The last day in any city is sad. This trip had taught me a lot, in many different ways.

Las Vegas had captivated my heart and imagination and, for the most part, I think I realized that what glitters is not always gold.

Exhausted from a week of so many amazing experiences, I relished the fact that I could relax by the pool back at Caesars Palace and truly experience the ‘Garden of the Gods’.

One thing that is truly a bonus in this city is that regardless of whether you are a guest or not, everyone can experience the pools at the stunning hotels lining the strip.

From the Marquee Dayclub at new Strip landmark, The Cosmopolitan, to the man made beach at Mandalay Bay, you can transport yourself to any location on earth.

The sun was shining and the music was playing for our final sin city hurrah. This was the time to ensure I was bronzed enough to face the beaches of Miami sans faux tan!

Napping in the sun allowed us to truly be awake for our night of frivolity. With the need to be at the airport at 4am, we figured we should just stay awake all night, how very Vegas of us!

A visit to this city isn’t complete without watching the Bellagio fountains perform ever so gracefully to a variety of music every hour throughout the day and into the night.

Having been spoilt with a view of the fountains from my rooms both at Caesars Palace and Paris Las Vegas, I had seen the show many times from up above, but felt the need to experience it up close and personal.

Whilst I recommend the evening show, there’s something special about watching them during the day. The fountains take on a personality of their own, like ballerinas performing for a captive audience in rehearsal for the main event after the sun goes down.

Reluctantly I bid adieu to the dancing fountains to prepare for our last dinner, one of the most amazing of the week.

If you want to be treated like a princess and experience some truly delectable food, I highly recommend Lavo at The Palazzo.

The sister restaurant to Tao, it’s perfectly positioned across the road from Treasure Island. This meant we were able to enjoy the pirate show before giving our taste buds a work out with a menu specially selected by the chef.

From melt in your mouth Ahie Tuna to meatballs my Nonna would be envious of, Lavo truly exceeds any expectation one may have about dining. The service was second to none and I only wish we didn’t have to hurry off to another show so that we could have experienced their nightclub.

Had I known what that show would be like, I definitely wouldn’t have hurried my meal.

We were off to see the ‘Holly Madison Peep Show’ at Planet Hollywood.

Being a fan of all things reality TV (please suppress your groans), ‘Holly’s World’ and ‘Girls of the Playboy Mansion’ were shows that I love immersing myself in. Perhaps this clouded my judgement when deciding to see Holly’s live show that night.

Whilst I wasn’t watching the show for the acting, the double entendres just didn’t really work and there was a certain lack of excitement and, in some case, talent.

The gentleman next to me seemed to be enjoying the experience with my ears ringing from his deafening wolf whistles, however, I’ve seen much better dancers, (burlesque, pole and otherwise) in Sydney clubs. Being in Las Vegas, I expected a lot more raunchiness.

In fact, there was more raunchiness at the nightclubs we visited post show!

Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace, is the spot that all the celebrities enjoy being seen at and was somewhere I’ve wanted to check out for a while.

A word of warning…ensure you are on the guest list. There are many promoters trawling the Strip offering travelers free entry (and sometimes free drinks) to various clubs around town.

Females are the most likely to get approached (we had 4 different promoters approach us within one block for the same nightclub) but, if you are a male, it doesn’t mean you miss out, it just means that you may get asked to pay a reduced cover charge.

I recommend chatting to the hotel concierge about putting you in contact with the ones they recommend.

The line to get into Pure was unlike anything I’ve seen before. The crowds of wannabe revelers lined up like sheep ready to dance the night away in the exclusive venue.

Once I finally got in, I could see why.

The music was perfectly mixed to suit a variety of tastes and the atmosphere was electric.

If you can spare the money, I recommend reserving a table. A bit pricey, but split amongst a few friends, it’s the best way to ensure you have a place to sit when your feet start to ache and also offers your own private dance floor without feeling like a sardine.

Prices vary and it’s best to speak directly with the venue for the best option, but, as a general rule, the purchase of one expensive bottle of alcohol from an special menu will allow you the exclusive cordoned off area.

Chateau Nightclub back at our hotel, Paris Las Vegas, had to be my favourite nightspot of the week. Perhaps it was because it was where I met Barry Manilow or perhaps it was because of the fantastic music and ‘beer garden’ that was dripping in fairy lights and located picture perfectly beneath the landmarks of ‘Paris’.

We aimed to stay awake until our flight and, had it not been for the continuous lack of sleep since landing in the USA, I think we would have been successful.

Alas, it wasn’t to be and 2 hours sleep awarded me enough rest to pack and head to the airport for the next part of my adventure…Florida…