As an emerging trend for high-net-worth travelers is flying to Europe to shop and save on high-ticket items, shopping trips to European destinations are up 44% this year. For those seeking a spontaneous and memorable high-end shopping spree, there is a wealth of diverse options across the continent. From open-air markets to large department stores, whether it’s engaging in retail therapy in Italy’s coastal towns or Southern Portugal, exploring the streets of Switzerland, London, or Vienna, or navigating the renowned department store in Berlin, the ideal destination awaits every eager shopper.
Retail Therapy Reimagined, From Milan Boutiques to a Lake Garda Oasis
Milan stands as a top shopping destination, home to local artisan markets, designer boutiques, and high-end department stores. Its historic fashion houses and rich design heritage allow for shoppers from around the world to save on luxury items while finding unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. Cape of Senses, just outside of the Italian fashion capital of the world, Milan, provides an ideal escape after a successful shopping spree. Situated 600 feet above Lake Garda in Italy, Cape of Senses offers spectacular views of the lake and mountains and year-round relaxation and regeneration, encouraging guests to slow down and reconnect with their senses in a tranquil setting. The property seamlessly combines simplistic elegance with traditional Italian flare, the family-owned hotel, designed by architects and interior designers Hugo and Alessia Demetz, is comprised of 55 suites boasting floor-to-ceiling glass windows with stunning Mediterranean views.
Carlton Hotel St. Moritz Neighbors the Luxury Shopping Hub of Switzerland
Via Serlas is a renowned shopping street located in St. Moritz, making this town the luxury shopping hub of Switzerland and home to many globally recognized brands. The street is lined with a collection of designer stores, including Versace, Hermes, Bulgari, and more. Aside from fashion offerings, this destination is ideal for those seeking stylish Swiss furniture and accessories. The Carlton Hotel St. Moritz, part of the Tschuggen Collection, is situated high above Lake St. Moritz and is one of the town’s most refined hideaways, and a short walk from Via Serlas. Swiss designer Carlo Rampazzi kept elegance and exclusivity at the forefront of his vision when designing the ornate Winter paradise. The hotel features 60 lake-facing suites, the largest penthouse suite in St. Moritz, five terraces, a private elevator, and panoramic views of the landscape, combining quality, comfort, and privacy. Via Serlas and the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz both encompass the luxurious aesthetic of St. Moritz and its timeless beauty.
Luxury Brands to Handmade Keepsakes, a Shoppers Guide in Forte dei Marmi
Tucked along the Tuscan coast, Forte dei Marmi has long been a haven of luxury and Italian charm, encompassing an oasis for shoppers seeking items that tell a story. The small seaside town holds designer brands from Dior, which transformed a petite villa into a dreamlike boutique, to Loro Piana, which recently opened a second shop in what was a flower stand. These creative storefronts blend elegance and playfulness allowing for a more personal shopping experience. Pensione America, a newly opening retreat serves as an ideal destination, continuing visitor's journey through understated luxury. The property features Sicilian tiles, custom bamboo furnishings, and hand-designed wallpaper.
Co-owner of Pensione America, Sara Maestrelli, shares hidden gems, deterring from traditional name brands. “Lo Zoccolaio, offers hand-made wooden clogs (zoccoli), visitors can stop by in the morning, choose their fabric, color, and leather — and by the afternoon, they’re ready. La Cestaia del Forte offers one-of-a-kind woven baskets in several shapes and designs, perfect for the beach, market, or home. Visitors will find playful bikinis with mixed-match prints at Kose Rose. The Sunday Market, one of the best open-air markets in Italy, is held under the pine trees, with cashmere stalls, linen shirts, handmade shoes, and unexpected treasures. Art Galleries are also scattered throughout the town. Often quiet, often surprising. A nice pause from the shops — and sometimes the best souvenir is one you hang on the wall.”
Explore the Harrods of Berlin: A Luxurious Shopping Experience
The Harrods of Berlin, also known as KaDeWe, was founded in 1907 and continues to uphold its legacy as one of the largest, premium department stores in Europe today. A typical destination for locals and international visitors, it is made up of eight levels, covering 60,000 square meters of floor space. KaDeWe continues to combine tradition with modernity, presenting many shopping highlights, including luxury international fashion and beauty lines, featuring Prada, Valentino, Dior, and more. Guests will also find catwalk collections by international designers, an exclusive element of the shopping experience. Each floor is dedicated to a different luxurious offering, including cosmetics and fashion, women’s garments, home goods, children's clothing and accessories, and food.
Citytrip Berlin, a five-day travel itinerary crafted by Untamed Travelling, highly encourages a visit to Berlin’s Harrods and spotlights other recommendations to thoroughly explore Berlin and nearby Potsdam. The itinerary maps out visits to historical and cultural sites, and other leisure activities based on travelers' preferences. Guests can discover various neighborhoods accompanied by a guide to experience shops, museums, monuments, art institutions, as well as local street art, and more. KaDeWe is one of the many highlights on this journey, as it is located in central Berlin, easily accessible by public transit, and offers an exclusive choice of products, creating an exceptional shopping experience.
