With the majority of the year behind us, travellers from the Middle East have begun planning their shopping destinations to hunt for Christmas and post-Christmas bargains over the cooler period.
Kapil Aggarwal, Director of Sales & Marketing, Hyatt International - South West Asia, said: “Travellers in the region are incredibly fashion and bargain savvy, and one of the best times for those seeking sales is the Christmas period. Some of the world’s most beautiful and bustling cities provide some of the best shopping experiences, offering visitors a combination of culture and heritage, as well as the chance to pick up some great luxury items.”
Where luxury fashion is concerned, travellers cannot overlook Italy’s fashion metropolis, Milan. One of the world’s most fashionable locations and the second largest city in Italy, Milan’s runways have seen the global launch of some of the finest and most luxurious fashion houses such as Armani, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci, with designers’ flagship stores situated in the prestigious Quadrilatero d’Oro, or Golden Quad. Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s immaculate masterpiece The Last Supper, Milan also has a culturally rich history alongside the glamour of fashion, a bustling nightlife and tantalizing Italian fare making it one of the most popular destinations for shopping and leisure.
The Park Hyatt Milan is a contemporary luxury hotel located in the historical centre of Milan. Located within walking distance of renowned fashion houses and shops along Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, the hotel is an ideal destination for those on a luxury fashion spree. Just steps away from Piazza Duomo, Teatro alla Scala and the Brera Art Gallery, and facing Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II, Park Hyatt Milan is surrounded by world-renowned attractions. The spacious five-star rooms and suites combine authentic Italian finishes with sleek amenities and state-of-the-art technology. In addition to the sumptuous cuisine at restaurants VUN and La Cupola, guests can treat themselves to a variety of beauty and holistic treatments at The Spa.
For those looking a bit closer to home, just a short flight from the UAE is stunning Istanbul, the largest Turkish city, with an incredible long and rich heritage dating back to ancient times. Savvy shoppers can visit The Grand Bazaar, and get lost amongst over five thousand vendors all vying to sell their goods to bargain-hunting travellers. With history and modernity literally placed side by side in this bustling city, attractions not to be missed include the Bosphorus, the straits between Asia and Europe, the Cistern Basilica, and the Blue Mosque.
Park Hyatt Istanbul is ideally located in the fashionable Nişantaşi residential and shopping district, uniquely combining the historic architecture of an Art Deco Palace with innovative interior design. Housing Emporio Armani and Gucci boutiques, and within walking distance of many other upscale designer fashion houses, ultra-trendy bars and sumptuous restaurants, the hotel is the perfect destination for a luxurious shopping getaway. The stylish five-star hotel houses 90 deluxe rooms and suites and is decorated with photography and poetry of famous Turkish artists, as well as traditional Turkish patterns and icons. Unexpected pleasures await guests in the form of the finest food and beverage facilities, an outdoor pool, a terrace and bar area, and the ultimate relaxation after a full day of pounding the pavement, at The Spa.
While the pull of destinations abroad continues to appeal to Middle Eastern travellers, many are choosing to explore the local array of shopping experiences available to them.
“Although many shoppers look abroad, the UAE in itself is a wonderful shopping destination, with all the world’s most famous and sought-after brands and boutiques located within its many huge malls,” added Aggarwal.
The glittering Emirate of Dubai offers shoppers a paradise of brands, bargains and beauty that matches up to any international offering. With all the world renowned brands housed in malls such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Wafi Mall, shoppers are spoiled for choice. January and February mark the world-famous Dubai Shopping Festival, where retailers offer huge discounts for diehard shopping fans, with incredible weather to boot.
Located minutes from shopping precincts such as Deira City Center, Lamcy Plaza, and Al Ghurair Center, Park Hyatt Dubai is a luxurious haven for the discerning traveller. Just a short drive from renowned Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Wafi Mall, the hotel is a luxury waterfront retreat adjacent to the world-famous Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. With 225 luxury rooms and suites, the luxury Amara Spa, access to the golf club nearby, an outdoor swimming pool, private fishing and charter yachts available from the club, Park Hyatt Dubai is the ideal resort destination in Dubai for those seeking luxury in their shopping experiences |