I just returned from a long weekend in Las Vegas. Jealous? You should be. I was there for my annual company meeting, so not only was I in Vegas for 4 days, the only thing I had to pay for was the spa and some non-company sponsored boozing (there was plenty of company sponsored drinking).

Let’s begin with the pimp set up we had. We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental, probably one of the few hotels on the strip without a Casino. As someone that doesn’t gamble, I  really didn’t mind. The Arria was right next door for any immediate money losing needs.  It’s freaking awesome and I highly recommend the Mandarin Oriental if you like superb rooms and an attentive staff.

After settling in, I headed out for some lunch (drinks) with some colleagues and then took my ass straight to the spa. Ladies, if you have never splurged on a good spa day you MUST. And I don’t mean go to your local Aveda for a facial. Go to a spa that has a steam room, sauna, hot tub, pool and warm stone lounge chairs. Meandering for hours through the variety of relaxation inducing amenities just feels so luxurious, and for a working mom with a toddler this was much needed quiet time.

*Here’s a tip, if you stay at a hotel that has one of these spas you don’t need to pay the insane massage prices to get in. Most hotels offer a $50 no treatments access to the spa.  It will be the BEST $50 you have ever spent, I swear on my pampered ass.

The rest of the weekend was filled with meetings and not a whole lot of free time. I’m not complaining though! Some of that company mandated time was spent when they sent us off to see a show ON THEM. Seriously. I got to see the Beatles LOVE Cirque Du Soleil and it was spectacular (and I’m not going to lie, I totally cried during Hey Jude. I was missing my little boy)!

This was my first time in Vegas, and someone asked me if it was everything I thought it would be. It was. It was borderline obscene with the eclectic mix of people walking the streets, and the absurdly large themed hotels with roller coasters and faux international landmarks. I really wouldn’t have expected anything less.

I had an amazing time and am really grateful to work for a company that puts such a high priority in showing its employees how much we’re appreciated. Next time I go to Vegas though, it’s going to be on my time. I could do some damage there.