For those who find joy in exploring designer boutiques, uncovering hidden artisan gems and indulging in the finest retail experiences, a shopping holiday can be the ultimate form of luxury. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge couture, bespoke craftsmanship or world-famous department stores, certain cities around the world stand out as havens for discerning shoppers.
At Elegant Resorts we curate tailor made experiences that go far beyond retail therapy, combining luxurious accommodation, exclusive access and personalised service to make every moment of your trip unforgettable.
We've tapped into the expert knowledge of our own luxury travel specialists to bring you a guide to the top 5 best shopping holiday destinations in the world to provide you with a few insights which may help you choose the best location for your next tailor made trip with Elegant Resorts:
1. Singapore - The Shopping Capital of Asia
Effortlessly combining futuristic innovation with sophisticated style, Singapore is a paradise for travellers who demand the very best. Orchard Road, lined with luxury malls like ION Orchard, Paragon and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, is an icon of global retail. From designer flagships and fine jewellers to high end technology and avant garde local traders, Singapore's shopping scene is as diverse as it is dazzling.
For those who crave exclusivity, Singapore's luxury hotels and resorts such as Marina Bay Sands or The Fullerton Bay Hotel offer concierge shopping services and private retail experiences with personal stylists. Away from the main thoroughfares, the city's independent districts like Haji Lane and Tiong Bahru showcase emerging designers and creative artisans which are a haven for those with an for the extraordinary and a desire to be different.
With its air-conditioned malls and eclectic array of outlets, Singapore is the ideal shopping holiday destination for luxury travellers who value innovative fashion and a shopping experience that is as seamless as the city itself.
2. New York - The City That Never Sleeps
Few places in the world match the electric thrill of New York City for retail therapy. The city's energy, diversity and sheer choice make it one of the best shopping holiday destinations for fashion lovers and collectors alike. Fifth Avenue remains iconic, a stretch of pure luxury where Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Saks Fifth Avenue invite shoppers to indulge in timeless elegance.
But New York is about far more than just its famed luxury stores. In SoHo, you'll find chic boutiques and innovative designer showrooms; in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, independent stores and vintage markets give a taste of the city's creative pulse.
For those seeking exclusivity, private shopping appointments in high-end department stores or curated styling sessions at Bergdorf Goodman can easily be arranged through the travel experts at Elegant Resorts as part of your very own tailor made shopping holiday package.
3. Milan - The Fashion Capital of Europe
No list of the best shopping holidays would be complete without Milan, the undisputed fashion capital of Italy, and potentially the whole of Europe. It's home to some of the world's most revered designers such as Prada, Gucci, Armani and Versace.
Milan is where style isn't just worn, it's lived. The Quadrilatero d'Oro, or 'Golden Rectangle,' epitomises Milanese glamour, offering an unparalleled concentration of luxury boutiques set within historic architecture.
For a more artisanal experience, the city's hidden courtyards and ateliers reveal bespoke shoemakers, tailors and accessory designers crafting eye-catching pieces you won't find anywhere else. A visit to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping arcades, is an essential part of the Milan shopping experience - not just for its stores, but for its architectural beauty and sense of history.
The travel experts at Elegant Resorts can arrange private fashion tours, personal shopping appointments and even exclusive access to Milan Fashion Week for those wishing to immerse themselves in the city's sartorial splendour. It is a city which is best suited to the true fashion connoisseurs - those who appreciate hand craftsmanship, haute couture and Italian flair.
4. London - Tradition Meets Trendy
With its effortless mix of heritage and innovation, London stands among the best shopping holiday destinations in the world. From the historic elegance of Bond Street and Harrods to the cutting-edge creativity of Shoreditch and Covent Garden, London's retail landscape caters to every possible taste and style.
Knightsbridge is the beating heart of British luxury, home to Harrods and Harvey Nichols, while Mayfair's boutiques offer the ultimate in discretion and exclusivity. For those in search of emerging designers and concept stores, Soho and Notting Hill provide endless inspiration.
Chelsea is another district steeped in history but with an altogether different persona, having been the birthplace of Pink fashion in the 1970s thanks to the anti-conformatist movement sparked by Vivienne Westwood & Malcolm McLaren's boutique.
Elegant Resorts can enhance your London shopping escape with bespoke touches such as private after-hours access to select boutiques, chauffeur-driven transfers between shopping districts or VIP styling sessions with London's top fashion consultants.
London is the best shopping holiday destination for those who enjoy pairing a day of shopping with fine dining, theatre or afternoon tea at The Ritz; proof that you don't always have to travel far for the extraordinary.
5. Paris - The Timeless Heart of Haute Couture
Romantic, refined, and eternally stylish, Paris is synonymous with luxury shopping. The French capital's legendary reputation makes it an essential stop on any list of the best shopping holiday destinations. The Golden Triangle region is the epicentre of high fashion, home to icon brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.
Beyond the major fashion houses, Paris offers an endless array of boutiques, vintage stores, and ateliers where creativity flourishes. Le Marais is a haven for contemporary designers and unique concept stores, while Saint-Germain-des-Pres combines literary charm with chic elegance in a region which boasts a friendly village feel
Elegant Resorts can curate an exclusive Paris shopping holiday itinerary which is bespoke to your preferences featuring private viewings, made-to-measure experiences and VIP access to some of the city's most prestigious fashion houses.
With its wealth of Michelin star restaurants, trendy bars and historic arcades, Paris is a perfect destination for shopping holidays where lifelong memories are waiting to be discovered around every street corner.
Experience the World's Best Shopping Holiday Destinations with Elegant Resorts
Each of these shopping holiday destinations offers something truly special - from the high-tech sophistication of Singapore to the timeless artistry of Paris. But what truly transforms a shopping holiday into an unforgettable experience is the way it's curated.
At Elegant Resorts, we understand that the best shopping holidays are about more than just what you buy. A shopping holiday is also about how you experience a city and our luxury travel experts will put together tailor made shopping holiday packages which include luxurious accommodation, VIP appointments and money can't buy experiences which are bespoke to your preferences.
Whether you want to explore New York's fashion scene with a personal stylist, enjoy a champagne-filled shopping tour through Milan, or discover the hidden ateliers of Paris, Elegant Resorts will ensure every moment reflects your personal style.
So discover the world's best shopping holiday destinations with Elegant Resorts and let us craft a journey where luxury, culture, and couture meet.