They say that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but it is pretty hard to resist spreading the word about just how fun, and of course - fabulous - this destination is once you've had the fortune of visiting. Famed for its incredible hotels, insane heat and inimitable entertainment scene, there's no place quite like Las Vegas for a girls' weekend away. We were lucky enough to experience (almost) all that the destination has to offer in a whirlwind weekend away and couldn't recommend it more, whether you're heading on a hen do or simply want to create some amazing new memories with friends.
Of course, one of the things that sets Vegas apart from anywhere else is the jaw-dropping number of hotels along the strip, many with their own casinos, wedding chapels and shopping centres located within their complexes. There are said to be more than 150,000 hotel rooms in the city so it's safe to say that you won't struggle for a place to stay, but Planet Hollywood - located on the strip - is a good place to start.
Las Vegas is the perfect destination for a girls' weekend away
Here you'll find 2,567 rooms, two swimming pools, the Miracle Mile shopping centre and the Axis Arena, the venue for residencies from Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and on our visit - the Backstreet Boys. The perfect way to start a girls' night out, we loved reminiscing on the band's biggest hits such as I Want It That Way and Everybody (Backstreet's Back), and were even serenaded by Nick Carter - all of our childhood dreams come true!
Backstreet Boys are one of the acts who perform at the Axis Arena
Alternatively, make like Chrissy Teigen and head to Magic Mike Live, the new show choreographed by Channing Tatum himself. Bringing the hit 2012 movie to life, expect dancing, audience interaction, and lots of shirtless men - the ideal hen party activity!
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The city's nightlife scene is one of the reasons Vegas continues to attract millions of visitors each year, and among the clubbing hotspots are Bar Intrigue and XS nightclub, both located within the Wynn hotel. Packed with thousands of revellers all in the mood to have a good time and dance until dawn with DJ sets from world-class artists such as The Chainsmokers and Diplo, XS is a must on your Vegas checklist. Nick Jonas, Paris Hilton and Ed Sheeran are all known to come here on their trips to Vegas, so who knows who you might spot on the dancefloor or splashing around in the pool.
XS nightclub is popular with stars including Ed Sheeran and Nick Jonas
Or for cocktails with a view, head to Skyfall Lounge at the Delano. This 64th floor bar offers unparalleled 180 degree views out across the strip, and is truly incredible at night when the hotels are all lit up in bright neon colours, illuminating the clear desert sky.
After a night in Vegas, you'll want to eat away the hangover with brunch at Giada. The celebrity chef serves a menu of Italian cuisine with Californian influences, and it was interesting to see that she is truly hands-on with the venture, paying regular visits to the restaurant to check everything is of the best possible standard and chat to the customers while she's there. While it's difficult to choose between the array of tempting dishes, we recommend the lobster hash, and have a glass of frosé while you're there - their version of this summery cocktail blends frozen Rosé wine with limoncello, Grand Marnier and peach purée. Not technically a breakfast drink, but when in Vegas, anything goes!
The lobster hash at Giada is a must-try
You're spoilt for choice in terms of food and drink during your stay in Las Vegas; many top chefs have restaurants on the strip, offering cuisine from around the world. If it's light bites and cocktails you're after, then Zuma at The Cosmopolitan is the place to go. The high-end Japanese chain's Las Vegas outpost has sushi and a huge array of cocktails (you have to see the Fish in a Bag) in a newly-opened restaurant.
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Or for a taste of Latin American cuisine try Chica at The Venetian. This restaurant only opened its doors in May 2017 but has already proved a hit thanks to its flavoursome meals that are ideal for sharing. Be sure to sample a number of different dishes such as the classic ceviche, crab and shrimp salpicon and the mouth-wateringly good Meyer Lemon Rotisserie Chicken.
Great food and live entertainment are combined at the hidden gem Rose. Rabbit. Lie, which is tucked away in the Cosmopolitan. During our meal at this "modern supperclub" we saw tap dancing waiters and a seriously talented breakdancing boy, keeping us well and truly entertained between courses. However our favourite has to be Lago by Julian Serrano at the Bellagio, where you can watch the world-famous fountain displays outside while tucking into small plates of Italian-inspired cuisine, with the salads, pizzette and charcuterie platters among the many highlights.
The view from the terrace at Lago at the Bellagio
If you've been making the most of all the city has to offer you'll want some downtime to relax and re-energise, which is when a spa day at the Red Rock Spa is ideal. This spa and hotel is located near the Red Rock Canyon, a 20-minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of the strip, and the perfect sanctuary for pampering, with everything from massages to manicures on offer.
You may also want to explore the shops at Caesars Palace. The Forum has to be one of the most beautiful shopping centres we've ever seen; the whole place is place designed to look like Rome, complete with a replica of the Trevi Fountain and artfully painted skies, not to mention 160 designer stores and restaurants.
The Forum at Caesars Palace is a truly impressive shopping centre
While you're at Caesars, get glammed up for your next night out at COLOR by Michael Boychuck, a celebrity stylist who counts Katy Perry, J.Lo and Lady Gaga among his former clients. Whether you want a makeover that will last all night or red carpet-ready braids, the expert team have got it covered.
Take a trip out to the desert to see the Seven Magic Mountains installation
If you're looking to explore a different side to Vegas during your stay, it's well worth taking a trip out to Seven Magic Mountains, Ugo Rondinone's art installation of seven towers colourful stacked boulders in the desert about ten miles south of the city. Or for a whole new perspective on the Strip, a night flight on a helicopter is a must. We took a 15-minute flight along the strip with Maverick Helicopters, and were in awe of the truly unique glimpse at one of the world's iconic destinations - the perfect way to cap off our whirlwind weekend. Is it too soon to go back?
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