THERE is a reason that New York City is known as the city that never sleeps.

From Barneys to Bergdorfs, Madison Avenue to the Meatpacking Distric, drinks at the Stone Rose Lounge to dinner at Nobu - who has time to sleep?

From June 26, arrive in New York rested and refreshed after flying Singapore Airlines' all-business class non-stop service to Newark on its Airbus A340-500.

Location, location, location Elegant and stately, the renown Plaza Hotel (Fifth Avenue at Central Park South) redefines luxury.

This five-star hotel has undergone a three-year, US$400 million top-to-toe renovation. It offers 282 guestrooms - complete with butler service on every floor - at a size that makes it more spacious than any other luxury hotel in the American city.

The swanky Palm Court is known for its afternoon tea, while the hotel's newest addition, The Champagne Bar, serves a range of the world's finest bubbly. Plus, the Plaza is walking distance from both Fifth and Madison Avenue, which means you won't even have to scuff your Jimmy Choos.

Or if you'd prefer something a little more stylish, park yourself at one of the W hotels. This luxury boutique chain goes by the credo, 'Whatever, whenever' and will happily pander to your heart's every wish - as long as its legal.

There are five to choose from in New York, but the W New York (541 Lexington Ave) is close to Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Theatre District and some of the best shopping in the world.

Retail therapy

If shopping is a form of art, then New York is its canvas. Macy's Herald Square and Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue to the hipper SoHo area, Bergdorf Goodman to Barney's - there is more than enough to keep any determined shopper busy for a long, long time.

Then, take some time out to soothe tired muscles for a very different kind of therapy at Great Jones Spa (29 Great Jones St).

Pitching itself as a "peaceful oasis in downtown Manhattan", Great Jones offers a plethora of services, ranging from the fundamentals like manicures and massages to more luxurious experiences, like its Red Flower Hammam Treatment & Massage.

Haute in the city

Situated in the upper west side (80 Columbus Circle, at 60th St.) and on the 35th floor of the Time Warner Center, the Mandarin Oriental's fusion restaurant Asiate is a favourite haunt for drinks for the likes of Sean 'P Diddy' Combs. Asiate offers guests breathtaking views of both the park (Central Park, of course) and the Hudson River.

Alternatively, Hotel Gansevoort's (18 Ninth Avenue) rooftop bar plunge is also ideal for sipping a cocktail while enjoying panoramic views of New York's skyline. Located in the uber-chic Meatpacking District, plunge is outfitted with a 45-foot heated outdoor rooftop pool with underwater lights and music.

In the same building as Asiate is Japanese restaurant, Masa. Masa is "omakase" only - sans menu - where renown chef Takayama serves up a meal in what has been described by a New York Times article as "part nourishment, part entertainment, and part ancient performance art".

In 2006, Forbes named Masa one of the most expensive restaurants in the world, and indeed, a two-person meal can cost in the region of US$800.

If you're keen to indulge, make a reservation in advance as the exclusive restaurant only seats 26.

The 16,000 square foot Le Cirque (151 East 58th Street) boasts a main dining room, separate bar area as well as a mezzanine for private functions. This is the third location for the French Italian restaurant, and while it may be a shade less opulent than its previous reincarnations, it still maintains a certain degree of elegance and sophistication. Reviewers recommend dishes such as the foie gras ravioli and sauteed John Dory.

The decadant sounding chocolate souffle floating island warrants a try on name alone. The Zagat-rated Il Buco (47
Bond Street), is best described as a Mediterranean cuisine amid a rustic setting.

What started out in 1994 as an antique store dishing out simple European meals, has evolved over the years into a charming and cozy restaurant, where you can also purchase an assortment of imported Italian food products and fine wines.

For the full experience, try a table downstairs in the cellar, which has kept the original bricks and structure of the building.

If you're still feeling a little peckish at the end of the night, pick up a slice of New York style pizza, served up with a healthy dose of honest-to-goodness New York style attitude.

This article was first published in The Business Times on July 1, 2008.