Introduction

Having arrived at 4:50am from SFO, I was ready to embark to the newly launched Starlux Galactic Lounge in Terminal 2 at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). I found myself with a reasonable 3 hour layover before my connecting flight to Singapore (SIN). This presented the perfect opportunity to experience the much-talked-about Starlux Airlines Galactic lounge. Having enjoyed a fantastic (as always) flight with an even more amazing flight crew, I was eager to see how this relatively new player in the aviation industry would measure up in terms of their premium offerings.

The Starlux Galactic Lounge is located post-security near gate D7 in Terminal 2 at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. Given that my flight to Singapore was leaving from gate D10, it was a quick 5 minute walk from lounge to gate. The walk from Terminal 1, Gate A7 to D7 was around 15-20 minutes in the morning.

Let me just say this lounge at TPE is going to turn heads. This place is amazing.

The Galactic Lounge

Upon entering the lounge, you’re transported into a space-age business class lounge. The space is divided into several distinct areas, each catering to different needs and preferences of travelers. It’s like you’re embarking on a space race adventure, with the business class lounge to the left and the First Class lounge to the right. It’s pretty cool.

The main seating area features a variety of seating options, from plush armchairs for those looking to relax to workstation pods for passengers needing to catch up on emails. The color palette is predominantly heavy, with subtle gold accents that add a touch of elegance without being ostentatious. Luxurious wood palettes and metal finishes across the tables and chairs make for a beautiful design. When you enter, the buffet and drinks are in front, along with the dining room and the bathrooms towards the tail end of the 3F section.

For those in need of more privacy, head down to 2F, where there are more seating and two VIP rooms for those that need to take their meetings private. In addition, there are several secluded nooks and mini-suites available. These offer a more intimate setting, perfect for making important phone calls or simply enjoying some solitude. It’s a wonderful place to be at. I enjoyed my time at the 2F, where it was basically just me for a good hour or two.

If you’re looking to explore the terminal, just use one of those handy yellow lockers they have near the buffet area. If fits most carry-on luggages or the duty-free shopping spree items you may have incurred during the layover, haha. It’s also a great place to prep for an evening shower before flying. You can simply set your own combination to the locker for easy access upon return.

Food & Drinks

The culinary offerings at the Starlux lounge are impressive, to say the least. The buffet area, which they call the "Cosmic Cuisine," features a wide array of both Western and Asian dishes. During my visit, I sampled some excellent Fu Hang Soy Milk Set, Congee and other dishes presented via their in-house kitchen. You can also get the typical western menu so should the dining menu not satisfy your cravings.

For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert selection is noteworthy. The lounge offers a rotating selection of pastries and cakes, all beautifully presented and delicious. Don’t even get me started on their drinks. The drinks are premium and definitely a step above its counterparts, like EVA Air and China Airlines.

One particularly nice touch is the tea service area, where guests can partake in a traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony. This unique offering provides a cultural experience that sets the Starlux lounge apart from many of its competitors. Unfortunately, given I was here at the early mornings, there was just the breakfast buffet. Nevertheless, another cool addition to an already amazing business class lounge.

Bathroom & Showers

After a long-haul flight, a refreshing shower can be a godsend. The Starlux lounge doesn't disappoint in this regard. The shower suites, which they call "Cosmic Cleanse Cabins," are spacious and well-appointed. Each suite is equipped with a rainforest shower head, plush towels, and a range of high-end toiletries. The lighting is adjustable, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance for relaxation or rejuvenation. One particularly thoughtful touch is the clothes steaming service available upon request. This allows you to freshen up your outfit while you shower, ensuring you step out looking as good as you feel.

The bathrooms are quite futuristic as well, making the swoosh sounds as the doors open. Designs are incredibly modern and you feel like you just stepped into a Star Trek movie set. I found the room to be clean, organized well, and had plenty of space. The room was well appointed with items you may have left at home or forgotten in your bags such as a comb, cotton swabs, and a razor. There was a sign asking users to limit their time in the usage to 30 minutes or less.

Conclusion

The Starlux Airlines Galactic Class Lounge at TPE Terminal 2 is a testament to the airline's commitment to luxury and attention to detail. From the thoughtfully designed spaces to the excellent food and beverage offerings, every aspect of the lounge experience has been carefully considered. It’s a step above its counterparts like EVA Airlines and China Airlines, both whom have been the stalwarts in the Taiwanese aviation industry.

While it may not have some of the over-the-top features found in some other premium lounges (such as spa services or sleeping pods), what it does offer, it does exceptionally well. The lounge manages to strike a perfect balance between functionality and luxury, providing a space that caters to both business travelers and those looking to relax. Both soft and hard services were impeccable, and I found myself enjoying my time here a bit more than the other two lounges. Perhaps it’s relatively new, but it’s first impressions have been nothing short of fantastic.

As I’m waiting for my connecting flight to Singapore, I found myself already looking forward to my next opportunity to visit the lounge in a few days. For anyone traveling through Taipei on Starlux Airlines, I highly recommend allowing extra time to fully enjoy all that this lounge has to offer. It's not just a place to wait for your flight; it's a destination in itself.