After the hedonism of the holidays come more virtuous times -- diet, fitness and fiscal prudence. But if Puritanism has got you down, it's time to break away and head to the capital of vice: Las Vegas.
It's well-known as a great place to let it all go, but since what happens in Vegas doesn't really stay in Vegas, take heart: The city also offers attractive options to start cleaning up your act again. In other words, you can "detox" after you've "retoxed."
Your Vegas retox options are many, but should certainly start with a few quality cocktails.
Old school: On the classy side of things, the Petrossian Bar at Bellagio is a chilled-out setting with a view of the fantastical ceiling-glass installation by the artist Dale Chihuly. Enjoy a vodka sampler with some caviar to the sounds of a Steinway grand piano. For more creative drinking, head to Palazzo and Bar Charlie, at Restaurant Charlie, by famed Chicago chef Charlie Trotter. Enjoy vintage cocktails served in pre-prohibition style, such as a Sazerac (made with absinthe), or an Apple Jack. There are also modern, highly creative cocktails that include ingredients like Manchego cheese, dehydrated cinnamon and soy milk.
The young ones: If the drinking experience is more about, shall we say, the ambience, the young things in Fredrick's of Hollywood catalog clothing can be found in force at Planet Hollywood's Prive and The Living Room, exclusive nightclub/lounges that include the long wait to be selected to cross the red velvet rope. (The entrance is near the casino's "Pleasure Pit," where the gaming tables are attended to by women in lingerie and graced by pole dancers.)
Apparitions: Another sort of view can be enjoyed at Ghostbar at the Palms -- 55 floors up and with a panoramic view of the glittery Strip tapering off into the desert. Out on the patio, there are clear panes on the floor that let you look all the way down. This is something to do before you start drinking.
Tiki to ride: You've got to be in a certain kind of a mood to go for a tiki bar, but if that's how you'd like to take your poison, check out Frankie's Tiki Room. Here, all drinks are $8, even when they include 160-proof rum. Try the bar's version of a Zombie, but beware that there's a two-drink cap per customer.
