Virgin Holidays has launched a new store in Milton Keynes featuring a spa, virtual reality rollercoaster, complimentary prosecco and business class seats that enable holidaymakers to “try before they fly”.
The shop, which aims to recreate the experience of an executive class airport lounge, enables prospective Virgin fliers to get into the holiday spirit early by enjoying a glass of fizz, VR ride to Vegas and a hand massage or manicure while they browse the different holiday packages available.
There’s also a children’s play area to keep kids occupied while customers contemplate their next break.
Considering an upgrade? No problem. Customers can get comfortable in a selection of Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class and Premium Economy seats before they decide to splash out.
The half a million pound enterprise spans 1,700 square feet and is located in Centre:MK, the Milton Keynes shopping mall. The flagship v-room is the largest of Virgin’s 13 interactive stores across the UK, which attempt to “revolutionise the high street holiday booking experience.”
Spas are already an established feature of many Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses around the world. In July this year, Virgin Atlantic came third behind Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways in the Best Business Class Airlines Lounges in the annual Skytrax Awards, the Oscars of the aviation industry.
The new Milton Keynes store employees 10 staff members, including expert spa staff trained by the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.
Lee Haslett, vice president of sales and product at Virgin Holidays, said: “We’ve been revolutionising the way our customers book their holidays for several years and our latest v-room in Centre:MK is the next step on that journey.
“We know that our customers are looking for something more than just a standard holiday and our v-rooms are the first step on that journey – whether that’s the instore bar, children’s play area or rollercoaster simulation. I’m excited that we’re able to bring our v-room concept to Milton Keynes and I can’t wait to see what our customers think of our first ever in-house spa.”
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