Life 19th February 2020 by Victoria Stokes

Team STELLAR Went On The Ultimate Girls’ Trip To Las Vegas, And Here’s What We Got Up To

Consider a long weekend in Sin City for your next gals' holiday.

Image: Needpix

‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.’ You’ve no doubt heard those immortal words before because they’re synonymous with the party capital that is Las Vegas, Nevada. Films like The Hangover and Last Vegas have made it popular with stag parties (it’s a top destination for Irish honeymooners too), but what about a girls’ trip?

I was invited over by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to check out the ultimate girly getaway and discovered that Vegas is more than just a party town for the fellas (though there’s plenty of that too.) It’s brimming with amazing food culture, there’s spectacle at every turn and whether you’re a thrill seeker or a gal who likes to retail therapy and relax there’s plenty to pack in. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? Pah! Here’s why a girly break to Vegas will be a trip you really want to talk about.

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For your stay

We stayed at the Flamingo Las Vegas, part of Caesar’s Resort. The rooms are incredibly spacious, the decor is pink, girly and retro (perfect for Instagram) and outside in the garden you’ll find real flamingos! The hotel is centrally located on the strip, so it’s great if you’re exploring Vegas by foot, by Uber or even by limo, and best of all, the room rates are affordable, starting from as little as $33 a night.

For food

Vegas probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of a foodie destination, but the food culture there is second to none – just ask my waistline. Our first foodie stop was Sake Rok. They serve up flavour-packed Japanese food, amid live performances, lipsync battles, dance battles and shot challenges, making it the perfect place to start a girls’ night out.

If you’re delicate the next morning, head to the Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan for the biggest breakfast buffet you’ve ever laid eyes on. You name it, and they’ve got it. Downtown Terrace is also worth a trip if you fancy a boozy brunch, while a deliciously carb-heavy lunch at Matteo’s at The Venetian is sure to soak up any remaining alcohol.

Perhaps the greatest challenge with Vegas’s food scene is choosing where to eat; the choice is endless and ever evolving. That’s why it’s a smart move to spend an evening with your girl group embarking on a food tour. We did the Lipsmacking Foodie Tour, which features a visit to four of the top restaurants in Las Vegas where guests can sample three to four signature dishes at each stop. You’ll learn loads about the food scene in Vegas that’ll help you navigate it and avoid any arguments with your pals about where to eat.

For thrills

As I stood in Bootleg Canyon, 3,800ft above sea level, looking down at the 400ft drop below me and the landing deck some 1,800ft away, I didn’t think I could do it. Ziplining the Grand Canyon was something I wouldn’t have booked myself in a million years. My stomach churned and my hands shook, but all of that dissipated as the latch was unlocked and I zipped across the Nevada skyline. At the risk of sounding cliche, it was one of those moments that took my breath away. Any nerves I had suffered were replaced with a feeling of exhilaration.

Ziplining was one of the activities I was most anxious about on the trip but it ended up being one of the most fun and breath-taking. And what could beat the buzz of conquering a fear? If you’re scared stiff, don’t worry, the fabulous guys at Flightlinez look after you so well. They’ll have you and your pals laughing on the bus journey all the way to the top, are happy to answer any questions you have (even if you need to be put over the instructions a hundred times, like me) and they’ll instil a confidence in you that you didn’t know you had. It’s the perfect activity to create unforgettable memories with your mates.

For relaxation

Vegas is one of those destinations where there is something new to look at at every turn, there’s more than enough to do to keep you busy and the night club scene is continually hopping but if all of that gets a little too much, it’s good to know you have options to catch a little r’n’r. We caught a rest at the Voie Spa at the Paris Resort and took a Gondola ride at the Venetian for some down time. For the savvy shoppers among you, the Las Vegas North premium outlets are a must-do. You’ll find discount prices from brands like Michael Kors, Armani, Tommy Hilfiger and Guess all housed in the 540,000 square foot mall.

For the ‘wow’ factor

When it comes to sightseeing, I do the goosebump test. If those familiar bumps rise on my skin and I feel happy tears at the back of my eyes, I know I’m on to a good thing. The night flight over Vegas with Maverick was certainly one of those activities that passed that test with flying colours. There is nothing in this world like the view over Las Vegas at night time; seeing the city all lit up in all its glory was nothing short of spectacular.

I uttered a quiet ‘wow’ under my breath. The flight is pretty quick and the price fairly steep (starting at $104), but for such an unforgettable experience, I say it’s worth it. Each helicopter can hold up to seven passengers so it’s a great group activity for you and your girls.

For a night out

Whether you’re a diehard fan of Lisa Vanderpump or not, no girls’ night out in Vegas would be complete without a stop at Vanderpump Cocktail Garden in Caesar’s Palace. The decor is decadent and LA-inspired and the cocktails are extra special: try a Giggy Tonic if you fancy a goblet of gin that looks like a magic potion; it’s named after Lisa’s famous Pomeranian. Outside you’ll find a flower wall that makes the perfect backdrop for all your Insta pics.

After that, Tao in The Venetian should be on your agenda. The award-winning celebrity haunt is home to an Asian Bistro and Nightclub. Downstairs, you’ll find the most delectable Asian fare including select sushi, Thai and Chinese bites (try the lobster fried rice, it’s delicious) while upstairs in the club you could find yourself rubbing shoulders with celebs while enjoying world-class DJs and state of the art sound and lighting systems. Fancy treating your squad to the VIP treatment? Book one of the eight private skyboxes that overlook the main room. It’s sure to be one to remember.

For more information and ideas for planning a girls’ trip to Vegas, click here

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