We all love shopping, but there’s no denying that shopping, shopping and well, more shopping, can certainly take its tolls on our bodies, particularly our carrier bag laden fingers and our much put upon toes.

Although they say it’s better to spend on others than to spend on yourself, we say a bit of self-pampering is good for the soul. With this in mind, a ‘Martini Manicure’ or ‘Pint and Pedicure’ will be just what you need after a particularly stressful day, where the only jingling bells you’ve heard... are those attached to store tills.

The So SPA at Sofitel Hotel of St James, located just below Lower Regent Street, is the ideal place to head for such post-shopping treats. The French luxury hotel brand claims to appreciate beauty, quality and excellence, and a recent tour around the new So SPA certainly revealed this to be the case at the London location.

A light and airy space, the entrance to the spa is most welcoming, with a lengthy table covered in elaborate candles the first point of call as the spot for your initial consultation. The most welcoming aspect of a treatment at So SPA however is the made-to-measure service, with the accompanying choice of music (composed especially for So SPA), the selection of essential oils and scents diffused in the therapy room, room temperature, the flavour of tea served following therapy and even a choice of pillows, all available with several options.

Therapies available at this most accommodating of spas offer five therapy booths including a twin model for the times when you and a friend want the ultimate girlie (or male) bonding experience. A traditional Turkish bath is also on offer, with showers for aromatherapy and a private relaxation pool.

And though the male half of any shopping couple may tap his feet impatiently in the stores, in So SPA salon his toes will tell a different tale. While her nails are polished to perfection, he will be treated to a pedicure… with pint on hand to take the edge off any ‘feminine’ associations.

When offered the chance to test this treatment for myself, I jumped at the chance - being an online editor can have its demanding aspects... Searching my male friends for a pedicure volunteer, the job fell (to the feet?) of my friend Richard, who snuck out of work for the pleasure. Not quite sure how he explained that one to the boss... 

While I can't speak for the pint (I'm told it was one of the best, and believe me this is a boy who knows) the pedicure looks incredibly relaxing. A cushioned chair, a foot spa and the accompanying treatment complete with foot massage, made me quite jealous, until I sipped one of the fruitiest martinis I'd ever tasted. And I have to admit, I'm a girl who knows.

Although in some ways I am the girliest of girls, I have to admit I was a manicure virgin. Now though, I am converted. With my nails primped and preened, I can see why it's an essential for many. They looked beautiful, polished in purple (or opulence as it was officially called) and I swear have grown in the week since, more than they have the whole of last year.

Left to relax with our respective drinks following our treatments, there is no sense of urgency to leave the salon once your experience is complete. In fact, the So SPA space evokes the feeling of belonging in another world... one without the stresses and strains of everyday life... and shopping.

Interested in the So SPA in general? You should be, with time spent here sure to re- invigorate senses way beyond your fingers and toes.

For more information, click here, or telephone 44 (0)20 7747 2200.