It's highly unlikely that you'll ever run out of things to do on a luxury holiday to Las Vegas. The glitz and glamour of the city is one of the best remedies for the winter blues.
A weekend away in the ‘Entertainment capital of the world’ is always a memorable one (from what you are able to remember, at least...) whether it's being pampered at the blow-dry bar at the Cosmopolitan or going on exhilarating helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.
With so many entertainment, dining, shopping, nightlife, sport and spa options to pick from, it can be tough to choose what to do on your trip.
We've pulled together an Insider’s guide to the ultimate luxe getaway in Las Vegas - for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
1. Start with a spa experience at QUA Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace
To get your Las Vegas trip off to a flying start, head for luxurious pampering at QUA Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace. Behind the doors of the sprawling 50,000-square-foot spa there are countless ways to relax and reset, whether you favour a quiet massage or a rejuvenating blast of cold.
I took a dip in the spa’s Roman baths which helped to soothe and relax my aching muscles. To maximise the benefits of a hot soak I was advised to cool down in the Arctic Ice Room, the only one of its kind in the world, where snow gently descends from a domed ceiling through mint-infused air chilled to 55 F (13 C).
My visit to the spa ended with a personalised custom facial to help me switch off and give my jet-lagged skin a boost.
The 60-minute tailored treatment starts with a skin consultation before the face is exfoliated, steamed and cleansed. I left looking and feeling a more radiant version of myself - and full recharged for fun in Las Vegas.
2. Go for brunch at the Bardot Brasserie at ARIA
I added a little French cuisine to my afternoon by going for brunch at Bardot Brasserie, a classic French eatery tucked away in Las Vegas’ Aria resort and casino. The menu comes packed with French comfort food like Burgundy snails wrapped in puff pastry shells or a French onion soup with Périgord truffle.
A popular classic is Bardot’s French toast, which tastes as good at it looks. My tasty serving included brioche French toast, vanilla mascarpone, almond brittle and orgeat syrup.
Designed by hip LA designers Bishop Pass, the Brasserie conveys the mood of early film noir with its mix of soft globe lights, burnt orange chairs and traditional black and white marble flooring.
3. Go on an exhilarating helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world - and one that's best viewed from the air. I went on an early sunrise tour with Sundance Helicopters, who pick you up from your hotel in a private stretch limo and whisk you to the pre-flight lounge.
Once on board, the helicopter takes you on a three-hour epic adventure around the Grand Canyon. Along the way I had panoramic views of all the major landmarks between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon including Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the vast Mojave Desert.
Both the pilot and an in-flight audio guide helped us make sense of all the majestic scenery of rock and lakes - a highlight was landing on top of the Grand Canyon for a champagne picnic. The company has built a close relationship with the Hualapai Tribe, who own the only area where landing is allowed in the canyon.
4. Head for a designer shopping experience at the Las Vegas North Premium outlets
The best place for luxury shopping in the city is at the Las Vegas North Premium outlets. Here you’ll find all of the best fashion brands including Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs and Jimmy Choo selling their designs at a discounted rate.
The other must-visit stores for a great style deals are the outlet versions of Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as Steve Madden. I managed to buy three pairs of Steve Madden shoes for a whopping $64.
Savvy international visitors should also invest in the outlet’s Destination passport, which offers travellers a booklet of exclusive offers.
5. Dine at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell's Kitchen
Visitors to Las Vegas will find it hard to miss the burning flame of the Hell’s Kitchen pitchfork located outside Caesars Palace. This is the world's first Hell’s Kitchen restaurant, inspired by Ramsay's hit TV series of the same name.
The layout of the restaurant is a replica of the popular TV show (minus the kitchen nightmares), where guests can watch their food being prepped by the team of chefs.
The menu features a lot of flame-grilled dishes so it's best to head there on an empty stomach. The 8oz Filet mignon with roasted tomatoes on the vine, paired with a baked macaroni & cheese, could keep you running for days.
