Vast pool complex at Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas (Image: Key Lime Photo)
“Man, I really like Vegas,” Elvis once declared of the Nevada retreat he considered his second home. After a whirlwind of 72 hours in the “city of sin”, I find myself agreeing with the king.
Las Vegas is bright, brash and bathed in neon. Las Vegas is an assault on the senses and a fascinating visitor, promising extravagant entertainment.
The beating heart of this desert oasis, the famous Las Vegas Strip is home to some of the world's most famous hotels and casinos. Outrageous, ornate, and totally luxurious, discover the 541-foot replica Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel, gondolas sailing on the Venetian's “Grand Canal” and the 30-story pyramid at Luxor.
It's a sensory overload, but it's impossible not to love it. Las Vegas is synonymous with gambling, but it's also famous for its star-studded shows, with Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Adele all holding residencies in the city.
Attending a show is an essential part of the Vegas experience, so head to the iconic Caesars Palace and watch Absinthes, described as a “fantasy blend of carnival and spectacle,” where audiences can It features wild and eccentric acts performed on an intimate circular stage for the audience. “As close to the action as you can get.” Critics have labeled it “hauntingly provocative” and they couldn't have been more accurate.
Richard Branson in the pool fully clothed at Virgin Hotel (Image: Virgin Atlantic)
The festivities begin with cocktails and nibbles at Pier 17 Yacht Club, surrounded by the hotel's enchanting green fairy garden. But as we settle into our tent, a quiet voice warns us, “I don't want to sit there.” Finally sitting down, just three lines from the action, my pulse is racing in anticipation.
Absinthe is a surprisingly adult show, with moody humor, rowdy crowds, and a twist of risky burlesque and modern circus. Throughout the performance, I'm perched on the brink of my seat, mesmerized by the performers' elegant yet heart-wrenching stunts and the palpable threat of becoming the next victim of the Gazette's relentless wit. .
And sure enough, he says: “Are you a snowman?” To my relief, the joke is directed at the trio sitting behind us.
After the show, we decompress by leisurely walking along the Strip and marveling at the spectacular free display of Bellagio Fountains. More than 1,000 jets dance to music and lights, shooting up to 460 feet of water against the dark sky, creating a truly “wow” Vegas spectacle.
Adjacent to the grandeur of Bellagio, hidden gems await at the Cosmopolitan. A traditional barber's shop, hidden behind a nondescript janitor's door is a secret Prohibition-era bar filled with plush seating and a huge selection of whiskey.
Las Vegas is an assault on the senses… (Image: Getty Images)
…but we also explored the Red Rock Canyon outside of the city as part of a pink jeep tour (Image: Maria Breslin)
It's karaoke night, the drinks are flowing, and it's way past my usual bedtime. But that's just Vegas for you. The night is always young and you never know when or where it will end.
huge virgin hotel
Even the most seasoned party goer needs to recharge their batteries from time to time. This makes it a slightly wiser choice from the strip. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, which opened its doors in March 2021, is a 30-minute walk or short Uber ride in blistering 40c heat from the heart of the action.
My suite of king-sized rooms in the resort's Ruby Tower is a spacious, chic, air-conditioned sanctuary with two bathtubs, a private lounge, and views of a desert pool oasis.
The 1,500-room hotel is huge, with a 60,000-square-foot casino, a branch of upscale favorite Nobu, a 4,600-capacity theater, and a Studio 54-inspired social lounge and bar named The Shag Room. But for me, the real highlight is the vast pool complex. An ideal place to relax before dolling up for another night on the town.
Veuve Clicquot does it in style by renting waterside cabanas where you can cool gently with a refrigerator under the unforgiving sun.
A 1,500-room hotel is huge. (Image: Key Lime Photo)
Virgin hotel suites are spacious and air conditioned (Image: Key Lime Photo)
life beyond the strip
Just a 20 minute drive west of the city and you'll be transported to a seemingly different world. Red Rock Canyon is a naturally beautiful and enchanting labyrinth of sandstone cliffs that dates back 190 million years and was the backdrop for many early Westerners.
