With the plethora of strip clubs and showgirls in this town, you’d think that Vegas is a man’s world. Not so! There are plenty of activities and attractions for the ladies—from wild, bachelorette-style craziness to relaxing, leave-your-cares-at-home-style getaways. Here are just a few suggestions.
Mornings
If you dream of a leisurely breakfast, skip your hotel buffet and head to The Cromwell and Giada on weekends. You know chef Giada di Laurentiis from her Food Network shows where she made home entertaining and cooking look light and breezy. The food is not cheap, but it is high quality, generously portioned, and just plain delightful. (It’s also worth an evening stop for the amazing pasta and view of the Strip.)
Vegas is retail heaven, and you could spend your whole day going to branches of pretty much every designer name you can think of in the major hotel malls (The Shops at Crystals at CityCenter, The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, The Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian/Palazzo, Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood, and shops at Bellagio and Wynn Las Vegas). Bargain shoppers will want to check out the Las Vegas Premium Outlets North near Downtown. Truth be told, there are not a lot of bargains there, but it’s an outlet, so something will turn up.
Afternoons
You can have a fabulous lunch at the elegant Bouchon at The Venetian. Thomas Keller’s brasserie is tucked away in a private tower so you won’t be inundated with the dinging of the casino floor as you tuck into your eggs Benedict and mimosas.
Now it’s time for some serious pampering. You could just stretch out by the pool (didn’t you just buy a new bikini this morning?), but it’s hot outside. So make your way to the spas at Caesars Palace, Bellagio, or The Venetian (which is a branch of the Canyon Ranch) for a full menu of massages, facials, weird treatments imported from countries you’ve never heard of, and lots more—all designed to make you feel as relaxed and limp as an al dente noodle.
Nights
If your girls’ getaway weekend is of the rowdy bachelorette variety, have dinner at STK at Cosmopolitan. It’s kind of like eating a steak in a loud nightclub, surrounded by really beautiful people. If it’s a sultrier, femme fatale atmosphere you’re after, get a big table at Red Square at Mandalay Bay and drink cold vodka while noshing on upscale Russian fare.
Hey, speaking of getting rowdy, if you’re tired of all those signs with scantily clad women all over Vegas, equal time can be attained at such shows as the male-stripper review Thunder From Down Under, at Excalibur or the tried-and-true Chippendales at Rio. There’s also new kid on the block Magic Mike Live at Sahara, produced by none than Magic Mike himself, Channing Tatum. Or, if that’s not risqué enough, try the delightfully profane circus of Absinthe at Caesars Palace. Just don’t allow the host to pull you up on stage for audience participation. You’ll thank us later.
Rosina at Palazzo is a calm, sophisticated spot to have a tipple to gear up for the rest of your evening. Feel free to press their Champagne Call Button at will so that your glass never runs empty. A somewhat more gearing-up-for-the-clubs atmosphere is across the way at Hyde Bellagio, which in addition to having fun cocktails (is that a Bellini cart? Why, yes, it is!) has the best view of the Bellagio Fountains from its lakeside patio.
Finally, strap on that pair of Christian Louboutins you bought earlier today (lucky you), because it’s time to go dancing. If you’re single and looking to mingle (or whatever, we don’t judge), the scenes at Light at Mandalay Bay, XS at Encore Las Vegas, and Omnia at Caesar's Palace are such that people will stand in line for hours (and pay outrageous cover charges) just to get inside. We have to admit they are awfully fun.
Wanna just go dance and not be bothered by the meat-market scene? Consider going to a gay club, such as Piranha, just off the Strip. They welcome women, but remember that you aren’t going to be the priority.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