6. Enjoy a VIP experience at Tao Las Vegas
Katy Perry, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Paris Hilton, Rihanna and Jay-Z have all partied in Las Vegas's hottest clubs. At Tao Las Vegas in The Venetian you can enjoy the VIP treatment yourself.
The VIP package includes a dancefloor-side table with bottles of Vodka, Tequila and Champagne, replenished as needed throughout the night.
If you’re after a more secluded experience you can enjoy bottle service in one of eight private "Skyboxes" overlooking the main room or step out to the 40-foot terrace for views of the Las Vegas Strip.
7. Pop into Drybar Las Vegas for a blowdry
If the dry heat of Las Vegas is making your hair feel a bit frazzled, Drybar can give your locks a bit of TLC.
This is Las Vegas, so naturally your appointment comes complete with booze and beats. The salon is located in the Cosmopolitan and is known for delivering a wide range of signature hairstyles, whether it’s the straight up or Drybar's signature style, The Cosmo-Tai - beachy hair with loose curls. All hair types are welcomed and the team did a brilliant job on my afro hair.
At Drybar there's also an exclusive cocktail menu and fine sommelier-selected wines so you can have a drink, or two, while you have your hair done. The soundtrack to your appointment will be provided by one of Drybar’s in-house DJs, who play top 40 hits, fun throwbacks and creative remixes.
After your hair is finished you can even have a mini photoshoot in Drybar’s Smilebooth - very social-media friendly.
8. Head for drinks at The Chandelier Bar
Located in the Boulevard Tower at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, this is one of the most famous chandelier bars in the world. The 10,000 square feet of space is divided into three levels, each with a different atmosphere - there are five bars, side lounges, 21 sparkling and shimmering crystal beaded swags and seven million crystals, so you feel like you're sitting inside a giant chandelier.
Try signature cocktail ‘We’re All Mad Here’, an ode to Alice in Wonderland. The gin-based concoction starts blue but changes colour once blended, and is accompanied with an edible tag that makes your tongue tingle.
The Chandelier Bar’s most talked about drink is The Verbena Flower. The drink comes with a small flower which you're advised to eat first. This will make your mouth numb before you try the drink, which is a take on a Margarita with an extra flash of zest from the added lemon verbena and ginger.
9. Go for dinner at Beauty and Essex
First impressions can be deceiving - I didn't know what to expect as I initially walked in through the front of the restaurant, a gritty pawn shop-themed space.
But behind an unmarked door lies the Pearl Bar, a lounge area with a custom chandelier made from thousands of draped pearls hanging from the ceiling.
Gemstone necklaces also dangle from glided frames which packed out the walls. The menu is equally creative, with a range of delicious sharing dishes.Try the tuna poke wonton tacos, Thai-style crispy shrimp and tomato tartare from New York, as well as meaty dishes such as roasted bone marrow and oven-braised chicken meatballs.
10. Stay at Caesars Palace
Walking through the doors of Caesars Palace you come to understand why this Las Vegas hotel sets the standard for opulent details, impeccable service and lavish suites. I booked a room in the newly-renovated room Palace Tower, which featured a soft, king sized bed and décor of grey tones accented by red and purples.
The marble bathroom has two sinks, a walk-in shower and an oversized spa bathtub. Amenities include a 49-inch LED flat-screen TV, CD player, MP3 charging station, coffee-maker and hair dryer. Located in the Palace Tower, the room is a short walk to the convention rooms, shops and pools.
If you really want to push the boat out for your stay at the Palace Tower opt for one of its ten luxurious new villas on the 29th floor. Guests are entitled to additional perks and amenities, such as around-the-clock access to butler service and limousine transportation to and from McCarran International Airport.
A Palace Executive Suite costs from £761 and a Palace Premium studio starts from £138, based on one night’s stay.
For more information on Las Vegas head to https://www.visitlasvegas.com/
