Milan may not be the kind of city that sweeps you off your feet right from the moment you get there. But ask any local, and they will tell you that the area has its own distinct charms. The secret to enjoying Milan to the fullest is to know where to look and what to look for.
With just a tad of patience, lovers of luxury can expect to get their fill in this city. Continue reading for the ultimate luxury guide to Milan.
Luxury Accommodations
While Milan never runs short in terms of big brands and loud labels, if you value the luxury of whispers over shouts, the Mandarin Oriental Milan is the perfect deluxe and discreet spot you should check out. Boasting a wow factor, the Mandarin Oriental Milan is Italy’s first and only Mandarin Oriental. It is stylishly tucked off the primary thoroughfare in the major shopping district.
The hotel takes great pride in its cocooning Eastern-influenced spa, complete with an indoor swimming pool that is designed with feng shui in mind. The communal hub of the hotel is the bar, made from white and black marble. You will also love the seriously divine rooms and dining at Seta, a restaurant with two Michelin stars.
Guests are welcomed in restrained but lush marbles and textiles, even at their most basic. A particularly lavish treat you can check out is the presidential suite with its sky-blue Brazilian marble and palatial round soaking tub.
Another hotel for luxurious accommodation is the Four Seasons Milan, located in the heart of the fashion district of the city. It was originally a 15th-century convent, with its cloistered inner courtyard still intact. It has since evolved into a tranquil haven for fashionistas who flock here during the spring and autumn seasons.
Most of the bedrooms in the hotels feature high ceilings and frescoes. You can also enjoy classic comfort food selections from Italy out on the verandah. There is also a spa, which is a wonderful haven for those who want to rejuvenate after a hectic schedule throughout the day.
Many fashion editors find themselves complaining about how Milan lacks legit luxury hotels. The good news is that this problem has long been solved thanks to the Park Hyatt. Located near the Duomo, Park Hyatt is an oasis amid the bustling city. It is serene and beautifully turned out, ready to welcome even visitors with the highest demands. Whether you want your walk-in wardrobe, a delish breakfast with gluten-free toast, or undisrupted TV viewing, Park Hyatt has got you covered.
Luxury Clubs
Sip your favorite cocktail while relaxing on one of the posh leather banquettes at the Armani/Privé, which features a dance floor, a central bar, and a second bar area that exudes more intimacy and privacy. The club is open from September through June with different musical programming daily, from DJ sets to live performances.
The elaborate nightclub of Roberto Cavalli inside Parco Sempione is the best place to be if you want to dance with beautiful people in the early hours. Just as expected, the luxurious décor features lots of gold, abundant oriental furnishings, and suitable amounts of leopard prints.
Luxury Shopping
In Milan, the world’s best fashion capital, you’ll never run out of shopping options. However, there are several treasures worthy of discovery and purchase beyond high-end fashion items.
Be sure to visit the photogenic bookshop Rizzoli in the stylish glass and gilded shopping gallery of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The bookshop is every bibliophile’s dream, with literary events scheduled on a regular basis.
Known as a cabinet of curiosities, Raw is a must-visit place for all fans of interior design. You will find a dose of inspiration in the shop, which carries a vast selection of items from antique birdcages to chic ceramics.
Be sure to drop by L’Arabesque for clothing beyond the obvious and find a collection of timelessly chic sartorial choices for women and men alike.
Luxury Attraction
If you are looking for some creative inspiration, Armani Silos is a place you shouldn’t miss visiting. It is Giorgio Armani’s fashion museum and exhibition space, housed in a renovated Nestle warehouse.
Aside from being the base of the permanent collection of the most important creations of the designer from the last four decades, the area also serves as the host to limited edition engagements such as the Imaginary Tales or Racconti Immaginari anthology that features more than 100 eclectic works by the photographer Paolo Ventura.
Luxury Pampering
Tired fashionistas who are in the know should rest up between shows at the spa in the Bulgari Hotel. Here, you can pamper yourself with indulgent Espa treatments specifically tailored to your needs. You can also take advantage of the fitness center, the sparkling gold mosaic pool, and the hammam.
Luxury Dining
Head over to La Veranda for a refined Italian lunch. It is Four Seasons Milan’s secluded courtyard restaurant, where you can choose from favorites with a modern touch, such as chic sushi offerings, cacio e pepe with licorice shavings, and Italian dishes with Asian influence, such as spaghetti infused with matcha tea.
There is also the enticing Trussardi alla Scala for those who prefer something more conventional. You can request a table that offers a stunning view of the Teatro alla Scala, the popular old-world opera house in Milan.
Milan’s sleek fashion crowd will effortlessly fit at the minimalist and equally sleek restaurant Il Ristorante Trussardi alla Scala. Pick between the main room for a more formal feast or the café for a light bite. And while you are there, be sure to get a glimpse of the adjoining boutique and bookshop.
If you are a fan of Wes Anderson, the quirky director, drop by Bar Luce, which is a homage to the culture of the retro Italian coffee shop the director designed himself.
Milan and its luxurious offerings are hard to miss, so make sure you try them for yourself on your next visit!
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