A getaway to the perfect destination. Adrianna Costa had a list of requirements when searching for that very thing. On the agenda for the Los Angeles-based mom blogger and influencer: reconnecting with a friend, along with time on her own to recenter. Key criteria were a spa for wiling away a day, and since both Costa and her friend are foodies, restaurants to rave over. After doing some research, Costa landed on Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. It was time to achieve Zen.
Checking In to Zen
Two blocks away from the fray of The Strip, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas’ vibe convinces the senses they’ve been transported somewhere far-flung, exotic, and laidback, rather than a mere four-hour drive from Los Angeles.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has three towers of accommodations: the Canyon, Opal, and Ruby. Just right for Costa’s purposes was the all-suites Ruby Tower with its close proximity to The SPA. Relaxation commenced upon check-in as the Ruby Tower thoughtfully welcomes guests at a separate entrance with a dedicated valet and private lobby. “The suite was contemporary, vibrant, and current, with great art and fantastic views of The Strip,” Costa says. For future reference, she noted, “The layout lends itself to a girls’ weekend.” Though she would be spending time with her friend Carly on this trip, Costa reveled in the fact she’d have the suite all to herself. A luxury unto itself for this mom of two.
To kick off their reunion, Costa and Carly reserved a cabana at the resort’s main pool. Making for a contactless experience was a convenient mobile ordering app where guests can order food and beverages. “Within minutes I had a chardonnay and Carly had a Cadillac Margarita.” A stretch of sand leading up to the pool invited for dipping toes in whilst sipping cocktails. “It felt like stepping into the ocean.”
The evening was slated for more catching up, so the duo made their way to Kassi Beach House for dinner paired in a sophisticated Mediterranean setting. Costa’s first stop, “I’m a sucker for a beautiful bar and Kassi’s is stunning.” Despite desert temps, the friends sat outside where fans, misters, and chilled martinis kept things temperate. Delivered from Kassi’s Raw Bar was Hamachi Crudo with pineapple, jalapeno, and chili sauce, Salmon Crudo with bomba sauce, cucumber, and sumac, along with the Half Dozen Oysters in an Italian mignonette and lemon. Bringing an extra smile to Costa’s face arrived during the dessert course. “It was a giant scoop of chocolate vegan ice cream… Freaking delicious!”
Sublime Silence
There was no alarm rousing Costa awake the next morning. Instead, the doorbell to her suite brought with it a sigh of happiness—she’d pre-ordered 7 a.m. coffee service for each morning of her stay. For the mom who’s used to chaotic 6 a.m. mornings getting her kids off to school, “I drank it in bed looking out the windows down at the pool. It was glorious.”
The plan for the day: girlfriend spa time. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas’ The SPA’s felt like, “Stepping into a European bathhouse with the pool area’s vaulted ceilings, small fountains, and bathtub-warm water.” The two friends moved throughout The SPA’s circuit of features, including a jacuzzi, sauna, and eucalyptus steam room. “I love a good schvitz, and this left me deliciously drenched.”
Temporarily wishing each other sayonara, Costa and Carly peeled off for separate treatments. Feeling dehydrated from her travels, Costa lavished in the Waking Up in Vegas Recovery Facial where elements of avocado, Texas grapes, and botanical milk replenished her dermis. “It was sensational and made a huge difference.” Not wanting the bliss to end, she closed out the day by adding in a massage. “Ecstasy.”
Besties Date Night
To celebrate their bliss-filled day, Costa and Carly got decked out in dresses and heels, then headed to One Steakhouse. “We sat in a booth overlooking everything,” Costa says of the buzzing scene. “The restaurant is sexy and luxe, yet approachable.” A menu item that delighted: two Alaskan King Crab Legs, one cold and one hot. “It felt like a vacation in a bite,” Costa sighs. Joining the dish on the table was a Filet Mignon, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and… “Broccoli to balance out the Bananas Foster Cheesecake we ordered for dessert.” The final stop for the evening–The Shag Room for a nightcap. “Behind the velvet rope, it was like stepping into a 1940s speakeasy in Paris with red velvet fabrics, sunken banquettes, and live music.”
Goodbye Brunch
The following morning, the sound of a champagne cork popping was bittersweet. It was time for the BFFs to say farewell. Ideal for the occasion was brunch at Todd English’s Olives with its Limitless Bubble Bar. Thinking she’d go simple, Costa ordered the handmade spaghetti. “It was indulgent and delectable,” she remembers. “They took so much care and love with the pasta and sauce.”
Reflecting on their time together, Costa and Carly considered the trip’s objectives. Good conversations, bubbly, spa time, a bounty of deliciousness… Virgin Hotels Las Vegas had hit all their checkmarks. Zen was achieved.
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