Do buy in Dubai; Glitzy and glam, Dubai is one blingy location. Katharine Capocci tries out a shopping and spa break in the fashionable hotspot.

SIPPING Champagne and gazing out at the world's tallest building lit up against the night sky, I can't help but think this neatly sums up Dubai.

Bubbly and blingy, this most glamorous of hotspots has to be seen to be believed.

It's where the rich and famous come to play and quite honestly it's like being transported to another planet.

The view from our hotel bar over the dramatic cityscape is really something else. Giant towers and cranes dominate the skyline as this busy, boom-town city stretches forever skywards.

Nevertheless, it makes for pretty spectacular views, not least the sight of the illuminated, cloud-tickling Burj Dubai tower, which was nearing completion when we visited.

It is one cool building, stands over 800m tall, and will be home to luxury apartments, offices and the first Armani hotel.

And then there's The Dubai Fountain, another eye-catching landmark, of which we have a bird's eye view from our hotel. Think the Bellagio fountains with bells on.

Our location is the ultramodern The Address hotel in the Old Town, some 15 to 20 minutes inland from the beaches.

The new 63-storey hotel is stylish and super contemporary and at the heart of one of the most prestigious square kilometres on the planet.

It's also directly attached to the Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping centres.

Dubai does five-star luxe hotels in style, and the sumptuous lifestyle is a huge draw for wealthy visitors who come to chill out and catch a few rays.

It is cosmopolitan and buzzy, a fusion of Middle Eastern and Western cultures, due to the sheer numbers of foreign workers and tourists on short breaks and stopovers. Somewhat surprisingly, local Emiratis make up only around 5pc of the city's population.

The autumn and winter months are great times to visit as the sun has lost some of its intensity. At the time we were there, although still 30-35C through the day, it was a delicious dry heat, that was soothing but somehow didn't sap your energy.

Although worth noting is that our deliciously refreshing mojitos cost about pounds 10 each and a beer about pounds 7, so it's a take-the-creditcard kind of break.

A four-night long weekend in this most cosmopolitan of cities is perfect for checking out the shopping and spa facilities on offer. And The Address hotel has a pretty impressive spa - 11 treatment rooms, steam rooms, nail studio and even an ice cellar where guests can cool off after a luxurious treatment. And expensive Espa products too for those who know their spas.

Nobody does shopping malls and souks quite like Dubai. They have almost turned shopping into an art form. This being Dubai, take my advice: do buy!

There are dozens of world-class shopping malls selling everything from designer wear to the latest electronic gadgets.

But the charming alleys of the legendary Arabian souks are well worth a visit too.

A mooch around the traditional gold and spice souks via an abra crossing over the water is a must. This feels like traditional Dubai, like life half a century ago.

And there are bargains to be had here - pick up real-deal pashminas, silky soft shawls, in all the colours of the rainbow for a snip, and fragrant spices are piled high.

Food lovers really are spoiled for choice. It's such a cosmopolitan city that every foodie is catered for.

And lunch at the new iconic Raffles hotel - built in the shape of a pyramid - was a particular treat. Elegantly dressed waiting staff tend to your every need, ruffling napkins and pushing in seats, while the buffet selection was breathtaking.

But if shopping is your thing you could go seriously mad in the malls. They're full-on blingy and packed with designer names - Chanel, Gucci, Prada, you name it, it's there, along with all the high-street brands, M&S, Next and Waitrose among them!

The malls, especially Dubai Mall, are very stylish places to hang out - and it's de rigueur to dress up a little. Although in general Dubai is fairly relaxed when it comes to its dress code, it's probably best to leave the plunging halternecks and hotpants at home.

Dubai Mall is worth a visit if only to see the incredible indoor aquarium.

While the Mall of the Emirates is worth a trip just to see the incredible faux winter wonderland that is Ski Dubai. It has its own sledding hill and 400m ski run. Great for a gawp but I was in search of sunnier climes.

Our two-night stay at The Address hotel was followed by a two-night stay at sister hotel, The Palace, a short walk away.

The Palace is a haven in the city, a fusion of Middle Eastern heritage and contemporary Dubai and has a real Arabian Nights feel to it.

The palm tree-lined pool overlooking the lake is lovely - and attentive staff were quick to supply bottled water and flannels dipped in ice water for cooling off.

Spa time here is relaxing and rejuvenating, and the approach is very much holistic, nurturing both the body and the mind.

I had a fabulously refreshing salt rub treatment followed by massage.

In a nice touch, I was given a phial full of desert sand to take away as a little reminder of my treatment.

The sandy souvenir was a forerunner for a trip to the desert later that evening, to the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, sister hotel to the famed Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

This was a fun desert experience, complete with belly dancer, whirling dervish, falcons and even a camel ride.

The pice de rsistance, though, was the buffet-style dinner at the Al Hadheerah restaurant within Bab Al Shams - sweet goat and slow-cooked lamb were particular highlights along with salads galore and honey and pistachio pastries to finish.

Back at The Palace our final night was a chilled and memorable experience as we dined our way around the hotel.

We started with champagne and canaps in the bar, starters were outdoors on the verandah watching the fountains, while dinner was a real meat feast in the hotel's Argentinian eaterie, Asado.

Desserts and coffee were outdoors by the pool in laid-back tents, complete with a puff on the sheesha pipes filled with flavoured tobacco.

A bubbly finish to a sumptuous city break like no other.

CAPTION(S):

SO SHEIK The Palace hotel, Dubai. PAMPERED Unwind and relax at The Address hotel in Dubai. SHEER LUXURY A bedroom of The Palace hotel, and restaurant inside The Address hotel in Dubai. Far right, The Palace Hotel.