From Designer Boutiques to an Alpine Retreat at Forsthofgut Nature Hotel
Vienna and Salzburg continue to be two of Europe’s most alluring cities for luxury shopping, offering everything from high-end designer flagships to historic purveyors of fine goods. In Vienna, visitors can stroll the prestigious Goldenes Quartier, where international names like Louis Vuitton and Prada line cobblestone streets beside Austrian ateliers specializing in bespoke jewelry and handmade leather goods. Salzburg offers an elegant mix of luxury boutiques and centuries-old craftsmanship, with stores tucked along the famed Getreidegasse and within beautifully restored baroque buildings. Both cities offer a rich, immersive shopping experience where heritage, design, and luxury intersect.
After spending a few days shopping in the city, Forsthofgut Nature Hotel in Leogang offers a quiet retreat in the Austrian Alps, located about one hour from Salzburg or four from Vienna. Rooms feature oak floors, natural fabrics, and views of the surrounding mountains. The 61,000-square-foot waldSPA includes a health-focused wing with treatments like cryotherapy and strength diagnostics, along with a heated outdoor pool and a sauna complex overlooking the forest. Dining is centered around ingredients sourced from the region, and guests can spend time on forest trails or in the spa, experiencing a different side of Austria.
The Academy Hotel, London: Sophisticated Shopping and Georgian Elegance
London remains a global hub for luxury shopping, drawing fashion lovers and collectors to its celebrated districts. Bond Street continues to set the standard with flagship stores from Chanel, Hermès, and Cartier, while nearby Mount Street in Mayfair offers a more curated selection of emerging designers and exclusive ateliers. Liberty London and Selfridges provide a broader mix of heritage brands and innovative fashion under one roof, making the city an essential stop for those seeking both classic and cutting-edge luxury. London’s historic charm, paired with its constant reinvention of style and retail, makes it an enduring destination for those who seek the best.
For guests looking to balance the excitement of a shopping day with a more intimate, residential-style stay, The Academy Hotel in Bloomsbury offers a refined alternative to London’s larger hotels. Occupying a series of restored Georgian townhouses, The Academy blends historic charm with contemporary design, offering rooms with elegant furnishings, original features, and marble-clad bathrooms. After browsing the boutiques of Mayfair or Soho, guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the hotel’s library or a drink in the walled courtyard garden. Its central location also puts the West End and British Museum within easy reach.
Retail Therapy in Southern Portugal
At Quinta Shopping Mall in Almancil, Portugal, guests can enjoy a relaxing open-air environment featuring local luxury boutique stores like Nº13, Xanadu, Allure, and Boutique by Rory, where they’ll find unique European style pieces, alongside jewelry and watch stores like Edjóia Joalharia and David Rosas. In between shopping, visitors can unwind with a drink at Brooke's Wine Bar & Shop, which offers an extensive selection of over 400 wines, or savor a meal at Blu Café known for healthy dishes or Tony’s Pizza serving authentic Italian food in a family-friendly setting. After a long day of shopping, travelers can retreat to W Algarve, the first luxury lifestyle hotel in the region. W Algarve boasts 134 hotel rooms and suites, plus 83 residences, all with spacious balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can unwind at the AWAY Spa, which offers six treatment rooms with a variety of massage techniques and luxurious amenities, including a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool, all set against beautiful garden views. Travelers can also enjoy the property's distinct restaurants, ranging from intimate Italian dining at Paper Moon to local flavors at Market Kitchen, providing travelers with a diverse and enriching culinary journey for a further look into the destination.
Luxury Shopping with ThirdHome Reserve
Mykonos is a destination for luxury shopping, boasting boutiques from world-renowned fashion brands such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent. The island’s vibrant shopping scene includes upscale spots like Nammos Village, where visitors can find local brands like Ancient Kallos, Evi Grintela, and Katerina Psoma, making it a true paradise for fashion enthusiasts. For members of ThirdHome’s Reserve program, Mykonos offers the exceptional opportunity to stay at Alegria Estate, a private estate nestled between two of the island’s most popular beaches, Kalo Livadi & Kalafatis. The property boasts 75,000 sq ft and welcomes large groups, including weddings up to 700 guests.
Available for up to 90- 95% off the standard booking rate, Alegria estate can be found in the portfolio of ThirdHome – a luxury home exchange club for second homeowners with over 19,000 properties in over 100 countries. Within ThirdHome is their reserve tier, that includes some of the world’s most impressive homes like Alegria Estate that are valued up to $50 Million. As ThirdHome’s business model is based off a weekly rate as opposed to nightly, this 20,000 square foot home featuring 13 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms typically rents for a minimum of $15,000 per night yet is available to members of ThirdHome Reserve for $3,000-$13,000 per week (depending on the time of year and any add ones.) This villa, set on 1.7 acres with stunning Mediterranean sea views, offers a luxurious stay with top-notch amenities like a spa, gym, butler service, chef, and bartender. It also doubles as an exceptional wedding venue, featuring a welcome hall, chapel, wine cellar, infinity lake-shaped pool with an amphitheater-like lounge, and a garden event space, all supported by 24/7 staff to ensure a flawless and unforgettable celebration.
