If you know me, then you most likely know that Vegas is not really a place that I ever imagined visiting. Maybe at one time in my early twenties was it appealing, but that quickly dissipated as I got older and discovered that I have a deeper appreciation of traveling outside the country (especially on a beach with a beer in hand). With this in mind, I realized that I probably would not go back to Vegas - at least not by choice. So, Greg and I decided to live it up while we were there and I chose all of the things that Vegas has to offer to add to my itinerary.
We stayed at the NYNY. We got a screamin' deal off Orbitz for 3 nights and airfare for two for $650. I purchased tickets to the Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil and picked two different spas to check out. We also decided on dinner at the Eiffel Tower restaurant where Greg's good friend Scott works.
NYNY:
Okay, not the best hotel I've ever stayed at - but clean and definitely worth the low price that we scored. Rooms were average and we were slightly annoyed that the only king rooms left were smoking (even though we had reserved a non-smoking king). So we opted for the double queen non-smoking which was okay until we realized how used to our comfy king sized bed at home. Our nights consisted of me yelling at Greg to roll over and stop kicking me. A downfall of the hotel: they charge you $25 for a refrigerator per day! Lame when you are a budget traveler who likes to purchase snacks to save on the expensive mediocre lunches you are forced to buy. Oh well.
Cirque du Soleil:
In one word, amazing! I cannot express enough how incredible this show is. My body was on sensory overload! The music of course was so good, the Beatles are one of my all time favorite bands - and to see it put into a show that no one else but Cirque du Soleil can do truly overwhelmed me. I am still listening to all my Beatles music now letting it resonate how truly generational and talented that group is. I would say if you get the chance, buy the tickets. You will not be disappointed, it was the most incredible show I've ever seen.
Oleksandra Spa (at Treasure Island):
I had a Groupon that cost me $50 for $120 worth of services. The spa was beautiful, clean and offered men and women locker rooms equipped with snacks, juices, waters, showers, steam, sauna, and jacuzzi tubs. My girlfriend and I got to chat and relax before our treatments and that in itself was such a treat! I opted for a 25 min. massage with a 25 min. full body scrub. The scrub and massage were very professional and extremely relaxing. This spa isn't even one of the higher end ones on the strip, but I left feeling pampered and more relaxed than I've felt in a long time!
Nurture Spa (at the Luxor):
Not as nice as Oleksandra... but still decent. The ambiance was not as appealing as my other experience, but still offered the same amenities - just not as welcoming and spa like. But, with that said - it was the best massage of my life! Upgrade to the deep tissue. It's the shit!
Eiffel Tower restaurant:
French cuisine and Greg's friend Scott hooked us up with a window seat facing the Bellagio water fountain show. The ambiance was so romantic and the service was impeccable. We tried froie gras for the first time, and I am hooked! It was the most delicate, buttery and rich piece of heaven I have ever experienced. It was served with braised bing cherries and warm. Greg and I enjoyed every bite! Then Scott sent us over with escargot and sweet breads with a poached egg. I dove right in and started with the sweet breads. I thought it was delicate and had the flavor of meat, but couldn't quite describe it. The escargot was my least favorite. We were also treated to a lox appetizer of the freshest cold smoked salmon with capers and lemon juice. The main course consisted of a rack of lamb and a filet mignon with bernaise sauce. But the star of the show was the three desserts that Scott sent us: pistachio souffle, pineapple merrainge, and a platter of sorbets. It was honestly the best meal of my life. With a bottle of Pinot, we were feeling quite spoiled and indulgent. I love having a partner who knows me so well and is willing to try new foods and spend some money to experience amazing sensory adventures like that. Greg is pretty much the best partner ever!
Our last and most important event was Laura and Michael's wedding. It was emotional, beautiful and quick (which everyone loves!). I am so happy to have been a part of their special day and for bringing together so many friends. I wish them a lifetime of love, joy and happiness together. I'd like to give a special thank you for bringing together so many great friends for this amazing event.
Last thoughts on Vegas. It is hot, overcrowded and overpriced. I had an incredible time, but don't expect to be back anytime soon. It sort of depressed me and the energy was very off putting for this eternal hippie at heart. But I am so appreciative of the experience and getting to spend time with many friends that I don't get to see often enough.
Next trip will be either Mexico or Central America... stay tuned!
