I used to head for the Oriental spa in Bangkok, but if you're not a guest you have to drop by in person first thing every morning to see if there are any spa vacancies that day. My new favourite spot for relaxation is the Begawan Giri. There's a breathtaking walk down to the open-air spa, amazing villas, diet-trashingly good food and the most discreet service I have encountered. It even has peacocks roaming the grounds freely (www.baliwww.com/begawangiri).

I haven't done much sightseeing recently because nearly all of my trips have been business, but Rajasthan was superb, particularly Jaipur, the Pink City. Must-visits include the City Palace in Jaipur's centre, the bustling bazaars, and the Amber Fort with its long, winding paths and 'starry sky' bedroom, which has pieces of glass embedded in its domed ceiling. The Rajvilas (www.oberoihotels.com) is a fabulous resort: its tented villas are very Lawrence of Arabia.

If you want a break from shopping, fabulous cafes include Angelina's (226 rue de Rivoli, 75001. Tel: 331 4260 8200); La Maison du Chocolat (225 rue du Faubourg St Honore. Tel: 331 4227 3944; www.lamaisonduchocolat.com) for its wonderful artery-blocking chocolat chaud; and Laduree (75 avenue des Champs Elysees, 75008. Tel: 331 4075 0875; www.laduree.fr) for its sinfully sweet macaroon breakfasts. Great 'Grand Dame' hotels such as the Lancaster (www.hotel-lancaster.fr), the Bristol (www.hotel-bristol.com) and the Hotel de Crillon (www.crillon-paris.com) make you feel like royalty, while sleek, funky pads such as the Pershing Hall (49 rue Pierre de Charron, 75008. Tel: 331 5836 5836), the Montalembert (3 rue de Montalembert, 75007. Tel: 331 4549 6868) for image-starved fashionistas, and romantic hideaways such as the Pavillon de la Reine (www.pavillon-de-la-reine.com) for the bohemian poet in us all, help to make Paris the most memorable - and expensive - destination on my shopping itinerary.