Where flight delays are WELCOME: Best airports in the world revealed, including places where passengers can surf on artificial waves, zoom down slides and visit a hobbit hole

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For many passengers the thought of getting stranded at an airport is enough to fill them with dread.

But at these incredible airports they may secretly want a delayed flight - or even a stay for the night.

From 4D cinemas to indoor surfing, golf courses to swimming pools, these airports prove the sky is the limit when it comes to guest facilities.

Fliers at Incheon International Airport can take advantage of two cinemas, explore a museum, take a stroll in seven gardens, try their hand at an 18-hole putting course and even use an ice-skating rink

And it's not just the amenities that make it stand out - it was also named the world's cleanest airport

Incheon International Airport

While other departure lounges offer a selection of shops and food outlets, this South Korean has pushed out the boat to provide the best entertainment for guests. 

Fliers can take advantage of two cinemas, explore a museum, take a stroll in seven gardens, try their hand at an 18-hole putting course and even use an ice-skating rink.

In addition to this there is also live music and dance performances in the airport's culture centre. 

If guests do have long waiting periods, there are free showers available in the bathrooms,. 

And it is not just the entertainment options that set it apart from other destinations.

Skytrax named Incheon International Airport the world's cleanest in its annual awards based on traveller reviews. 

Singapore Changi Airport 

Eleven full-time horticulturists maintain the stunning indoor gardens - which include half a million plants, waterfalls, and koi ponds - at Singapore Changi Airport

Why not try the world’s tallest airport slide - The Slide @ T3 (left) - at Changi or see some of the unusual displays, such as a hobbit hole from The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings franchise, which was opened earlier this year (right)?

It may be hard for travellers to drag themselves out of this Singapore-based hotel due to the freebies on offer. 

Gamers can play Xbox 360 and Playstation games, while movie-lovers can relax in the cinema, and there is even a replica hobbit hole on show for a limited time.

If rest and relaxation between flights is a priority, there is a rooftop swimming pool, showers and even a napping facility for those who can't keep their eyes open.

Eleven full-time horticulturists maintain the stunning indoor gardens, which include half a million plants, waterfalls and koi ponds. 

In terminal two guests can relax in the Sunflower Garden, which features over 500 of the brightly coloured flowers. 

And don't worry about having to entertain restless children during the wait. In terminal three is the world’s tallest slide in an airport, The Slide @ T3.

The best part is that the ride can be free, as for every $10 spent at Changi Airport in a single receipt, members of the public can redeem one ride on the four-storey-high slide. 

Singapore Changi Airport was recognised for its incredible facilities and named the World's Best Airport 2015 by Skytrax.

Hong Kong Airport

Kick back and relax: Guests can see movies at the IMAX cinema at Hong Kong, which incorporates multi-sensory effects

Forget having to entertain yourself with a magazine from the airport shop, the Hong Kong airport provides all kinds of distractions for waiting passengers

Forget having to entertain yourself with a magazine from the airport shop, Hong Kong airport provides all kinds of distractions for waiting passengers. 

One of its most notable features is the 4D IMAX film experience, which incorporates multi-sensory effects to keep guests' minds off their flight wait time. 

Until recently there was a nine-hole golf course but now guests can enjoy the iSports gym with a computer-simulated basketball court. 

For kids who love to dress up, there is a role-playing experience on offer where they can learn about different work environments while they wait. 

Kuala Lumpur International Airport 

Relaxing paradise: Instead of looking at vast expanses of tarmac and concrete, passengers at Kuala Lumpur Airport can observe a natural oasis of trees inside

There is also 720,000 sq ft of retail space available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and there are plans to increase this 60 per cent to 1,133,000 sq ft

Some have called Kuala Lumpur airport the 'airport in the forest', because it's surrounded by forests containing 86 species of trees.

The theme is carried through inside, with guests able to relax within the airport's tropical jungle surroundings.

The Passenger Terminal Complex (PTC) was built with an emphasis on allowing natural light into the building. Thus there is a huge expanse of glass throughout the building, and the spectacular roof has cut-outs for natural light to filter in. 

Alongside aN 80-room hotel, there is a 422-room five-star Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA, a five-minute (indoor) walk away. 

There is also 720,000 sq ft of retail space available to keep guests occupied, and there are plans to increase this by 60 per cent to total 1,133,000 sq ft.

McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas 

If all cash has been blown during the Las Vegas stay, tourists can wander around McCarran International Airport's five art displays, which include sculptures and murals

Travellers can start gambling as soon as they touch down in McCarran International Airport as it has 1,234 slot machines within its terminals to keep fliers occupied

Who says the fun has to start and finish at the Las Vegas casinos?

Travellers can start gambling as soon as they touch down in Las Vegas Airport as it has 1,234 slot machines within its terminals to keep fliers occupied. 

If every last penny has been blown during a Las Vegas stay, tourists can wander around the airport's five art displays, which include sculptures and murals.

Dubai International Airport

Dubai is known for going all out with projects, and its airport is no exception. For big-spenders it is a retail paradise, being home to the world's largest duty-free store measuring 58,000 square feet

There is also a G-Force Gym in the building for those wishing to work on their fitness before indulging in the duty-free shopping

Dubai is known for going all out with projects, and its airport is no exception. 

