The Other Las Vegas, Off The Strip

September 2013

Girls Getaway Off the Las Vegas Strip

Staying on the Las Vegas strip has its advantages, but venturing off the strip a few miles you’ll get away from the gritty, people pushing scene. Here’s our top picks of where to stay, away from the craziness of the strip, on your next girlfriend getaway to Sin City.

There are several areas to check out including Summerlin, Henderson, and resorts slightly off the strip.

Red Canyon Girlfriend GetawayChill Out at the J.W. Marriott

Located in Summerlin is the J.W. Marriott. It’s located within a few miles of Red Rock Canyon, which makes a glorious morning hike. The sunrises are spectacular with shimmering deep copper hues on the mountains providing calmness and wonder to the eyes. Along the hiking paths you will find roadrunners, lizards, mule deer or perhaps Mojave Max the desert tortoise.

Tortoise Spotting in VegasThe J.W. Marriott has impeccable outdoor gardens. Walking along the meandering, lush, Zen pathways you’ll stroll by Koi ponds, waterfalls, and outdoor yoga centers. Your mind will relax from the chatter of your hectic lifestyle and you’ll find yourself taking in a chillaxing vacation.

If you are a woman who likes her golf, J.W. Marriott has three courses within one mile of the resort and several others close by including a Tournament Players Club (TPC) course. On location there are eleven dining options from buffet to gourmet Asian, fine steaks, and Italian. The fitness center and Aquae Spa are full service including complimentary fitness classes, sauna, hot/cold plunge pools, free weights and cardio equipment.

Aquae Spa has everything a body needs to detox and unwind. From orange blossom exfoliation to collagen and glycolic peals, there’s a treatment for everyone. I had the Aquae Holistic Massage, a 90-minute escape to paradise. The treatment began with an exfoliation made with natural herbs and lavender to relax and detox the body. Then a linen wrap with marine salt crystals and sachets was pressed onto my energy meridians to increase energy. And lastly the treatment was followed by a full body massage. I was so relaxed at the end of my session I could hardly open the door to exit my treatment room…or perhaps I just didn’t want to leave.

With prices starting at $92/night it’s a bargain for a five star resort! And, of course on the property there is a quaint casino, an outdoor pool with cabanas and a cascading waterfall.

Rock Your Girls’ Getaway at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas

If you’re looking for something with a little more octane try the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino off the strip about one mile. For an amped up experience stay in the HRH all suites tower. HRH has a private check-in, private concierge, and private valet parking. You’ll feel like a Rock Star from the moment you pull up.

Hard Rock Girls Getaway in VegasThe Hard Rock brand is one of parties and classic rock n roll. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas does not disappoint on that note. Rock aficionados of every age, from 21-75 can be seen here along with fantastic memorabilia throughout the hotel. On Sunday’s, their pool – Rehab (open April through October) appears somewhat tranquil in the morning hours, but as the day wears on the hardcore party animals descend ready to begin a day of debauchery. With swim-up blackjack tables, live bands, a bar and grill, and 200,000 square feet of pool grounds you’re sure to find your inner party animal around one corner or the next.

With eight restaurants on the property, including Nobu (gourmet sushi) and 35 Steaks + Martinis, you will definitely satisfy your growling beast. 35 Steaks + Martinis offers complimentary wine tasting from 5-6 pm for overnight guests. And Mr. Lucky’s has a 777 special late at night (Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Steak & Shrimp for $7.77).

Evening entertainment can be found at Soundwaves (poolside), at the Joint (a 4,000 seat venue) or Vinyl (both live and DJ’s offer great dance music). Ainsworth is a sports bar offering multiple televisions with live sports, video poker, and very good drinks. Vanity is the night scene open for special events. This high velocity club has both indoor and outdoor venues.

If you’ve had enough partying it may be time to head to Reliquary, the Hard Rock’s spa. With facials called Nirvana and Rock My World massages you may never want to leave. They also offer manicures, pedicures, waxing and hair styling.

Hard Rock Hotel is not for the under 21 crowd. If you’re planning a family Vegas trip stay somewhere else like South Point (also off the strip), which has bowling and movie theaters.

So before you book that Vegas getaway, ask yourself if you want to stay on the strip or off strip. Then you need to decide if you want a more relaxed vibe or the full-on party scene. Either way, you’re bound to have an exciting girlfriend getaway.

Sue Richter is an award-winning communications expert. She is a freelance journalist for several online and print publications. She has written for American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, TravelAge West, Travel + Expore, Comcast Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune, Business Executive Travel and many others.

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