just returned from a hectic day of shopping, arms about to fall off, legs aching, feet blistered. But instead of having to trudge up to your hotel room, your shopping bags are whisked away and the elevator awaits to whiz you up to the top floor where you can unwind in a bubbly whirlpool or feel the firm hands of a masseuse knead their way down your tense back.

Sound wonderful? Then maybe you need a dose of "gym and tonic'' at the Hyatt Carlton Tower on Cadogan Place, London, in the heart of Knightsbridge.

The luxurious hotel is offering the perfect antidote to the rigours of the seasonal strain with its "shopping sensation'' promotion. Together with a special room rate of $207 ( 130) ~- the normal rate of $366 ( 230) is likely to add stress! - the hotel is offering shoppers full use of its Peak Health Club on the top floor with panoramic views over the roof-tops of London.

After hitting the January sales, you can step straight in from Sloane Street and indulge in such stress-relieving treatments as aromatherapy, Hollywood facials and de-stress massage. Or, simply relax in a jacuzzi or sauna while the concierge has your shopping bags delivered to your room. This might even be a shopping trip your mate will beg to accompany you on! There is another treat in store for those taking advantage of the offer, a complimentary "Knightsbridge Goody Bag'', provided to guests on arrival. The gift not only includes items from Gucci, Harrods, Cartier, Hermes and Harvey Nichols, but also some Body Shop foot balm, the essential treatment for a sole-sore shopaholic.

General manager Michael Gray says: "We have decided to try and make this traditionally stressful time of year as relaxing and enjoyable as possible for our guests. And by offering a special rate we hope we won't impact too hard on the shopping budget.'' The plush rooms at the Hyatt Carlton Tower feature marble bathrooms with delightful extras such as Molton Brown soaps, bubbles and shampoos plus a thick towelling bathrobe and tub-side telephone. All rooms have cable television, fully stocked bars and vases of fresh-cut flowers.

Worth noting is the full-security Presidential Suite on the top floor, said to be the most expensive guest room in London. Furnished with antiques and objets d' art, it offers every luxury possible, including a butler, personal masseuse, unlimited Dom Perignon and a red panic button by the bed -probably pressed most often on receipt of the $3,983 ( 2,500) per night bill! The hotel also features Garden Suites, overlooking the private gardens of Cadogan Place, and Spa Suites, with their own jacuzzi baths.

The 224-room five-star-plus Hyatt Carlton Tower recently underwent a $4 million refurbishment. Unlike most city hotels, its narrow marble lobby is surprisingly quiet and its decor light and sunny.

And it features an interesting array of restaurants: the Chelsea Room is famous for its seafood menu and homemade Chelsea buns; the Rib Room's roasted Scotch ribs and juicy steaks are among the best in town; the exotic Club Room offers a wide selection of healthy treats and juices; and the Chinoiserie Lounge is where you can enjoy breakfast, a sumptuous afternoon tea and light meals at any time of day.

You simply cannot leave without ordering English tea, either from the discreet lobby lounge or your room. Even for 10.50 it's worth it! Accompanying your china tea pot, complete with a strainer and hot water pot, is a three-tiered silver tray heaped with tiny sandwiches (including cucumber), delicate pastries and, of course, English scones with strawberry jam and rich cream.

The special is being offered from January 1 to February 7, 1993. Rates are $207 ( 130) per deluxe room (single or double occupancy). The rate includes full English breakfast, unlimited use of the Peak Health Club and a Knightsbridge Goody Bag. The offer is subject to availability.

To make a reservation contact the hotel at 071-235-5411 or your travel agent.

British Airways' rates from January 1 through March 31 are among the lowest the airline offers: $588 on Tuesdays and $638 on Saturdays, with 14-day advance purchase.

If you're planning to fly Club World Class, you'll be treated to two new features: revamped chairswith adjustable back panels and larger side ears plus seat-back eight-channel televisions, although not all aircraft have been fitted with these features yet.

Bermudians seem willing to spend the extra couple of thousand dollars.

According to BA public relations officer Sallie Singleton, Club World class sells "extremely well'' here. She adds that Club World ''goes out full almost every single flight.'' Club World Class round fare to London is $2,774.

(All prices are quoted in US dollars based on an exchange rate of $1.59.

Prices were correct at press time but are subject to change.) Marina Esplin-Jones, a reporter with The Royal Gazette, flew to London courtesy of British Airways.

RG MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 1993