Heathrow’s VIP service is used by 50,000 guests annually, a small fraction of Heathrow’s 83.9 million annual passengers.

Heathrow has unveiled the first stage of the transformation of its VIP offering – The Windsor by Heathrow – which offers a discreet, luxury and personalised service for high profile guests.

The Windsor by Heathrow rebrand took eight months to deliver and cost over £3m. This investment is in addition to the recently announced £2.3bn investment plan to upgrade the airport over the next two years.

With prices starting at £3,812 (inc. VAT) for up to 3 guests, the luxury service has been tailored to meet the needs of ultra high profile guests.

The first phase of the three-year refurbishment features upgraded lounges, a redesigned atrium and specially curated artwork, including Banksy and Warhol pieces, that can be purchased via QR code

Highlights of the VIP service include private chauffeurs direct from front door to plane, all airport formalities taken care of, private butler service, dishes from Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton and a Personal Shopper service.

Heathrow was the first airport in the world to offer a private, VIP service over 60 years ago – the airport has now invested over £3m in the refurbishment, enhancing its status as a global leader in luxury travel.

In 2008 the service expanded its reach with the introduction of The Windsor Suite, and by 2009, the commercial service was officially rolled out, ready to support the London 2012 Olympics.

VIP movements have doubled over the last ten years, with plans to double again in the next 3 years thanks to ambitious transformation plans

The most popular destinations The Windsor serves include Doha, Riyadh, Dubai, Los Angeles and New York. Key Airlines include Etihad, Qatar, BA, American Airlines and Emirates, though guests travelling on First or Business Class can use The Windsor regardless of their airline or terminal.

Charlotte Burns, VIP Lead at Heathrow, said: “The Windsor by Heathrow is more than just a rebrand, it’s a testament to our heritage in pioneering luxury travel. From our carefully curated interiors to our exceptional service, we provide our guests with an unparalleled experience that reflects the finest of British hospitality.”

Refurbishment phases underway

The first phase of the refurbishment focuses on The Windsor, home to eight private lounges and an entrance lobby.

Designed by the Oliver Burns Studio, the interiors are being created with a blend of luxury and contemporary elegance.

The redesigned spaces are complemented by bespoke furnishings designed in house, and crafted by local artisans.

The spaces are accented with curated British design elements, including Axminster carpets, and collaborations with luxury brands like Tom Dixon and Commune emphasising comfort and special details.

Sharon Lillywhite, Founder and Creative Director of Oliver Burns Studio, commented: “We are thrilled to have collaborated on The Windsor by Heathrow, creating an atmosphere that blends the best of British luxury with contemporary design.

The space is a statement of what it means to travel well, with every detail thoughtfully considered to offer the ultimate comfort and elegance.”

Heathrow’s partnership with Commune, a self-care brand from the British countryside with a focus on design and sustainability. Its luxury toiletries are now available in all lounges.

The Windsor is also collaborating with British fragrance brand August & Piers to craft an exclusive bespoke scent, to commemorate and celebrate the rebrand.

Private art gallery

The Windsor suite doubles as a private art gallery, showcasing museum-worthy artworks from around the world.

Modern British artists such as David Hockney, Tracey Emin and Francis Bacon, as well as American icons like Andy Warhol, feature on the walls.

Guests can purchase them at the click of a button, through a QR code hanging next to each artwork.

The art collection is refreshed every two months, and in February the collection features ‘Nola (White Rain 2008)’ by Banksy and ‘Diamond Dust Show (1980)’ by Andy Warhol.

They come as part of an ongoing partnership with art consultant Tanya Baxter Contemporary.

Baxter commented: “It has been a pleasure to contribute to the artistic vision of The Windsor by Heathrow. The carefully selected art pieces channel the essence of British creativity and elegance.

We hope that these works, from icons like Hockney, Bridget Riley and Warhol, elevate the overall experience for every guest who walks through the doors.”

Baxter has over 25 years of experience in the Post-Modern, Modern British, and Contemporary Art markets, and is recognised as one of the world’s leading art consultants.

Personal touches

Guests can enjoy fine dining options from Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, including a new signature dish to mark a new era of The Windsor; English butter shortbread with praline cream, Earl Grey tea ice cream, custard sauce and charred mandarin.

Atherton has curated the menu since 2016.

Atherton noted: “I am delighted to bring my culinary philosophy to The Windsor by Heathrow. Every dish is crafted to reflect the sophistication and quality of British luxury, ensuring guests’ dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.”

Operating 16 hours a day to accommodate global travellers, the service offerings include a chauffeur service that takes guests directly from their front door to their plane.

It is the only airport service authorised to collect and drop off clients directly at their aircraft.

Further, guests at The Windsor can be provided with a Personal Shopper, who will navigate the back corridors of Heathrow to take guests to stores Terminal 5.

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