SERIOUS INDULGENCE IN AMERICA'S SIN CITY

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eggs benedict to Peking Duck pancakes washed down with unlimited Champagne. Dress up day or night to come here, Jasmine is definitely a special occasion restaurant. Down the other end of the Strip you'll flnd modern, high end Mexican cuisine at Border Grill where the kitchen turns out iconic dishes like green corn tamales and tasty chicken carnitas. Servings are generous which makes the meals ideal for sharing. If you do feel like tackling a seriously good buffet - you are in Vegas after all - there are plenty to choose from. Most feature at least 40 different food selections per sitting and some hotels such as Excalibur 'Buffet offer a All Day' pass for around $25 per person. Dining early saves up to 50% off the regular price at most places and avoids the queues which often form at peak times.

RETAIL THERAPY
Indulging in some serious retail therapy is a must-do for most Vegas visitors. Head to one of the upscale, village-style outlet shopping malls such as Las Vegas Premium Outlets located north or south of the Strip or stay where you are and explore the many retail outlets around your hotel. Hipsters flock to the shops at Cosmopolitan which are aimed at a younger crowd while the nearby Crystals features a whimsical parklike design and a tree-house that's also a restaurant. Jewellery is a focus at this shopping mall, making it an ideal spot to shop for that special ring. Via Bellagio, a beautiful arcade with an Italian theme and more big names than a Hollywood blockbuster, is worth a look even if you can't afford to buy. Armani, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Prada - you'll find them all here. Then there's the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood which are ideal for picking up goodies from local icons such as Urban Outfltters, American Apparel and Sephora.

O U T NT H ET O W N O
It's an easy walk from one bar to the next in Las Vegas which makes it ideal for a night on the town. Most nightclubs have a cover charge but dress to impress and you'll likely be let in free of charge. Revolution Lounge goes to show that all you need is love, with a Beatles lyric wall and a ceiling covered with over 30,000 sparkling crystals which pays homage to Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. In a world first, many of the tables use interactive infrared technology allowing guests to create tabletop works of art work which are then projected throughout the venue. Down the road at Bellagio there's The Bank, a sultry nightclub with a Cristal stacked foyer that's a favourite with wine aficionados, and the Petrossian Bar in the lobby with its baby grand piano and velvet lounges overlooking the casino. Both venues are fabulous for people watching.

Even if you don't know whether to hold 'em or fold 'em, it's easyto get gaminglessons lucky in LasVegas. Many hotelsoffer complimentary and a handy in-room bookletsetting out the basic rules. If you'd like to try your hand at a particular game but are unsure how to play, consider hitting the tablesat around 8am when most peopleare still in bed and

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croupiers have time to provide a basic overview. Slot machines are king, with more than 70 per cent of visitors hitting the slots at least once during their stay. Even if you're not a big gambler it can be fun to grab a couple of dollars each and pick a theme - the crazier the better - then make it your mission to flnd a machine to match. Elvis, diamonds, aliens or Antarctica - vou're sure to flnd it at one of the many casinos.

W H A T OS E E N DD OO NT H ES T R I P T A
Back in the early days Hollywood's glitterati - people like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr'and Marlene Dietrich - flocked to Sin City for the elaboratb shows. Las Vegas has changed a lot since then but the popularity of its many entertaihment options has only grown. Cirque du Soleil has a number of excellent permanent shows including 'O'where acrobats, high divers, synchronised swimmers and clowns take the audience on a dream-like voyage. Exhibitions are also a popular way to pass the time. Titanic: The Artifuct Erhibition atThe Luxor is a great way to escape the heat of the day. And, of course, there's also the dazzling array of free entertainment available at the casinos. The Mirage volcano shoots a raging fireball high into the air, risqu6 pirates strut their stuff next door at Treasure Island, lions watch over the casino floor down the road at MGM Grand and a replica Eiffel Tower captures the romance of the city of love at the Paris Las Vegas casino. Elvis had it right when he sang'Viva Las Vegas'.6

GETTING HITCHED IN LASVEGAS

WHAT OU'LL EED: Y N
d A passportfor proof of age. X T i m et o v i s i tt h e C l a r k C o u n t v Marriage icense ureau. L B d $60 to pay for the m a r r i a g eI i c e n c e . d An exchange vows to of make it officiat.Las Vegas marriagesare lega[y recoonised Australia. in

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