Vegas will always be synonymous with “bachelor party” (cough, Hangover, cough), but the new five-star Sin City is also packed with spas, shows, and activities for the ultimate girls’ getaway. So don’t sit back and let the boys have all the fun. It’s time to grab to grab your besties and prep for a weekend of the best spa treatments, brunches, and bubbly.
1) Hotels
Courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Planning for the perfect girls getaway begins with finding the right place to lay your heads. My favorite: Cosmopolitan. With roomy suites and sweeping views of the Strip from spacious terraces, plus a floor of stellar restaurants and a lobby that’s always packed, you just might never leave. Or up the ante and go for a Sky Villa, 7,000 square feet of extravagance at Aria. Your whole gang could room together and pre-game while getting ready for your girls’ night out. Quieter groups might prefer the new loft-like suites at Four Seasons, a quiet oasis to come home to, but connected to Mandalay Bay when it’s time to party.
2) Brunch
No girls’ trip is complete without a boozy brunch for gossip and hair-of-the-dog relief. A long-time staple for Vegas locals is Border Grill (at Mandalay Bay and Forum Shops), which offers unlimited mimosas and yummy small plates on weekends. Or hit Verandah at Four Seasons Saturday or Sunday for a taste of luxury that’s popular with local socialites. Venetian’s Buddy V’s is the newest brunch hot spot, with an over-the-top Sunday buffet, or dine on French fare seven days a week in the dazzling atrium at Mon Ami Gabi.
3) Photo Ops
Nothing beats a group selfie in front of the famous dancing fountains at Bellagio. Street-side works, or have early-evening cocktails at Hyde inside the hotel. Their patio offers the best shot, with the romantic Paris Hotel in the background. Want the classic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign snap? Ask a cabbie to take you – it’s just a few minutes south of Mandalay Bay.
4) Spas
Photo Courtesy Wynn Resorts
Indulge in five-star pampering at any only-in-Vegas spectacular spa, but especially consider my favorites Canyon Ranch and Wynn Encore. Canyon Ranch, at Venetian/Palazzo, is so expansive, you and your girls could easily spend a whole day getting facials, massages, scrubs and salon services. Planning a bachelorette party? Book the private Bridal Suite, where you can pop some champagne and have quick access to the salon, Aquavana, and amenities. Or head to jaw-dropping Encore, where the entrance alone is truly awe-inspiring. (One word: gold.) After your walk down the grand corridor to the garden villas and opulent clothing-optional pools, you’ll never want to leave.
5) Shopping
Every visitor to Vegas with even the smallest interest in shopping heads straight to Fashion Show Mall. After you’ve shopped till you dropped, rest your weary feet at locals hangouts El Secundo or Ra Sushi, overlooking the Strip. Or enter the Rome-themed Forum Shops, where you can taste homemade gelato, have your picture taken at the Fountain of the Gods, and load up on Gucci, all within a few square feet. Need a break from the Strip and maybe some vitamin D? Jump in a cab to Town Square, just a few minutes south of Mandalay Bay for outdoor shopping and dining.
6) Activities
Photo credit: Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower
Into thrills? Then Las Vegas has all the tricks to get your blood pumping. Big Shot, the free-fall ride on top of the Stratosphere, is the crème de la crème. When the elevator doors open to views of the Vegas valley from more than 900 feet – and you haven’t even been catapulted up on the ride yet? You’ll know you’re amazing to earn some major bragging rights the next time your comparing Vegas weekends with the boys. Or maybe you were thinking something just a tad bit mellower. The High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, is located at the LINQ open-air shopping district. The 30-minute ride lets you see the sparkling city from every angle as you watch and walk around in 360-degree view pods. Look into their “happy half-hour” drinking option.
7) Dinner
Who commits to entrees anymore? Kidding, but what group of girls doesn’t like bites and tastes of small-plate shares at places like La Cave at Wynn Las Vegas and Cosmopolitan’s Jaleo, which boasts killer Spanish food like mini endive boats and decadent bread with tomato and olive oil puree. Or dig into the best red meat in town at Gordon Ramsay Steak. Steakhouses are king in Vegas because of bachelor parties, but why let the boys have all the fun?
8) Shows
The obvious clichéd option is Chippendales at Rio – because it really is that much fun. A stage full of immaculate men dancing and singing their hearts out, with just the right amount of camp? You know you want to. Or indulge your celeb crush from the 1990s and buy tickets to Boyz II Men, at Mirage. You’ll know every word to every song – and you just might go home with a rose. And I always, always have to mention Absinthe. I call it “old-school Cirque-style with just the right amount of raunch.” You’ve never laughed so hard – and the acts are jaw-dropping.
9) Cocktails
Photo Credit: MGM Resorts International
It’s time to get those girls’ nights started! I’ve already mentioned Bellagio’s Hyde, but its neighbor Lily is also an excellent option, especially later in the night. Beautiful, couture cocktails with any type of alcohol you’re craving. Or spend some time moving among the floors of Chandelier at Cosmopolitan. With a million Swarovski crystals drooped above your head, drinking champagne has never felt so decadent.
10) Nightclubs
Photo Courtesy of TAO Nightclub
Going all out in Vegas means dancing the night away at one of its famous clubs. Make sure to find a VIP host walking around the casino during the day, as there are many deals available for all-girl groups. My sentimental favorite will always be Tao at Venetian, which is built around one main dance floor, allowing the energy to build in the whole club the later it gets. Or for the biggest DJ names, head to Omnia at Caesars Palace or its sister club Hakkasan at MGM.
