On the 40 minute flight back to LA yesterday, I began to think about my inaugural trip to Vegas. What just happened the past 48 hours? Did I have fun? Would I do it again? I had HOW MANY vodka sodas?

I knew I was in for a crazy weekend when The Palazzo sent a white stretch limo to McCarran International Airport for me…and only me 🙂 Hi my name is Lesley, party of 1. Juuuuust kidding. My friends arrived bright and early before me, ready to properly experience all Vegas had to offer!

The Palazzo put me up in a Bella Suite for my first-ever Vegas experience, and I’m so glad I waited until now so I could be based out of such an amazing hotel. SO many lodging options exist on the 4-mile strip, but allow me to recommend resting your head here with some of the largest suites in the entire city – perfect for a girl’s getaway.

Friday

Noon: Arrival at McCarran International Airport

Keep in mind that many descents into Las Vegas are super bump with lots of turbulence. I’m so thankful that a friend mentioned this right before I took off – her words kept me sane as we landed!

12:30pm: Check-in at The Palazzo Hotel

The Palazzo resides in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. The all-suite accommodations, world-class shopping and delish dining experiences PLUS resort amenities like The Aquatic Club and the famed Canyon Ranch Spa make this place resemble an adult Disney World, in a good way.

2pm: Cabana Experience at the Aquatic Club

The Club offers a bit of privacy from the hustle and bustle of the larger pool area and includes cocktails inside watermelons (proof in the picture), boozy ice pops, large cabanas and good tunes.

6pm: Champagne toast in the room

After an afternoon delight at the Aquatic Club, we ventured back up to the suite to get ready for the evening where some bubbly was awaiting us on ice with a pretty sunset view.

8pm: Gondola Ride at the Venetian

No trip to Venice — or The Venetian — would be complete without an oh so romantic glide down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola. When in America, amiright?! Our singing gondolier (not pictured) was the icing on the cake.

9:30pm: Dinner at Nobu

If you’ve never been to a Nobu restaurant before, you should probably change that. It was the perfect pre-party to Calvin Harris. Sorry, no pictures to prove it.

11:30pm: Omnia Nightclub to see Calvin Harris

I haven’t been to a club in a hot minute…and Omnia was a wild choice to get back into the game. No regrets, though.

Saturday

11am: Brunch at Jardin inside Encore

I needed some heavy sustenance to soak up the beverages I put in my body the night before, and avocado toast was a stellar choice here.

1pm: Encore Beach Club with Kygo

When I thought about Vegas before ever stepping foot here, I always got this vision in my head of women in barely-there-bikinis + heels and bodies EVERYWHERE, probably surrounding a body of water. Well, my vision came to life at Encore Beach Club, one of the highlights to my Vegas experience 🙂

7pm: Drinks at Rosina

To me, Rosina was a retreat amongst bright lights and three pinged defeat noises on slot machines. The old-school allure and seductive glamour of the place made me feel elsewhere for a bit, transporting me to somewhere beyond the bright Vegas bubble. I wasn’t mad about that.

9pm: Dinner at Tao

This Asian eatery with a massive Buddah statue watching my every move was sooo so delicious and perfect for our group dinner before yet another night of, well, clubbing. When in Vegas…

11pm: XS Nightclub

By the time XS came around, I think I was a wee bit spent. I believe I’m a better day drinker than an all night party goer, or perhaps I’m just not too stellar at doing both in one day. Can you blame me? My drinking tolerance has taken a very long vacation since college…

Sunday

10am: Sustenance

I slept in and immediately rolled myself downstairs to the Palazzo Juice Farm where a beautiful açaí bowl awaited me. I then ate it directly in front of the LOVE installation inside the Venetian (connected to the Palazzo) by artist Laura Kimpton 🙂

1pm: Departure is such sweet sorrow

T’was time to board a plane home, but I know there’s SO much more to do/see/experience in Vegas. I’ll have to return for the Bellagio fountains, to see a show, hear Celine Dion kill it on the mic, stroll Fremont Street, eat at more amazing restaurants, hike Red Rock Canyon (NOT in June) and all the other incredible ideas y’all gave me via Instagram – minus gambling as I didn’t acquire that gene. I tend to gravitate more towards nature surroundings when I travel, but it’s fun to switch up the scenery every now and again…especially when good college girlfriends are in attendance!