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Ever met someone for the first time that you weren’t that wild about, only to meet them a second time and find that you really “clicked”? That’s exactly how I used to feel about Las Vegas.
Long considered “Sin City,” LV has the reputation of being loud, fast and a little on the wild side. So much for first impressions! It took a certain girls’ trip to LV to convince me that this city offers world-class dining, shows and nightclubs--and all just a stone’s throw from home. As with so many destinations, you just have to know where to go. Having an experienced guide makes all the difference!
Considering that Las Vegas is just an hour’s flight from Phoenix (and due to the time change, you lose no time at all!), this is a girlfriend’s getaway you’ll never forget. It’s hard to say what we love more: shopping, spas, swanky nightclubs or the entertainment. Oh, yes, and the food!
Begin your adventure by checking into a posh hotel and start living the high life. We stayed at the Bellagio, and honestly, we could have remained there happily without leaving for several days. Dreamy fountains and pools, with outstanding bar service (just pop up the flag on the back of your chaise); you could easily lose track of time out here. We’re fans of the sleep-late method: a little pool time, perhaps a soothing massage at the dreamy Spa Bellagio, followed by a good hearty lunch at Olives to keep you going. Depending on your entertainment plans (www.mgmmirage.com for show recommendations and tickets), plan for a late dinner and then hit the clubs. And, sure, if you are into the gaming scene, you’ll find more than enough to keep you busy here in LV.
Social House (inside Treasure Island): Sushi, sashimi, appetizers, cocktails... wow! Try the scrumptuous fruit-infused sake selection! Don’t miss the lobster tempura: a little bit of heaven—it will be hard to share! From the elegantly hip terrace, you can catch the “Siren’s Song” show that takes place in the lagoon in front of Treasure Island—fireworks and all. The perfect place to have dinner before a late-night Cirque de Soliel show—right downstairs in the Treasure Island showroom.
Fiamma (MGM Grand): We were told that the fresh mozzarella with tomatoes was the best ever, and it was! Whether your taste runs toward traditional meat dishes or house-made pasta, you will fall in love with the food and the décor. We loved the cozy bar where we waited for our table—comfy lounge furniture and a glowing fireplace, perfect to sit and sip a raspberry “SoHo Fiamma.”
A girlfriends’ getaway just wouldn’t be complete without a list of chic bars and clubs to visit. Let’s begin with one overall recommendation: go VIP! The coolest bars in Vegas have VIP areas, which are groovy booths or semi-enclosed areas that allow you to have some privacy while taking in the sights and sounds of the club. Sure, dive onto the dance floor if you’re so inclined, but if you’re more interested in people watching, the VIP gig
is the way to go. Sometimes you just want to dance with your girlfriends and not bother with the pick-up lines on the “open market.” Can anyone really put a price on the privileged feeling of sliding right past a throng of eager clubbers waiting behind the velvet ropes?
Where to go: We love, love, love the VIP set up and personal service at Studio 54 (inside the MGM Grand) and the swanky hot spot Tangerine (just below Social House, in Treasure Island). The nightclub at TAO in the Venetian is over-the-top decadent, with several dance floors and adults-only entertainment. We also love: Rouge (MGM Grand) with its cosmopolitan chrome and red décor. Contact your club of choice for information on reservations, and have a blast! Oh, and P.S.: These clubs close when the sun comes up!
No matter what you want to see—it’s all in Vegas! We can’t say enough about the shows, and no trip to LV is complete without Cirque de Soliel. We admit we tried to stay cool, but our jaws dropped when we saw the remarkable feats of these talented performers in KA and Mystere. Comedy, concerts, sports—you name it, you can find it within about a ten-mile radius here in amazing Las Vegas.
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