Inside Iberia's New 800-Square-Meter Madrid Lounge With Private Rest Suites & A 360-Degree Bar

Credit: Iberia Published Sep 9, 2026, 12:27 PM EDT Sumit has more than 10 years of experience as a professional journalist. Having written for The Independent, Evening Standard, and others, his role here allows him to explore his enthusiasm for aviation and travel. Having built strong relationships with United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Iberia, Icelandair, and more. Sumit excels in both travel history and market analysis. Based in London, UK. Sign in to your Simple Flying account Simple Flying was at the opening of Iberia's brand-new lounge at Madrid-Barajas Airport’s Terminal 4. Named after the revered Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, Emerald Lounge Sorolla is all about offering privacy while still providing the chance to socialize for those who’d like a balance. Unlike many other modern lounges, Emerald Lounge Sorolla is designed so you don’t see the whole space at first glance. Upon entering the 800-square-meter space, guests are welcomed at reception before moving through a small section designed for casual work or dining. Equipped with both open-plan seating and isolated cubicles, it’s the perfect place to sip a coffee while catching up with colleagues or emails. For those eager to get work done, it would be hard to notice just how big the lounge is behind the short walls. A 360-Degree Bar And A Strong Focus On Spanish Food Credit: Iberia The back wall stands out thanks to the 360-degree circular bar that is reminiscent of those found at the famous rooftop terraces dotted along the city of Madrid. The bartender was busy making cocktail after cocktail, something that Iberia is proud to highlight. From Old Fashioneds to Espresso Martinis, the bartender can make it all. Adjacent to the bar is the buffet. The chocolate fondues were a sight to behold, but it’s not all show for the airline. Iberia’s Global Head of Premium Customer Experience, Andrea Pinna, emphasized that rigorous testing has gone into bringing the flavors of Spain into the cuisine here. From locally sourced Mediterranean olive oils to fresh prawns from the Atlantic, it’s all about quality. All in all. Iberia favors freshness over having an à la carte menu that may see several other airlines utilize frozen dishes. This approach was prevalent with every bite. The crispness of the fresh salad paired perfectly with the natural olive oil. My palate was also cleansed by the refreshing homemade lemonade options. Credit: Sumit Singh | Simple Flying While I initially thought that the whole back section was earmarked for an open, social space, I soon realized that there was a row of distinctly private seats overlooking the terminal. Designer Patricia Urquiola is the mind behind the sleek furnishings that can be found throughout the lounge, and this creativity ensures that these comfy chairs are great for moments such online meetings. They are hidden out of the way, blocked off, and there are plenty of charging ports. The privacy doesn’t end there, however. In fact, the most private part can be found down a corridor leading to two private rest suites. Each room has a bed, a desk, and a bench, making it handy for a couple of hours’ rest ahead of a long trip. The sparkling-clean shower next door would be the icing on the cake to leave you refreshed before boarding. With space for 128 visitors, Emerald Lounge Sorolla does an excellent job of balancing premium service while allowing guests to have the freedom to roam. As Iberia puts it: “One of the Iberia Emerald Lounge Sorolla’s key distinguishing features is the personalised service it provides. From the moment they arrive, customers will be welcomed by a dedicated team responsible specifically for their assistance and support. The aim is for the experience to begin with the very first contact, offering a closer, more proactive and personalised service capable of anticipating each customer’s needs throughout their stay in the lounge.” The New Lounge Offers A Preview Of What's To Come The lounge soft-launched earlier this summer. With staff now eased in, it will fully open for eligible members tomorrow. Platino, Platino Prime, Infinita, Infinita Prime and Singular customers are all welcome to visit following the security check at T4. This introduction comes ahead of Iberia’s new Business Class, which is set to be launched next year. The airline has already made significant upgrades to its business product in 2022, with new private suites and doors. It's fair to say that Spain's flag carrier is continuing its emphasis on privacy in this next chapter.