Bright Lights, Big City - Luxe New York City

As the world waits with baited breath to find out what lies in store for Carrie & Co, we satisfy our SATC cravings with a return visit to our favourite city, New York.

There's something about New York than encapsulates the imagination. It's a city of contrasts, a city of dreams, a style capital - where fashion doesn't just apply to what you wear, it's also what you eat, what you drink, what music you listen to, and where you do all three!

No wonder then, that this is the city that spawned shopaholic Carrie, or that this is the city to which millions of fashion-hungry tourists flock annually to get their style fix. Perhaps more than any city, New York works its hardest to continually satisfy - there's always the latest restaurant, the new must-wear designer, spa, club, fad or even neighbourhood, and this means that no matter how many times you visit, you'll always find something new.

Throughout the last 300 years, countless nationalities have made New York their home. From Little Italy to bustling China Town, immigrants from every corner of the globe have made New York a true melting pot. And, with such a diversity of cultures, it’s no surprise that the food in New York is some of the best you’ll find in the world. Whether it’s the omnipresent smell of hot dog and pretzels wafting from street vendors, a social Sunday brunch, on-the-go Chinese food or high-end fine dining, in this city you definitely won't be going hungry.

After satisfying your appetite, its time to move onto your next desire - shopping. Cool Williamsburg in Brooklyn is the place to head for vintage bargain hunting. 69 Magazine made a return visit to our favourite Marc Jacobs outlet store on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, which is so popular there's a queue most days outside the shop. However, if you want to combine shopping with a spot of celeb-stalking, then the trendy Meatpacking District is the place to go.

The stomping ground for a veritable cornucopia of celebrities, the Meatpacking District is home to some of the most glamorous people watching in the city, and some of the coolest boutiques and shops (Alexander McQueen and Stella Mccartney to name but a few). Posh has been papped here on various occasions along with the likes of Lindsay Lohan, who loves the rooftop bar at the Hotel Gansevoort, Gwyneth Paltrow and designers Dolce & Gabbana, who cite nearby bistro Pastis (also used several times in the SATC series) as one of their favourite hangouts in town. Speaking of SATC, one of the newest hotspots in the area, Buddakan, was the venue for Carrie and Big's pre-wedding dinner in the movie.

Returning home with much heavier luggage and a frazzled credit card - recession, what recession? - plans for our return visit were already in motion, after all, with spring/summer just around the corner, we're going to need a whole new wardrobe.

RECOMMENDED NEW YORK HOTELS

The Inn at Irving Place

On entering this unassuming brownstone building located in the heart of Gramercy, the pungent smell of florals immediately hits you - vases full of fresh lillies and scented candles, cover nearly every surface. This is the ultimate in boutique hotels, a hotel where faded Victorian grandeur meets euro-chic. A must for travellers seeking something a bit different and, unlike most hotels in the US, there’s a tasty continental breakfast inclusive in the price of your stay. It's also a venue du jour for baby showers and lunches, so don't be surprised to see some of Manhattan's social set partying in the intimate dining room during your stay.

RECOMMENDED NEW YORK RESTAURANTS

Adour

The latest New York restaurant from renowned chef, Alain DuCasse, Adour speciaises in contemporary French cuisine, served in a sleek, unpretentious environment. Despite having opened under two years ago, the restaurant is already a mainstay in Manhattan's dining scene. Our advice? Put yourselves in the hands of the expert Chef and wine sommelier and enjoy.

Asiate

Situated in the ultra-luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel, this Asian-fusion restaurant is a standing favourite with celebs, locals and visitors alike. 69 Magazine sat adjacent to SJP's usual table and we discovered that Britney and Will Smith are both regulars when in town and only the night before, Lady Gaga had dined at the restaurant. And, while it isn't cheap, the gorgeous food and unforgettable views across Central Park and the Manhattan skyline (the restaurant is on the 35th floor) definitely make it worth splashing out on.

Ocean Grill

If you're in town on a Sunday then a brunch is a must - it's a New York institution. Ocean Grill is one of the best and, with its focus on seafood, you'll be able to try yummy combinations such as the crab Eggs Benedict.

WHERE TO SPA

Scientific Skincare

With our finger on the pulse of all things cool, so post-flight we headed straight to Dr Lulu Rios-Hollmann's Soho-based, clinic. She's the go-to woman for facials, trust us, every self-respecting Manhattanite has her on speed dial. Agyness Deyn is just one of her A-list regulars and her 'purity' facials are perfect for reviving jet-lagged skin and clearing-up any skin nasties. After all, being perennially manicured and well-groomed a pre-requisIte in this city.

WHAT TO DO

Sex and the City tour

Follow the Manolo trail and take in more than 40 locations that were used in the series and the film. This is the ultimate for all SATC fans (who isn't?!) and the 3.5 hour tour allows you to shop where the girls shop, drink where the girls drink (cosmos, naturally) and gossip where they gossiped.