This is why it should not surprise anyone why I have left the Mall at Millenia for last – but definitely not least – in my coverage of Orlando’s extensive retail opportunities.

The Mall at Millenia offers travelers shopping that can’t be found anywhere else in Florida, within minutes of Orlando attractions. More than 70 of the mall’s stores are unduplicated in Central Florida, more than five are the only location in the state and the Mall features more luxury brands than any other enclosed shopping mall in the state, including Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Jimmy Choo, Burberry and Dior.  

Did I mention Jimmy Choo? I can’t leave this store out because when I was at the mall two weekends ago, I totally feel in love with the shoes on the front window display. I walked in, sat down and excitedly waited for the sales girl to bring me the Gleny’s Python Sandal. This gladiator sandal is featured in Jimmy Choo's advertising fall campaign. 

This pair almost brought tears to my eyes, they are that gorgeous. This exotic sandal is the height of chic. If you are looking for a stunning evening look, all you have to do is wear them with slim-fit pants or a dress and you are good to go. So you can image how heartbroken I was when they did not have my size!

Thankfully, the gracious employee called the other three Florida Jimmy Choo stores (Coral Gables, Bal Harbour and Palm Beach) and found my size at the Village of Merrick Park. My heart began to beat with happiness knowing what was waiting when I returned home. I have no doubt that my investment in this quality shoe will be rewarded with every wear for years to come.

Another great thing about the Mall at Millenia, aside from its luxurious stores, is the partnerships it has with several area hotels. Visitors can choose an experience that suits their tastes from a variety of travel packages, combining world-class shopping and accommodations with golf, spa, theme park or cultural excursions.

For example, when the work week takes a toll, the love-life takes a tumble or the girls simply need to get away from it all, stressed-out ladies can find the ultimate in therapy with the “Relax, Retail and Restore” girlfriends’ getaway offered by The Mall at Millenia and the luxurious Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld.  This indulgent escape includes two nights’ deluxe accommodations, complimentary valet parking, $100 food and beverage credit for use in any of the resort’s fine restaurants and a $15 Starbucks gift card that can be used at the property’s onsite coffee shop. Plus, the girls will be treated to a relaxing and therapeutic massage and facial at the resort’s newly opened néu lotus spa. 

The retail therapy component of the experience comes in the form of the ultimate shopping excursion, starting with a personalized style consultation and shopping session with the girls’ choice of knowledgeable fashionistas. The Mall offers personal shopping expertise from either certified image consultant Susan Constantine from the London Institute, who has been in publications like Elle, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Self, Brides and Town & Country magazines or Melanie Pace, an authority on the latest trends and recurring fashion expert on iVillage Live.

After learning insider tips on looking their best, the girls can splurge their cares away at any of the mall’s luxurious retailers such as David Yurman, Hugo Boss or  Salvatore Ferragamo or deck themselves from head-to-toe with must-have trends from Betsey Johnson, Anthropologie and Marciano with a $1,000 Mall at Millenia gift  card each (included in the package).

To top off the day, the girls can catch up on the latest over lunch at one of the mall’s posh eateries and a cocktail at Blue Martini, the Mall’s chic entertainment lounge.

From Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, to Paris and Milan, every great city has distinctive shopping. And while some visitors to this area may not realize this, Orlando is certainly no exception.  My shopping tour of this destination has demonstrated that Orlando is a fashion powerhouse. 

The Mall at Millenia has now become one of my favorite places to splurge in the state. It is a total experience unlike any other retail venue in Central Florida. For now, I hope you have fun shopping.

Live life large... & ciao!