We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep. We’ve invested some time in finding the most luxurious sleep you can have, so that you can invest some serious money*.

(*we’ve also included some cheaper alternatives for those of you feeling the bite of the credit crunch)

Best Bed In The Business

Do a google search for the ‘world’s most expensive bed’ and you’ll get to this magnetic wonder. Most expensive it may be (at a proposed $1.5 million), but most luxurious? Doesn’t look like it to me.

So, after a bit more hunting, we came across this highly recommended bed: the Vividus (Latin for ‘full of life’) by Hastens. According to all accounts, catching a nap on this bed is like ’sleeping on a cloud’. An expensive cloud nonetheless… With the most luxurious bed in this range coming in at $59,750, that’s one pricey nimbus.

If you can’t quite manage that price tag, consider investing in an alternative from www.sofa.com. They’ve just started selling beds and already have some very satisfied customers.

A Pillow To Pay For

The most expensive pillow we could find certainly sounds like the most luxurious you could buy. Made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton or silk and stuffed with Eiderdown, these pillows from St Geneve will set you back a deliciously weighty $2,800. The filling is collected from the North European sea duck, the Eider, and carefully packaged to avoid any contamination.

Again, if you think that might be a little too much to spend on a pillow, why not have a look at these more affordable alternatives.

Sheets To Shell Out On

There’s no point spending all that money on a bed and pillows if your sheets aren’t also up to scratch. Chuck those black satin sheets out and check out some of these beauties from Charlotte Thomas Bespoke. Made from the finest merino wool and backed with 1,000 count Egyptian cotton, these sheets are are also threaded with 22 carat GOLD. I know! They’re pricey though; the pillows come in at $2,400 so I shudder to think how much a whole set of sheets would cost.

If you’d like something a little cheaper without compromising on quality (who’m'I kidding, they’re inlaid with gold), have a look at these beautiful silk sheets.

Berlin is one of the coolest European cities, so why not experience it in lavish style? You’ve got the cash to throw around. Here’s where we recommend you spend it!

First things first, you’ll want to have your transportation for the day sorted. You’ll be picked up at the airport and driven around like royalty — who wouldn’t love that? Leave it all in the hands of a Beverly Cars limousine. Better yet, a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud limo, complete with a chauffeur. Let’s call him Hans. Hans will greet you with a friendly ‘Guten Tag’ as you step off the plane and begin your Berlin adventure.

Now that you’ve got wheels, let’s get Hans to take you to breakfast. Maybe it’s Sunday, maybe it isn’t, but it’s always the right day for a Champagne brunch at Desbrosses, a great little brasserie within the Ritz-Carlton of Berlin. It’s not a German morning without Schnitzel and Champers. They also offer an oyster and lobster buffet. Hey, if you’re not living a decadent lifestyle, you’re not living!

It’s hard to keep track of time when you’re on a fancy tour of Berlin in your Rolls. Ask Hans to drive you to Bucherer, the exquisite German watch designer. While you could just blow your entire $10,000 on one watch alone, let’s be reasonable. Just spend half! Try on the Patravi watch; it’s a classic. And think of it as a souvenir to take back home with you!

Time to take you and your new watch to see some German culture. The New National Gallery boasts some amazing artwork from the likes of Munch and Picasso. Get an individual guide to give you the proper tour in English. You’ll impress your friends back home with your knowledge of 20th century modern art AND have a thing or two to say about the Bauhaus.

Lunch sounds good right about now, and why not try one of the most exclusive restaurants in all of Berlin: Fischers Fritz. It just sounds German, doesn’t it? That’s because the name is taken from a famous German tongue twister. With 45 chefs working hard in the kitchen to get your lunch looking and tasting like perfection, and a stellar reputation among foodies worldwide, it’s sure to be a meal to remember.

All this eating and traveling around is making you a bit stressed. You could use some R&R. The best place to go to take your mind off all your troubles is Adlon Day Spa. We’ve booked you a Private Spa Suite, which comes with it’s own sauna, steam bath, shower, jacuzzi, music system, and spa lunch. That’s hardly where your spa experience ends though. For the lady, chill out with the Ultimate Spa Retreat package, which includes a private yoga session and a Balinese massage. We haven’t forgotten about the gentleman: a facial and Swedish massage package for you. Who says men don’t enjoy a little pampering sometimes?

Before you begin your night out on the town, you’ll want to look as glamorous as you feel. Take the Rolls to KaDeWe, the famous department store (KaDeWe is short for Kaufhaus des Westens, or “Department Store of the West”). Take a stroll down Luxury Boulevard, and pick up some new threads from top German designers such as Jil Sander, Karl Lagerfeld, and Hugo Boss. Looking good!

