Sponsored: Here’s a shopping mall where you’ll actually want to spend a whole day…

Dubai is home to some of the world’s biggest shopping malls, and while they’re fun to visit every now and then, sometimes it feels like you’re spending more time than money, wandering aimlessly between stores (and inevitably losing your car in the massive parking lots).

Golden Mile Galleria on the Palm Jumeirah is different. Located adjacent to Al Ittihad Park and its palm tree-lined jogging track, the mall immediately has a more relaxed vibe, removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. It couldn’t be easier to get to, with plenty of underground parking, or you can even take The Palm Monorail – just hop off at Ittihad Park Station.

It’s the perfect place to indulge in a spot of retail therapy, but shopping isn’t the only thing to do here. Golden Mile Galleria offers a whole host of activities under one roof.

Here’s why you should make it your new go-to destination…

GREAT FOOD AND COFFEE: CHECK

At Golden Mile Galleria, you’ll find seriously good eats from every corner of the globe. We love KYO Restaurant & Lounge, a Japanese eatery with a beautiful outdoor terrace that makes us feel as though we’ve been transported to a secret garden in Kyoto. Then there’s Levant street food favourite Zaroob, which serves up some of the best falafel in town.

When it comes to cafes, you’re just as spoiled for choice. You’ll find coffee shop classics like Caffe Nero and Starbucks, or if you’re after a sit-down lunch, try The Coffee Club or Shakespeare and Co.

PAMPERING: CHECK

When your feet get tired from all that shopping, head straight to Feet Lounge Reflexology & Spa for a heavenly foot massage. Special occasion coming up? Stop by The BlowOut Bar, which offers express blow drys from Dhs110. We also recommend checking out The Loft Fifth Avenue, which is one of the most spacious salons we’ve ever visited in Dubai. This New York-inspired salon really is a one-stop shop, covering all of your hair, nails and spa needs.

EXERCISE: CHECK

Golden Mile Galleria recently played host to its first ever Fitness Festival, and there’s plenty more where that came from. You can work up a sweat with the team at Fitness First Platinum, with everything from kickboxing to Brazil Butt Blast on offer. Or find your zen with Yoga La Vie, a boutique yoga studio which also offers pilates, barre and aerial classes.

FUN FOR THE KIDS: CHECK

Did you know Golden Mile Galleria is home to Dubai’s first kids-only gym, Little Gladiators? Targeted at children aged 3 to 14 years, activities include gymnastics, yoga, tree climbing and swimming. There’s also a branch of music and dance institute, Melodica, which teaches everything from ballet to piano to karate (and they do adult classes as well), as well as the Brooklyn Melodies Music Center. 

PET NEEDS: CHECK

Two Feet Four Paws at Golden Mile Galleria is the only vet clinic on The Palm, and it’s open seven days a week to ensure your furry friends are well looked after. Or you can pick them up a treat at pet store My Pets, which also offers dog walking and pet sitting services.

LIFE ADMIN: CHECK

Have a big grocery shop to do? Golden Mile Galleria has got you covered, with a 12,000-square-foot Spinneys supermarket on site, as well as an All Day Fresh. There are two florists handily located in the mall, 800 Flowers and Flor de Mayo, for when you need those last-minute florals, while The Sewing Corner will sort out your missing buttons, dropped hems, and faulty zips.

The mall is open between 10am and 10pm from Saturday to Wednesday, and between 10am and midnight on Thursday and Friday.

For more information about Golden Mile Galleria, call (04) 390 9999, or check out Facebook and Instagram.

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