based meals at Greendot Plus to collagen-rich broths a Beauty in the Pot, with menus curated for fresh, energizing nutrition.

Recharge, refresh, restore

At Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), managed by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, free themed zones near boarding gates provide passengers with dedicated spaces for wellness. The Recharge Zone provides reclining chairs amid greenery while the Wonder Zone immerses travelers in movies, virtual reality and games. At the Arrivals Hall, the digital Waterfall Gardens surround visitors with nature-inspired sights and sounds.

Within the restricted area, the Oriental Massage Center provides premium massages, while a new French spa, opening by the end of 2025, will offer hair, nail and facial services alongside exclusive treatments. "The new spa employs the concept of 'Journey to the Sky' by blending Hong Kong's famous skyline and world-class natural landscapes, says Alby Tsang, Director, Retail & Property Development of Airport Authority Hong Kong. The spa will also feature a signature "Shiatsu" massage area, private suites, a nap station and an experience room.

Sportswear brands such as Lululemon and Decathlon, sustainable food and souvenir selections from trendy Hong Kong brand Slowood, and food options ranging from salads and juices to herbal and halal dishes also support a variety of wellness needs.

HKIA prioritizes sustainability through initiatives such as the Weather FACTS predictive cooling system and green design features, including floor-to-ceiling windows and lightweight canopies. Weather FACTS automatically collects hourly data such as temperature, humidity, cloud amount, wind direction, solar radiation and more to build a big data model that forecasts cooling demand over 24 hours. The sytem pre-adjusts the chiller to deliver the appropriate cooling volume, maintaining passenger comfort while optimizing energy efficiency.