Best Airport Hot Spots

Inspired by the region’s characteristic cuchillas, or low hills, this terminal from New York–based, Uruguay-born architect Rafael Viñoly has a gently curving 1,000-foot-long roof—reminiscent of the futuristic hubs built when air travel was young—and a sunlit terrace in the departures hall.

Runner-Up: Arlanda Airport, Stockholm

Avoid caffè chaos in favor of a seat at Frescobaldi’s gleaming wine bar, whose Modernist design suggests a just-landed flying saucer. Brioni-sporting sommeliers dispense generous five-ounce pours of everything from Attems Ribolla Gialla ($8) to top-tier Ornellaia 2006 ($48), while waiters proffer salumi, formaggi, and dolci from Rome’s famed Casa Bleve with aplomb. Terminal 1-B and Terminal 3-C.

Runner-Up: Vino Volo, Oakland International Airport, California

You’ll find check-in kiosks in place of a front desk, a 24-hour canteen instead of a restaurant, and Eames furniture in lieu of overstuffed sofas. The 193-square-foot guest rooms are affordable and have outsize windows and free movies and Wi-Fi. Doubles from $94.

Runner-Up: Minute Suites, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta

Cathay Pacific’s 1,980-square-foot lounge has minimalist interiors by renowned British designer John Pawson; passengers can reserve one of eight private bathroom suites, which have black-and-white veined marble walls. Passage between Terminals 1 and 2.

Runner-Up: Air France La Première Lounge, Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Chefs Gilles Dupont and Thomas Byrne prepare savory dishes such as sautéed veal with risotto and zucchini flowers in a white-tablecloth dining room overlooking the Jura Mountains. Main Terminal, Level 3; dinner for two $158.

Runner-Up: Dining Street Restaurant, Heathrow, London

This sleek brasserie satisfies all kinds of cravings, with dozens of international wines served by the glass, menu options both hearty (French onion soup) and light (bruschetta), and house-baked pastries. Terminal C South (near Gates C29–C45); lunch for two $20.

Runner-Up: Café Chocolat, Schiphol Amsterdam

Silver-and-enamel sculptures and coffee-table books line the shelves at the first airport shop dedicated to Brazilian artist Romero Britto, whose works have been featured at the Louvre. North Terminal, Concourse D, Gate 32.

Runner-Up: Uniqlo, Narita International, Tokyo

A cult U.K. brand, Cowshed is known for organic products and an English-manor vibe; its new outpost (open to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class and Flying Club Gold members only) provides hydrating facials and hot-stone massage tailored to reduce preflight stress. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, South Terminal.

Runner-Up: Six Senses, Abu Dhabi International