We embark on a pink jeep tour along a 13-mile scenic route through the conservation park, marveling at the vibrant red and orange hues of the oxidized rocks and enjoying the vast emptiness of the landscape. I'm here. Our knowledgeable driver made regular stops that allowed us to explore the terrain, expand cliff faces, and discover natural wonders.
At the visitor center, we caught a glimpse of desert tortoises, admired ancient wall art estimated to be 800 years old, and posed for photos with majestic Joshua trees, but the elusive mountain goat was out of sight. It remained empty. This unexpected adventure proved to be the highlight of our trip and provided a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
After all, Las Vegas is full of surprises, including a museum dedicated to the punk rock movement. Our guide, Morato, was a passionate and authentic punk rocker from London. He also happens to be the frontman of Soldiers of Destruction and a close friend of the late Lemmy of Motörhead.
The Punk Rock Museum has an extensive collection featuring iconic items such as London Call lyrics and “Joe Strummer's San Francisco Stash.” Visitors can even get hands-on experience playing a real guitar.
This experience served as a reminder to venture off the beaten path and explore other areas of this expanding city. The Arts District, also known as 18B, is located southwest of downtown Vegas and offers a unique blend of galleries, vintage stores, and independent bars, all set against a backdrop of art-decorated streets.
At the heart of our culinary adventures, we are home to Estelle's Kitchen, a gastronomic gem and the pride of local chef prodigy James Tree. While the Strip is filled with flashy celebrity eateries, Estelle's Kitchen offers a more intimate atmosphere, creating authentic Italian dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Even on a Monday afternoon, the restaurant is buzzing with energy as Pizza Maestros show off their skills at Central Station.
Named in honor of James' great path that fueled his passion for cooking, the menu evokes nostalgic flavors reminiscent of childhood meals shared with companions. The homemade sourdough, generously spread with anchovy butter, garlic and capers, is simply heavenly and sets the stage for a series of truly remarkable dishes.
Standouts include the fiery Diavolo pizza, loaded with chorizo and chile, and the Zucca Alla Zozzona, a delightful concoction featuring sausage and pecorino cheese.
Would you like to try Vegas again? without hesitation. It's an exhilarating whirlwind that pushes you out of your comfort zone and perfectly encapsulates the saying, “Everyone needs a little Las Vegas in their life!”
Virgin's big birthday
This Vegas trip coincides with the enthusiastic return of Virgin's direct flights from Manchester and the airline's grand 40th annual celebrations.
Transatlantic travel seems unimaginable without Virgin. At the company's Las Vegas hotel, Sir Richard Branson shares his meditative thoughts.
He fondly recalls his first flight from Gatwick to Newark, New York on a leased Boeing 747-200, and the challenges he faced in starting an airline in a highly competitive market. is.
Sir Richard, at a celebration at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, recalled how the airline played a vital role in the 1990 Baghdad rescue mission, flying 40 sick and injured hostages from Iraq.
Malcolm King McKinnon and his wife Jackie, a volunteer crew member on that flight, are among the guests. The couple, who live in Heswall, Wirral, have continued to work for Virgin after meeting in a staff car park in 1988.
After noticing Jackie in her iconic red uniform, Malcolm offered to help with the luggage and their love story began. Now married with two daughters, they renew their vows at the famous Little White Wedding Chapel.
The party is in full swing, with guests including the Virgin team, crew, frequent fliers, Vegas dignitaries, and the press. Sir Richard jumps into the pool fully clothed and everyone follows. It's set to be an unforgettable night.
Virgin Hotel is the perfect place to unwind before being enchanted by yet another night on the tiles (Image: Key Lime Photo)
Book your holiday
Virgin Atlantic Holidays departs on November 24th with a Virgin Atlantic flight from Heathrow and three nights of accommodation at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. virginholidays.co.uk
Flights from Heathrow only start from £711 from Manchester, £587 return. virginatlantic.com
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