The world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, has a new claim to fame as of this week: It’s now home to the world’s largest Centurion Lounge by American Express. Opened to cardmembers on February 14, nearly two years after the project was announced, the 26,000-square-foot lounge offers a host of amenities lounge connoisseurs expect plus some that are new to the brand.

Located in the E Concourse near gate E11, guests enter and check in next to a floor-to-ceiling biophilic wall of lush green plants. Inspired by Atlanta’s reputation as “a city in a forest,” the connection with natural elements continues throughout the space. The centerpiece of the main room is a 50-year-old olive tree planted in an elevated box surrounded by seating. Nearly 4,000 square feet of custom lighting, designed to look like floating leaves on the ceiling, is installed so that the tree will continue to thrive. Art by Atlanta-based artists Michi Meko and Evan Blackwell Helgeson furthers the botanical theme.

Photograph courtesy of the Centurion Lounge

Guests looking for fresh air can stretch their legs in three outdoor terraces, one of which overlooks the runway, landscaped with green plants and warmed by heaters. The Atlanta outpost, the 28th Centurion Lounge worldwide, marks the first to debut outdoor spaces.

Photograph courtesy of the Centurion Lounge

Centurion Lounges are known to work with local culinary talents to bring the destination’s food scene to life, and in Atlanta, James Beard Award-nominated Deborah VanTrece, chef-owner of Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Oreatha’s At The Point, and La Panarda, created a soulful menu that reflects Atlanta’s international flavor. Visitors will find a selection of dishes including black-eyed pea biryani, Twisted Soul salad with strawberry peppercorn vinaigrette, and za’atar grilled chicken thighs with green tomato chimichurri. There are also wellness-focused dishes including vegetable crudite, fresh fruit, smoothies, protein bites, and immunity booster juice shots. Smyrna-based Rev Coffee Roasters provides the coffee and espresso.

Photograph by Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Photograph by Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Photograph by Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The local connection is a vital part of each Centurion Lounge, Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, told Atlanta magazine. “Here, there are all kinds of lovely things that are very thoughtfully curated for this destination to really bring out the best parts to discover about Atlanta,” she said in a pre-opening interview. “Our goal is to contribute and be in the communities that we’re in. We want to customize [the lounge], and we want people to feel like being here is a travel experience.”

Photograph courtesy of the Centurion Lounge

Another first for the brand, the Reserve by American Express whiskey bar features a list of more than 20 whiskeys designed by Centurion mixologist Jim Meehan, plus a selection of cocktails such as “Drink a Peach,” inspired by the Peach State.

The perks don’t stop there: guests can experience shower suites stocked with fluffy towels and L’Occitane bath amenities; fast, password-protected Wi-Fi; and an open bar with complimentary cocktails and wine.

The new Atlanta Centurion Lounge welcomes guests from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. To get in, you’ll need to show an American Express Centurion Card, Business Platinum Card from American Express, or Platinum Card from American Express, and an ID and your boarding pass. Guests with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express can also enter as long as they are flying Delta and paid for the ticket with the card. Guests may accompany the cardholder for $50 each ($30 for minors and children under two are free).

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