The 15,000-square foot, two-floor Centurion Lounge at New York-John F. Kennedy Airport is one of American Express’ newer and biggest lounges. The lounge features free Wi-Fi, space to relax and work, a menu curated by an award-winning chef, an Equinox Body Lab for mini spa treatments and a speakeasy cocktail bar.

Centurion Lounges offer a more premium experience than others accessible by credit card perks, such as Priority Pass lounges. Centurion Lounges are harder to get into (since it’s only really offered as a perk for a few cards), so they are generally less crowded and are all part of American Express, so there is a theme and continuity that’s present in the lounges. This is unique from, say, an experience at Priority Pass lounges, which aren’t owned by a single entity.

If you’ve been curious about Centurion Lounges and are hoping to check out the lounge at New York-JFK, here’s what you can expect.

Food and beverage options

Buffet-style dining at the Centurion Lounge at JFK. (Photo by Elina Geller)

Since this location is one of the larger Centurion Lounges, there are several buffet-style serving stations. The entire menu is curated by New York chef Ignacio Mattos, a four-time James Beard award nominee.

A meal consisting of roasted shawarma style chicken with orecchiette pasta, roasted lemon potatoes and spring vegetables along with a summer corn soup. (Photo by Elina Geller)

Lounge visitors can expect to see some signature dishes, including a caciocavallo and egg sandwich with tomato marmalade, fennel salad with castelvetrano olives, and provolone and steak with romesco and taleggio sauce.

Coffee and tea station at the Centurion Lounge at JFK. (Photo by Elina Geller)

In a nod to its New York theme, this AmEx lounge also features local coffee from Irving Farm New York and local wine chosen by Centurion Lounge wine director Anthony Giglio.

The quality and attention to detail when designing the food menu are one of the critical differences between Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges. As a result, Centurion Lounges offer a much more premium dining experience than what you’d expect from a Priority Pass lounge.

1850 Speakeasy Bar

(Photo by Elina Geller)

One of the coolest features of the Centurion Lounge at JFK is the 1850 Speakeasy bar. To get in, you need to go through a metal door, and once you’re inside, you don't feel like you’re in an airport lounge. With dark finishes, wood paneling and private booths, 1850 feels like an authentic cocktail bar and could be anywhere.

During the day, 1850 doubles as a café, so if you’re in the lounge in the afternoon and don’t feel like grabbing a cocktail, you can enjoy an excellent coffee before your flight.

(Photo by Elina Geller)

The drink menu was created by Jim Meehan, an award-winning mixologist famous for his work with PDT, a stylish, low-key speakeasy in New York City. There is a rotating experiential menu and the theme is travel meets New York. In addition to 1850, the lounge has an additional bar with a full cocktail menu featuring local spirits, also curated by Meehan.

Equinox Body Lab

(Photo by Elina Geller)

Another great feature of this lounge is the Equinox Body Lab, a relaxing space to indulge in self-care. Typically, the Equinox Body Lab is only available in Equinox Clubs. The Equinox Body Lab offers restorative therapy, including self-guided meditation and stretching sessions, vibroacoustic chairs, and Normatec recovery compression boots.

Normatec compression boots at the Equinox Body Lab. (Photo by Elina Geller)

The Normatec compression boots go over your legs and inflate and deflate based on your chosen resistance level. The technology in these boots is supposed to increase circulation, revive muscles and reduce swelling. When I visited the lounge, I tried them out and felt relaxed after the session.