It’s dinner time. The place everyone in Berlin is talking about – Margaux – is the place where you need to be. It might be classic French cuisine but the head chef, Michael Hoffman, is purely German. He’s created his own style called Avant Garde Classic. The 7-course tasting menu has received rave reviews from critics of the highest esteem.

Time to get a little bit saucy. You want to experience the best in Berlin nightlife, and that’s just what you’ll get. Hans knows where to get a good stiff drink in this town, and that place is Saphire Bar. A bottle of Brut should get you nice and warmed up as you head off to the next activity.

Classy people love jazz. That’s why you’re going to finish your night at Quasimodo, the best and oldest jazz and blues club in Berlin. In recent years, some of the best in fresh new music have performed on Quasimodo’s stage. It’s a club steeped in music history, so it’s a safe bet you’ll hear some amazing stuff on any night of the week.

You’ve still got some money left over! Good for you! Be a good friend, and get some souvenir steins for your friends back at home. They’ll feel the German spirit sipping some beer out of one of these bad boys. Pick up one traffic light man and I’d say that’s 10 grand well spent.

After your exhausting day of spending and schmoozing, you’ll want to relax (in style, of course). After all, only the best will do when you’re ready to hit the hay. We’ve found some of the swankiest hotels in Berlin for you to choose from — you’ll be sound asleep before you can say ‘Gute Nacht’!

Grand total: $9900

Don’t you just hate it when your crappy swiss army knife knock-off breaks and you happen to have $40,ooo but don’t know what the hell to do with it?

Well now, thanks to Leatherman,  there’s a solution to both your problems.

Woah? Woah.

If you like to splash your cash in style then there is no better place than on the golden pavements of Madrid. Emerging from behind its traditionally trendy siblings, Barcelona and Seville, Madrid has got its ever-so-chic finger right on the pulse of what’s new in cool.

And if you’ve got 10 thousand bucks to spare, here’s how to lighten your load…

You’ve got a busy day ahead of you so better fuel up with a decent and traditionally Castilian breakfast. San Gines offers the most popular desayuno in town- ‘chocolate con churros’ (a mug of devilishly thick chocolate with long pieces of deep fried dough to dip). So that’s your first $20…

$20- It’s Not A Lot But You’ve Got To Start Somewhere

Don’t worry, you’ll be working all those calories off.

First up, let’s take a look at your wheels for the day. It may not be the world’s sexiest car (as voted by Top Gear), but the Aston Martin DBS puts you in the same league as Mr Bond himself. Hired for the day at the luxurious cost of $1500, your driver will pick you up from San Gines and take you to Calle Serrano, home to the most exclusive designer shops and art boutiques in Madrid.

The Second Sexiest Car In The World?

En route, your personal shopper (just $200 an hour) will discuss what you’re after; such dedicated and expert service will ensure only the very best of the best is visited. Gucci, Cartier, Dior…. It’s bound to be a beautiful sunny day so why don’t you pick up some Ray Ban aviators to match the Aston. You’ve got a spare $500 haven’t you? And let’s leave another $700 for those fabulous shoes…

I Bet They Sell Manolo Blahniks

If you’re after something really special why not ask your personal shopper about any contemporary artists that are selling well. Madrid is particularly famous for churning out some of the coolest art work over the last few years and you should be able to pick up a great investment for a couple of thou’.

If You Can’t Quite Afford It, It’s Not Worth Buying

Admiring all that art must have whetted your appetite for some real culture, a thing Madrid can provide in bucket-loads. Your Aston will whisk you to the Prado Museum, largest gallery in the world and top of the list for art lovers in Madrid. We all know queueing is for losers so a guide will meet you for your own private tour of only the most delectable works, including Rembrandt, Rubens, Botticelli and Rafael.

The Prado Museum- Largest Gallery In The World

Mind and spirit nourished, it’s time to refuel your body. There are several choices for lunch. Madrid lays claim to the oldest restaurant in the world, Botin, founded in 1725. That’s something for the ‘do-before-you-die’ checklist, particularly since Goya worked here before becoming a painter. Hemingway was also know to drop in for the odd tipple; a bit of refreshment while writing about Madrid’s gory bullfights. If this doesn’t tickle your taste-buds, how about sampling what claims to be the ‘most expensive burger in the world’? At just over $100 (pah!) you can afford at least two. And yes, you would like extra fries with that.

Most Expensive Burger In The World?

