Viva Las Vegas, baby!

If you happen to follow along on my Instagram, you’ll know that hubby and I took a quick trip to Las Vegas last month. We LOVE it there. The food, the entertainment, the nightlife, the pools, the casinos, the cocktails, the weather – what’s not to love?

And maybbbbbbeee I love it a little more since we got MARRIED in Vegas. But that’s a story for another day…. though I can confirm that I (Holly Hunka) hired an Elvis to sing ‘Burning Love’ at the reception!

Annnnnyway, this trip was our first time being away from Elle for more than 12 hours and I’m happy to report everything went smoothly: for her and us.

We’ve been to Vegas about 10 times, and I made a rule to make this trip stand out: we couldn’t do anything we’d done before. No revisiting restaurants, entertainment or nightlife spots: new experiences only!

Here are a few of our favourites from this trip:

Favourite Vegas Cocktail Spot

This trip: We had the most exquisite cocktails at the Wynn’s Parasol Down. It’s hard to beat enjoying a tasty beverage amid a 40-foot waterfall and the Lake of Dreams.

Ever: Todd English’s Olives at Bellagio had the most AMAZING balcony overlooking the fountains. It closed in early 2018 but it looks as though the restaurant now occupying the space, Spago by Wolfgang Puck, has kept the outdoor patio that I adored so much!

Favourite Vegas Dinner Spot

This trip: The upscale Tao Asian Bistro in the Venetian is well-known when it comes to the Vegas dining scene. Surprisingly, this was our first time visiting and it lived up to its reputation: hands down the best noodles I’ve had in a long time!

Ever: We’ve had so many amazing meals in Vegas, but Aaron and I both agree that FiAMMA Italian Kitchen at the MGM Grand tops our list. FiAMMA has amazing food, a roaring fireplace and a dark yet romantic atmosphere.

And if you’re looking to do a buffet in particular, I can’t rave enough about the Buffet at Wynn. Nowhere else can beat the decor and food options. I’m talking ALL the seafood and the most outrageously intricate desserts.

Favourite Vegas Lunch Spot

This trip: LAVO Italian Restaurant in the Palazzo takes home the prize of being my favourite lunchtime spot this trip. Aaron and I enjoyed sitting out on their gorgeous patio while sipping back a pitcher of spiked lemonade (it was the inspiration behind my Vodka Pomegranate Lemonade recipe). Aaron chose the one-pound meatball (seriously) while I dined on chicken and waffles!

Ever: Sometimes you’re just in the mood for pub grub, which is why we’ve found ourselves at Aria’s The Pub on more than one occasion. What sets it apart, though, is its ridiculous, over-the-top Bloody Mary that is essentially a meal in itself. The drink comes loaded up with celery, grilled cheese, a mini reuben, lobster corndog, chicken croquette, candied bacon and a shishito pepper.

Favourite Vegas Happy Hour Spot

This trip: We had two standout happy hour experiences this trip. One was out on the gorgeous patio of Palazzo’s Morels Steakhouse & Bistro where I got a little turnt up on their bottomless mimosas and enjoyed a platter of oysters all to myself LOL.

The other was at Beer Park, a rooftop bar and grill at the Paris. We enjoyed awesome views of the Bellagio fountains and Paris’ signature giant balloon while sipping on some frosty pints. And Beer Park has lots of lawn and social table games that were a riot.

Ever: Honestly, I love nothing more than parking myself in front of a slot machine and enjoying free complimentary drinks while I play. Most of the hotels have great gaming floor service. However, after a LOT of trials, I can confidently say that both the Cosmopolitan and Wynn offer up the best glass of bubbly.

Favourite Vegas Activity

This trip: Okay, so we’d never been on the LINQ’s High Roller Observation Wheel before but ended up enjoying it so much we did it twice – once during the day and once at night. It’s the tallest observation wheel in the world – taller even than the London Eye. If you’re only going to do it once, I suggest doing the open bar package at night. It really is quite something seeing the Vegas Strip all lit up with a martini in hand!

Ever: I’ve never seen a bad show in Vegas. Well… okay… Criss Angel Mindfreak was a total disappointment. BUT if you’re considering a Cirque Du Soleil, there’s a reason why ‘O’ the aquatic show at Bellagio is highly praised … it’s spellbinding.



Favourite Vegas Pool

This trip: This trip we stayed in a gorgeous suite at the Palazzo.

We had access to both the Palazzo’s and the Venetian’s pools which were fabulous. 

Our friends stayed at the nearby Wynn, so we spent an afternoon over at their hotel and really enjoyed it as well.



Ever: We got married poolside at the Aria so it’ll forever have a special place in my heart!

What I Pack

There’s many different ways to ‘do’ Vegas. Aaron and I are in the ‘non-stop’ camp LOL. We love all the daytime activities as much as we love the nightlife, so I pack accordingly.

During the day I opt for casual summer dresses or a cute top and jeans paired with comfy shoes. I’ve learned the hard way that comfy shoes are key, as there’s a LOT of walking involved in Vegas.

At night I opt for cute cocktail dresses and comfy heels. Unless you’re a very brave woman, axe the stilettos or you might end up being one of those gals walking barefoot through the casino at 3 a.m.

Thanks for stopping by and reading about our latest trip to Vegas. If you’re planning a trip of your own, I’m happy to answer any questions in the comments below! Viva Las Vegas, baby.

Xo Holly Hunka