A slot more TO VEGAS
Gambling isn’t the only game in town
LAS Vegas spells bets, booze and babes – Sin City where you can win a lot then lose the plot in a drunken quickie marriage. But visitors don’t have to reel from one debauchery to the next. In fact, Las Vegas can be a place where you conquer your fears and embrace the unknown. Make no mistake, the casinos are still the biggest draw. But drag yourself away from the bright lights and there is a whole new world to be discovered. After checking into the swanky W Hotel, we rode the Slotzilla zip line which takes revellers up 90ft to enjoy the city’s stunning views on their 1,500ft descent back to earth. Strapped in and screaming for your life, it is an interesting and terrifying way to check out the 15,000 miles of neon lights that adorn this extraordinary corner of the Mojave Desert. Thankfully I hadn’t scoffed the platesized chocolate muffin and bottle of champers that had been waiting for me in my room. Staff are so friendly at the newly built W that they will restock your mini-bar several times a day. Winner. And while there is ample time to get fat and fatigued, thrill seekers might want to avoid the inescapable oversized portions available at every turn. Especially when there are roller coasters involved in your plans. Jump on to The Roller Coaster at New York New York Hotel. It will leave you with a dodgy neck, but it is a hilarious escapade into the heart of Vegas’s wild side. Once my stomach had settled we arrived at the famous Mr Chow at Caesars Palace for a stunning feast that involved noodle twirling and sizzling beef. The chef was super hospitable and even delivered a few fish-only dishes for us pescatarian eaters.
An impressive noodle-making display happened in front of our eyes.
After a tour around the restaurant’s champagne cart we headed to MGM Grand for Cirque du Soleil’s production of KA. It was hard to stay awake as we battled jet-lag and booze.
After a good night’s sleep we were raring to go. If the 90ft Slotzilla or Roller Coaster is not enough excitement, a helicopter ride to the Valley of Fire State Park should do it.
The HeliYoga experience – yes, yoga in the desert – with Maverick Helicopters is a once in a lifetime adventure.
Flying so close to the red rock below you feel like Peter Pan.
Peter Pan