In fact, splash out. That hamburger was damn tasty right? Spain, Madrid in particular, is famous for its finely cured jamon and there’s actually a Museum dedicated to the stuff. You won’t have time to visit that today but why not buy yourself a leg of ham as a little keepsake. Best check your country’s customs before you try and take it home for friends and family though, $300 is a lot to spend on a confiscated souvenier.

Always Up For A Tasty Leg ‘o Ham- Even A $300 One

Best do a budget check. By my count, you’re on $5,920, so good going since it’s only lunchtime!

What’s next? You’ve sampled some of Madrid’s finest shopping, culture and food… what could be left apart from an exclusive wine-tasting experience? Prices start from $350 and you could probably blow the rest of your money on this (there are some rather exquisite wines becoming more delectable by the second in the cellars of Madrid), but there are a few more things to experience yet….

After all that food and wine, it’s probably time for a little ‘r & r’. Madrid is home to the Lab Room, a world famous spa suitable for a spot of celeb-hunting among the labyrinth of rooms, as well as a huge range of treatments. You can enjoy a stone, jet-lag, aromatherapy, Swedish, Thai, sport massage, some Shiatsu or Reiki, or a purifying facial or botanical eye contour treatment. An hour or two here and you’ll be fully rested for the thrills and spills of the evening.

Celeb-Spotting In Style

If you’re lucky enough to be in the city while the treasured Real Madrid team is playing, then you’re in for a treat. This luck is doubled if they’re playing arch-rival team, Barcelona. Your driver will drop you off at the fabulous Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where you can pick up a VIP ticket for $900 . If football’s not your thing, why not book a box at the Teatro Royal for a spot of opera. Listed as a ‘must’ on the Forbes VIP Traveller list, you could enjoy any of the classics, from ‘Tristan und Isolde’ to the National Ballet. It’s no fun going to these things by yourself so I’ve budgeted for two tickets- if you’re stuck for a date I’m sure your chauffeur would gladly oblige.

$900 For Some Real Footie Action

Hunger will probably have set in by now so it’s time for a visit to the world famous restaurant La Broche. Sea and land snails roasted in lard? With two Michelin stars under his belt, Sergi Arola has been described as a surrealist and radical mastermind, so well worthy of your custom. The restaurant setting is an experience in itself. Echoing the minimalist nature of much of the food served here, the whole building interior, furniture and uniforms included, (apart from the loo’s apparently!) is whiter than white. The house menu is a mere $100 so plenty of room for pushing the boat out with a few extras: the house pick of red is meant to be something special.

Some of the excellent wines served with your meal will set the trend for the rest of your evening. Madrid is famous for being a bit of a party city and you could do a lot worse than head straight to Del Diego Bar, the city’s most famous cocktail bar. After a couple of rounds here, you should head to The Glass Bar to continue the party. True to its name, the bar has glass floors, walls and ceiling and transparent chairs: it’s the place to see and be seen. After a couple of the coolest beverages in Madrid, make for the roof bar, La Terraza del Urban, for some wonderful views of the city.

Party Time

Now that you’re properly limbered up for a night on the tiles, Madrid has plenty of late night clubs to help you dance your (quite possibly newly purchased and designer) shoes off. One of the city’s favourite’s is Palacio de Gaviria at Calle de Arenal, an old palace inspired by the Italian Renaissance movement. With the opportunity to organise a special private party you can put the rest of your dollars (about $1000 by my count) behind the bar and just keep dancing until it runs out! Oye!

Now I haven’t included a hotel into this luxurious European jaunt- there simply isn’t time to fit in sleep as well as everything else. However, if you need somewhere to rest your head after this 24 hour extravaganza, you can’t really go far wrong with NH, who have a whole host of the plushest of plush hotels in Madrid.

If you can manage to keep $20 dollars back, then San Gines, where you had that yummy chocolate con churros for breakfast, is at its busiest at 5am. That leaves a grand total of $10, just enough for a couple of ‘wish you were here?‘ postcards home!

Money’s great, yeah? So great in fact that, whether you have a lot or a little, you should spend it on things that are indubitably worth it. I’ve had just about enough of wasting my money on boring, badly delivered or poorly designed goods or services. This blog will change all that.

So, without further ado, I give you ‘10 thousand bucks’, the blog that will feature only the best that money can buy. It’s early days, but I’ve thought of a few categories that might work well:

Slices of wealth- a frequently updated category that will feature some of the most expensive, original or downright outrageous commodities on sale out there.

Money with style- any stories, old or new, from the front line of spending money well.

10 thousand bucks in a day- lengthier features that describe a day’s itinerary for a particular city, with a running total of your opulent 10 thousand buck budget.