For big-spenders it is a retail paradise, being home to the world's largest duty-free store measuring 58,000 square feet. 

Those looking to relax can head to the Zen gardens, or swimming pool and spa to de-stress before their flight. 

There is also a 'G-Force Gym' in the building for those wishing to work on their fitness before indulging in the duty-free shopping.  

Munich Airport

Munich Airport has one of the world's biggest standing artificial waves for guests to try out their surfing skills before boarding a plane

Munich Airport boasts the world’s only full-fledged beer garden and in-airport brewery where fliers can sample German beers at the Airbräu brewery, and enjoy live music

For the country that is home to the largest beer festival in the world, Oktoberfest, it is only fitting that guests can relax with a pint at the airport.

Munich Airport boasts the world’s only full-fledged beer garden and in-airport brewery where fliers can sample German beers at the Airbräu brewery and enjoy live music. 

And it is not only the beer offerings which stand the airport apart from others. 

Munich Airport has a techy pool with one of the world's biggest standing artificial waves where guests can try out their surfing skills.

Vancouver International Airport

Aqua wonderland: Vancouver International Airport has a giant 20,000-gallon tank which features over 5,000 creatures

Vancouver International Airport was the only one in both Americas to have been featured in the top ten in the world

Up against stiff worldwide competition, Vancouver International Airport was the only one in both Americas to have been featured in the top ten in the world. 

Overlooking the sea, the airport boasts a butler and cleaning service, along with a Plaza Premium Lounge for guests to unwind in. 

Children can explore four play areas, or sample food from outlets throughout the 6,400 square foot departure lounge. 

Marine-lovers can gaze at a giant 20,000-gallon tank which features over 5,000 creatures.

London Heathrow Airport

Forget grabbing a quick sandwich, start your holiday in style at the Caviar bar inside the new terminal 2 building at Heathrow

The airport, which was voted the best airport for shopping at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, even boasts an 11,000 square-foot Harrods store

If you are looking for a lavish shopping experience at the airport, Heathrow is up there with the best, featuring more than 80 outlets. 

The airport, which was voted the best airport for shopping at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, even boasts an 11,000 square-foot Harrods store. 

Personal shoppers are on hand to help you find any desired items, with names such as Alexander McQueen and Swarovski selling products in the lounge.

Choosing what to eat and drink is a tough call as well, with a Gordon Ramsay, Fortnum & Mason and a Caviar House Oyster Bar. 

There is even a Molton Brown Travel Spa in British Airways Terminals 1 and 4, where guests can enjoy a hydrotherapy shower.

Plus there's croquet available on a mini court to complete your pre-flight entertainment itinerary.

Qatar Airport

The newly-remodelled Hamad Airport in Doha, Qatar, is easily one of the most luxurious in the world. The terminal itself cost billions to build - and the outlay is evident in this gold-plated coffee shop counter

There are also works of art throughout the terminal, like the over-size Lamp Bear by Swiss artist Urs Fishcer (pictured)

In its bid to become the tourist destination of the future, the oil-rich nation of Qatar has gone all-out to impress visitors.

And nowhere more so than at its sleek airport, where the glitzy accessories range from the beautiful to the somewhat bizarre (yes, it really has an oversized teddy bear lamp at the entrance).

Perhaps the world's most over-the-top airport, Doha's Hamad International has taken extravagance to the next level, with gold-plated coffee kiosks, a life-size replica Formula One car and a sleek hotel offering VIP travellers use of its Presidential Suite for three-hour layovers. 

If there was any doubt about the airport's fascination with luxury, head to the 80 stores scattered throughout the terminals - a who's who of designer brands from Armani and Chanel to Hermes and Bulgari.

A mini art gallery has been designed to entertain culture vultures, while the business class lounge measures a huge 33,000 square feet. 

Opened to great fanfare last year, Hamad International is said to have cost the oil-rich nation billions to build. 

OTHER WACKY AIRPORT ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOU OCCUPIED DURING YOUR LAYOVER  

Pittsburgh International Airport offers deer hunting in a bid to control wildlife on the grounds

Pittsburgh International Airport - Deer hunting

In a bid to control wildlife on the grounds, this airport offered a selection of their 'lottery winners' the chance to take part in a deer hunt last year. 

Winners were given access to the deer on the airport's designated bow-hunting area - over 800 acres - for the duration of hunting season.

 

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport - Yoga

This airport's yoga studio means passengers can stretch their way to a stress-free mindset.

Don't worry about bringing your own mat in your luggage - the studio is fully equipped.

 

Guarulhos International Airport, Sao Paulo, Brazil - Teeth cleaning

The dental clinic at this airport is open Monday through Friday and offers cleaning, whitening services, and X-rays for about £24-£37 ($40-$60).

 

Narita Airport - Juko oxygen lounge

Exotically-flavoured oxygen - think eucalyptus and cinnamon - is pumped into your lungs via self-service tanks.

A ten-minute session will cost about £4, while a 20-minute service will cost £8.