IF I ever win the lottery, my chequebook, chauffeur and I will be heading straight to the beautiful boutiques of Sloane Street.

The Knightsbridge fashion house hotspot - graced by Bulgari, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, and the department store elite, Harrods and Harvey Nichols - is far from the every woman for herself' rabble of London's west end. It's the perfect location for a well-deserved, if slightly over-budget, spree this Christmas.

But there should be no musty tube-ride home for you post-splurge. You simply must spoil yourself properly, by strutting down to the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in Cadogan Place - just a few steps away from the stores.

The five-star and fabulous Carlton is part of the Dubai-based Jumeirah group. And nobody does luxury quite like the Arabs.

The hotel is home to 220 rooms and suites over 18 skyscraping floors, all recently refurbished and distinctly cool and contemporary. It has The Peak - a modern gym with a swanky juice bar and lounge attached, offering light bites and every combination of health-boosting fruit juice you could wish for. Or just somewhere light and airy to plot up, read the paper, and take in an amazing view of the city. I was able to combine my early morning workout with watching the sunrise on its ninth floor location, a moment when I think I fell in love with London just a little bit more.

The Peak has an extensive range of treatments on offer too. Your tired and shopped-out body will love being treated to a Swedish, aromatherapy or Indian head massage, firming seaweed wrap or brightening salt glow scrub. I tried out the hot stone therapy treatment - a whole hour of intense massage later, and the knots in my back and shoulders were no more.

Once you are relaxed and rejuvenated, it is time to dress up in your freshly-purchased finest and head down to the Carlton Tower's Rib Room. With its red leather booths, dim lighting and stylish bar, this restaurant is a Knightsbridge favourite. Voted "Best Chophouse" in Zagat's London Restaurant Survey, it draws in crowds for its colossal Aberdeen Angus beef alone. My partner tried it, and could definitely see why the meat here has been considered London's finest for more than 40 years. As could the vocal American highflying businessman across the restaurant who bellowed into his mobile that "he had just eaten the best damn steak he had ever tasted". Now there's a recommendation.

After-dinner cocktails (of the champagne variety, of course, darling) can be taken in the chic Gilt lounge, an intimate gold-themed cove open for party people until 3am.

A stay at Jumeirah's Carlton Tower is all about being spoilt. Its impeccable - well, everything - and no-request-too-great standard of service will leave you feeling a million dollars in no time. Just don't continue your illusions as far as Sloane Street.

They don't trade feelings' for dresses. I checked.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower is at Cadogan Place, London, SW1X 9PY. For more information, call 020 7235 1234, or visit www.jumeirahcarltontower.com