Heathrow has unveiled the first stage of the transformation of its world-renowned VIP offering. Now named The Windsor by Heathrow, the refurbishment and rebrand of the private terminal signals a new chapter in luxury travel, providing a discreet, luxury experience to high profile guests.
Newly Upgraded Private Terminal For VIP Guests
Heathrow has unveiled the transformation of its exclusive VIP suite, which offers a discreet, luxury and personalised service for 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.
The Windsor has been captured on camera by world-renowned photographer Rankin.
Highlights of the VIP service include private chauffeurs direct from front door to plane, all airport. formalities taken care of, private butler service, exclusive 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 £3 million in the refurbishment, enhancing its status as a global leader in luxury travel.
VIP movements have doubled over the last ten years, with plans to double again in the next 3 years thanks to ambitious transformation plans.
Heathrow is a pioneer in luxury airport travel, launching the world’s first airport VIP service in the early sixties, initially serving diplomats and royalty exclusively. In 2008 the iconic 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.
The VIP experience has been elevated once again with a fresh new identity for 2025, which has been captured on camera in a new collection by world-renowned photographer Rankin. The Windsor by Heathrow rebrand took eight months to deliver and cost over £3 million. This investment is in addition to the recently announced £2.3 billion 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 world class luxury service has been tailored to meet the needs of ultra high profile guests from world leaders to A-list celebrities – offering unmatched discretion, convenience and a seamless travel experience.
The Windsor by Heathrow offers a unique, luxury ‘door to door’ experience, with a chauffeur-driven, all-electric BMW taking guests from front door to plane door. Heathrow was recently awarded Best Private Airport Experience in the Forbes Travel Guide awards, highlighting its best-in-class service.
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. From the moment you step out of your front door, to the second you board your plane, we ensure that every detail is taken care of – making your journey seamless, relaxing and unforgettable.”
Luxury, home-from-home interiors
The first phase of the refurbishment focuses on The Windsor, home to eight private lounges and a stylish welcoming entrance lobby. Designed by the award-winning Oliver Burns Studio, the interiors blend thoughtful luxury with contemporary elegance.
The redesigned spaces feature bright and inviting aesthetics, complemented by bespoke furnishings designed in house, and crafted by local artisans.
The spaces are accented with curated British design elements, including Axminster carpets in soft hues. Collaborations with luxury brands like Tom Dixon and Commune add layers of refinement, helping to evoke a ‘home away from home’ ambience, emphasising comfort and special details.
A 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, offering an ever evolving yet timeless experience for visitors. This month 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 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.
Championing British brands
Heathrow always makes strides to partner with the best of up-and-coming British brands, including SMEs. Its latest partnership is 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.
Guests will be indulged with in-lounge home fragrance products from luxury British brand AUGUST&PIERS, enhancing the guests sensory experience. The Windsor is also collaborating with the brand to craft an exclusive bespoke scent, to commemorate and celebrate the rebrand.
Fine dining by Jason Atherton
Guests can enjoy exclusive 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.
Sharon Lillywhite, Founder and Creative Director of Oliver Burns Studio, comments:
“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.”
Tanya Baxter, curator at Tanya Baxter Contemporary, said:
“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.”
Jason Atherton, Chef and Restaurateur, comments:
“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.”
More about The Windsor by Heathrow
Door-to-plane service
Operating 16 hours a day to accommodate global travellers, the service is designed to ensure a seamless and stress-free journey. Unique offerings include a chauffeur service that takes guests directly from their front door to their plane. And as the only airport service authorised to collect and drop off clients directly at their aircraft, customers can enjoy an unparalleled level of convenience.
Private Security, Immigration and Customs
A dedicated Border Force officer is always on hand to handle private immigration services, ensuring no queues on arrival – a key benefit for some international travellers.
All airport formalities are taken care of by the VIP team. Guests simply provide their passports and documents to their host, and they handle the rest. The team ensures that luggage is collected or dropped off quickly and safely, whether guests are arriving or departing, allowing them to sit back and relax.
Personal touches
Serving a select 50,000 guests annually, as part of Heathrow’s 83.9 million passengers, the VIP service is designed to offer a truly personalised touch. For special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries, the team goes the extra mile to make guests feel celebrated. Chefs are on hand to bake cakes for last-minute surprises and the Suite accommodates family pets, particularly dogs, when required. Bespoke menus are often crafted for seasonal celebrations like Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, and even Wimbledon. This February guests can enjoy sampling our guest sparkling English wine curtesy of the award winning Gusbourne Estate.
Personal Shopper
Heathrow officially has the best airport shopping in the world, and – on request – guests at The Windsor can enjoy their own Personal Shopper, who will navigate the back corridors of Heathrow to take guests discretely to their favourite stores in Terminal 5.
