“Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.”
– Frank Lloyd Wright
For many, this time of the year peaks interest for travel and what’s not really great about it? It gives you time to relax and unwind with the freedom to discover new places. Travelling with style and having the means to spend a little fortune enhances the experience – with the finest meals and most exclusive itineraries.
Few destinations in the world spell out luxury like London, Monte Carlo, Dubai and Milan. While they all have extravagance in common, each has its own appeal that pulls the affluent traveler to it. We list here some of the best experiences, bars and restaurants for your complete travel experience in each of these destinations.
London
They say you haven’t done London correctly, until you’ve had tea at the Ritz. While we agree with that, we would like to recommend some other activities to make your stay in London extra special. If you want to indulge in some high end retail therapy visit Sloane Street, Bond Street, Mayfair or hit Selfridges to catch a glimpse of Emma Watson, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj or the Kardashians who have been spotted there. For those diamonds, visit Garrard where bespoke jewellery is custom made for their high profile clientele (which includes the British Royalty). If you want to carry home some tea, the world’s most expensive ageing cream, perfume, Snow Queen Hampers visit Fortnum & Mason which is the official grocer to the Queen. While London is known for tea, drop by Harrods to enjoy a cup of coffee from Terra Nerra which costs as much as a Valentino dress. Bicester village that is just a coach ride away from the city center is a shopping paradise with several deals on your favourite luxury brands. For the current selection of fashion designers, luxurious bags and shoes, make sure you drop by Westbourne Grove which is an exciting area in Notting Hill. If making a statement through edgy fashion choices is your thing go to Hostem where names like Ann Demeulemeester, Dries van Noten, Loewe and Rick Owens are popular.
- Bars:
Mr Fogg’s, Mayfair
Seymour’s Parlour at Zetter Townhouse,
Marylebone
Oriole, Farringdon
The Ginstitute
Dukes Bar - Restaurants:
Gastronhome
The Foyer At Claridge’s
Gymkhana
Yauatcha
Trishna
Monte Carlo
The extravagance and opulence associated with this administrative district of Monaco along the French Riviera has no parallel. For the best luxury experience stay in Hotel de Paris or Hotel Hermitage which are the top hotels in Monte Carlo. The next step would be to charter a luxury yacht and relax in the Jacuzzi while your crew takes you along the French Riviera. Drop by the Casino de Monte Carlo (featured in various James Bond movies) for some fun which since 1863, attracts a prestigious clientele to its gaming rooms and terraces. Visit the Boulingrins Gardens for a unique futuristic shopping experience with high end luxury brands. Make sure you club your visit with the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix season to double the fun and catch glimpses of Hollywood stars.
- Bars:
La Rascasse
Bar du Quai
Nobu, at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo
The Salle Blanche & terrasse, at the Casino Monte-Carlo
Wine Palace Monte Carlo, at the Yacht Club de Monaco - Restaurants:
Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse At Hôtel De Paris
Joël Robuchon Monte Carlo
Blue Bay
Nobu Fairmont Monte-Carlo
Cipriani Monte Carlo
Dubai
While everyone goes for the famous desert safari, you should go off the beaten track to enjoy the splendor of Dubai. Stay at the Burj al-Arab Jumeirah with your own private elevator, gold-plated columns, Hermes cosmetics, private cinema and library among other facilities. Make sure you snack at the Bloomsbury cupcake shop and order the Golden Phoenix which is the most expensive cupcake in the world due to its 23 carat gold wrapping. Don’t waste your time on a jet ski scooter on the beaches of Dubai but definitely try the amphibious car in the James Bond style. Make sure you keep a part of your day to swim with the dolphins at the spectacular resort Atlantis to create the best memories of your trip.
- Bars:
JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort
Best Beach Club – Blue Marlin Ibiza Uae
Fume Neighborhood Eatery
Pure Sky Lounge
Shades - Restaurants:
Eauzone
Al Hadheerah
Hukama
Armani/Amal
Indego by Vineet
Milan
Famously regarded as the global fashion capital, the city of Milan in Italy’s Lombardy region has made quite a mark on the millennial traveler. Stay at Principe de Savoia with the likes of Woody Allen, Maddona and Lady Gaga for its indoor swimming pools, personal gyms, private chefs, private bars etc. If you want to experience the world’s best suite stay at The Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan which has won several awards in the category. The suite includes four bedrooms, two terraces, a solarium, 10-seat dining table, 24-hour butler service and a private spa equipped with a hot tub, Turkish bath and sauna. For artistic representations of household items make sure you drop by Officina Alessi’s store. Naviglio Grande, which is one of best antique markets in the world with around 400 exhibitors, is open on every Sunday for buyers of furniture, objects for the home, old books, jewelry, and eclectic finds. Keep a day for Serravalle Designer Outlet which is Europe’s biggest factory outlet centre for an unmatched collection of brands in one area. Visit Quadrilatero della Moda for buying top designer labels from Armani to Zegna. ATMosfera is a must for a unique dining experience on a vintage tram. Don’t forget to visit Lake Como, from Milan, in a hired Ferrari to make your trip unforgettable.
- Bars:
Armani/Bamboo Bar
H Club Diana
Octavius
Blanco Milano
Gold - Restaurants:
Vun al Park Hyatt Milano
Nobu Milan
Il Luogo Di Aimo E Nadia
La Veranda At The Four Seasons
Restaurant Da Giacomo
This summer experience these places in the lap of luxury and get the most out of it!
