When intrepid TV presenter BEN FOGLE is in need of a break from trekking across desert or snow, he heads for just one hotel in chic New York

I SPEND  a lot of time living in hammocks and under canvas in some of the most inhospitable environments on Earth, from the scorched deserts of north Africa to the humid jungles of South America and the barren, frozen wasteland of Antarctica.

It may come as a surprise that I also enjoy my creature comforts and a little luxury every now and then. One of my favourite places to find this is New York.

The Big Apple is the most extraordinary city. Like the jungle, it never sleeps. I first visited as a child and was overwhelmed by the size of the skyscrapers that tower over the metropolis like giant beanstalks. Every time I return it never disappoints. It is loud, colourful, edgy and exciting and it always makes me smile. I feel a buzz of energy as I explore, marvelling at its sheer scale.

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New York offers some of the best hotels in the world but there is one that stands out from the rest, The Carlyle, now part of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. It must rate as one of the most romantic places to stay in the world. A timeless classic on Manhattan's Upper East Side, it has dominated the skyline since its completion in 1930.

The 35-floor building has maintained a chic elegance that harks back to New York's boom time. The guest list reads like a who's who, including not only every President since Truman but kings and queens from across the world. It was once nicknamed the "New York White House" as the late John F Kennedy owned an apartment on the 34th floor during his presidency.

Stepping through the door is like stepping back in time and there's a strong art deco influence in the hotel's famed black and white lobby. In a city where space is at a premium, my suite was positively vast, offering the most incredible panoramic views over Central Park. Opulently decorated with wood panelling and Old Masters on the walls, it even had a Steinway piano tucked in the corner. How I wished I had practised more at school.

Plasma televisions and complimentary products from New York company Kiehl's add to the feeling of opulence.

I understand why it was Princess Diana's favourite hotel.

The hotel's bar, the Bemelmans, is a classic New York watering hole with chocolate-brown leather banquettes, nickel-trimmed black tabletops and a 24-carat gold leafed ceiling. It is named after artist Ludwig Bemelmans, who painted the whimsical scenes of Central Park that adorn the walls.

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ANOTHER favourite is Café Carlyle, which looks like a Thirties supper club with its curved banquettes replete with individual table lamps and musically themed original murals. It has played host to a huge array of talent over the years, including Woody Allen, who regularly appears with his clarinet to jam with the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band.

The sophisticated environment now extends to the new menu created by The Carlyle's executive chef James Sakatos, which includes such classics as Porterhouse steak, veal chop with red wine shallot sauce and the hotel's signature dover sole.

Just off Madison Avenue, The Carlyle is perfectly placed for a spot of retail therapy for my wife Marina to indulge in. It's also within walking distance of the city's "Museum Mile", which includes the Metropolitan Museum Of Art and the Guggenheim, New York's Tate Modern, which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary.

I always seem to be training for one expedition or another. I'm off to Australia at the end of the year on a 2,500-mile foot race across the continent, recreating the Burke and Wills expedition of 150 years ago. The hotel does have a gym and a spa but I discovered the perfect way of getting fit: running up the stairs to the 35th floor.

I'm sure the training helped.

When I'm next sleeping in a hammock under the stars, dining on rehydrated expedition rations, I'll no doubt be dreaming of The Carlyle and all its luxury.

GETTING THERE:

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts (0806 8767 3966/www.thecarlyle.com) offers doubles from £474 per night (two sharing), room only. Virgin Atlantic (0844 209 7777/www.virgin-atlantic.com) offers return flights from Heathrow from £299.

New York Tourism Bureau: 0207 367 0934/www.nycgo.com