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A girl's guide to Atlantic City

BY HOLLY C. CORBETT | Special to Newsday

July 20, 2008

QUA Baths and Spa at Caesar's Atlantic City Hotel/Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Courtesy of Caesar's)

You may think Atlantic City is nothing more than bingo and boardwalk, but America's Playground has enough martinis and Manolos to cash in as a top girlfriends' getaway destination. No matter how you throw the dice, your odds of encountering cosmos and couture are as high as finding saltwater taffy and slots, thanks to a boom in chic hotels, luxurious spas, upscale shopping and celebrity chefs.

"I wanted to go someplace where I could relax and get spa treatments but still have plenty of nightlife and shopping options within walking distance," says Astoria resident Christina Kennedy, 25, who had her bachelorette party there in March. "Atlantic City was easy to get to - a lot cheaper than flying to Vegas - and had something for everyone."

And while no two women's vacation agendas are a perfect pair, traveling with a group doesn't have to call for constant compromise. Those craving pampering can indulge in treatments such as a balancing Ayurvedic facial. Shopaholics can score kitschy souvenirs next to Coach bags. Gamblers can try their luck at Powerball or blackjack. Foodies can sample everything from king crab tempura to Godiva chocolates.

"When going with a group, I highly recommend having an itinerary," says Kara Ehler, 26, of Norfolk, Va., who visited Atlantic City last year with her friends. "There's just so much to do that knowing the plan in advance will make it easier to keep everyone under control."

If this all feels a little overwhelming, you've just hit the jackpot because we've done the legwork for you. Whether you're whisking a bride-to-be away for a weekend bachelorette party or planning a girls-only retreat, consider this your guide to the city's hottest places to stay, play, dine, shop and unwind.

THINGS TO DO

Shopping

There's nothing like a little retail therapy to encourage female bonding. Atlantic City satisfies both label lovers and bargain shoppers. The Walk (609-872-7002,acoutlets.com) has more than 100 outlet stores, such as Coach and H&M. The Quarter at Tropicana (800-345-8767, tropicana.net) is packed with dining and night light hot spots. It's also home to dozens of shops ranging from Tahari to Bluemercury Apothecary to James Salt Water Taffy. Built on a 900-foot pier over the Atlantic Ocean, The Pier Shops at Caesars is the East's answer to Vegas' Venetian, with high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Michael Kors as well as new boutique brands such as Trust Fund Baby (609-345-3100, thepiershopsatcaesars.com).

Girl's Guide Tip: Burn off some cocktails before hitting the shops by renting bikes and pedaling along the 4 1/2-mile boardwalk from 6 to 10 a.m.

Spas

Check in at the two-story Immersion Spa at The Water Club, and you get all-day access to the fitness center, Jacuzzi and infinity pool with ocean views. The spa's "Ultimate Oxygenating Facial," $280, infuses moisture and plumps collagen (800-800-8817, thewaterclubatborgata.com). Whether you've won or lost in the casinos, you can get pampered without breaking the bank with the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa's "Beauty Break" package. For $70 you get a peppermint-infused manicure, express pedicure, makeup refresher and a tube of vanilla-fig hand cream (609-441-5333,reddoorspas.com). You can soak in Roman Baths with mineral-enriched water at the newly opened Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Atlantic City, which is modeled after the spa in Vegas (609-343-2400, caesarsatlanticcity.com). There you can also have a "crystal artist" apply Swarovski crystals to your body ($130) after a sea sponge cleansing and sugar scrub.

Girl's Guide Tip: Many spas can arrange for your group to have manicures and pedicures poolside if you call to request in advance. If it's a bachelorette or birthday party, ask about having a gift put in her spa locker for a special surprise.

Gambling

For a gaming virgin, bellying up to a table with a group of hard-core poker players can be intimidating. You can take free game table lessons every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 and 9 p.m. at Resorts Atlantic City (800-336-6378,resortsaccom).

Girl's Guide Tip: Many casinos, such as the Tropicana Casino and Resort, allow groups to reserve a private table, so don't be afraid to ask.

Nightlife

Your chances of dancing the night away while vacationing with your man might be slim, but going with a group of girls is the perfect excuse to let loose. Murmur, in the Borgata, has a loungey ambience with a sunken dance floor that attracts big-name talent like DJ AM to its turntables. Order the Strawberry Vanilla VOMO, with muddled strawberries and lime, to start the night on a sweet note. Or if you're up for a mega-club with multiple levels, you can hit MIXX (609-317-1000, borgatanightlife .com). At the Trump Taj Mahal, Casbah is a laser-light show for adults and houses hundreds of sweaty revelers. Ladies get in free (609-449-1000, casbahclub.com).

You'll need to reserve tickets at least two weeks in advance if your group wants seats at Showboat Casino's "Savage Men Male Revue" on Saturday nights. If you're having a bachelorette or birthday party, the woman of honor gets in free ($25-$35, 888-572-8243, savage-men.com). Cocktail culture meets poolside lounging at The Pool in the newly renovated Harrah's Resort Atlantic City. This 90-foot high glass dome filled with palm trees transforms into a club on Wednesday and Saturday nights. With star sightings such as Carmen Electra and "Rock of Love's" Bret Michaels, beat the crowds by reserving a cabana and score a place to park your drinks (609-441-5233, harrahs.com).

Girl's Guide Tip: If you know which club you're going to, call ahead and ask to be put on the VIP list to bypass the lines.

WHERE TO STAY