A trip to the Strip doesn’t have to be raucous. Explore the softer side of Sin City with our guide to what’s calm, collected and even quiet.
By Lori Stacy
Las Vegas has always been a little “extra.” The hotels are grand and expansive, the shows are big and spectacular and even the pools are nonstop party scenes. But what about a trip to Vegas to chill out? Can you wind down in a city that’s constantly wound up? Yes, I discovered, it’s entirely possible to have a serene stay in this town.
My husband and I have long loved visiting the city for wild and fun weekends, but this trip we were seeking something different: days spent poolside with a book (read: no loud music), a round of golf or two, great meals in aesthetically appealing restaurants and nightlife that didn’t require waiting in long lines amid throngs of people. It was the kind of trip we might take to a beach resort, but it was here, stateside. We found our Zen in Vegas and went home rested and recharged, not—as is usually the case—in need of a day to recover.
If you’re looking to chill out in Las Vegas while staying on the Strip, here’s what I recommend.
Where to Stay
A stay at Aria Sky Suites makes you feel like a VIP from the moment you arrive at the airport. You’ll be met by a driver who will whisk you to the private check-in area, far from the crowds wending through the stanchioned lines inside the Aria. The lobby area features complimentary beverages and snacks and a streamlined check-in process. Take the private elevators up to your Sky Suite and prepare to be wowed: The expansive windows offer incredible views of the city while the modern, richly appointed interiors—including a relaxing living room—are chic and inviting. Your private butler will greet you with a glass of champagne to welcome you and will ensure you have all you need for your stay, from hard-to-get reservations to refreshments to transportation. Sky Suites guests have access to their own pool at the Aria as well as access to all of Aria’s facilities and amenities. Ask your butler to get you a spot at Carbone; at the very least, have an order of their spicy rigatoni brought up to your room. It’s worth every sinful bite.
For boutique-like ambience, opt for the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Refined rooms and a quiet vibe make this hotel a gem among the bustling Strip. Its inviting pool, located on the eighth floor, is one of the few in this town without blaring music. A cabana rental there will give you even more privacy. The spa is serene and lovely, but if even that seems too much, the staff can arrange in-room treatments for you. The hotel also features the 23rd-floor Tea Lounge, a sophisticated spot to take high tea while admiring the views afforded by the floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s the ideal place to recharge in the afternoon with a pot of tea or—why not?—a bottle of bubbly.
For extra privacy, try snagging one of the handful of private villas offered at some luxury hotels. The Crockford Hotel, inside the Resorts World mega-property, features villas with media rooms and beautiful outdoor gardens complete with patio kitchens and private pools. The villas come with a 24-hour ambassador/butler and give you priority access to venues at the resort. (Though you may not want to leave your villa!) Or opt for one of the villas offered at the Mirage. These ultra-luxurious accommodations have a private entrance that leads you to your two- or three-bedroom accommodations, complete with a backyard featuring a private pool and putting green—just steps from the Strip but clearly a world apart. Starting at $2,500 a night, the villas are an extravagant option, though.
Activities and Entertainment
Casinos aren’t the only game in this town. From its interesting museums to the abundant natural beauty of the surrounding area, Las Vegas offers activities aplenty for those who want more than slots and tables.
The Neon Museum, located just outside of downtown Las Vegas, features a collection of vintage Las Vegas signs from the 1930s to the present day. This outdoor museum is a great place to wander and take in some of the city’s history and culture, without feeling overwhelmed by crowds or noise. The museum’s visitor center is housed inside the historic La Concha Motel lobby, a curvilinear, mid-century modern building that’s as interesting as the artifacts it houses. Or, head to The Mob Museum downtown and explore the stories and artifacts of some of the most notorious criminals in history.
Head out of the city for a daytrip to take in the area’s natural wonders and enjoy some peace and quiet. At Red Rock Canyon, a stunning conservation area just a few miles from the Strip, you can take a scenic drive, go hiking or simply enjoy the beautiful desert scenery. Venture farther out to Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour’s drive from Las Vegas. The park is home to incredible rock formations, including the famous Fire Wave, and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, sightseeing and stargazing.
Dining
With cold winters and brutally hot summers, Las Vegas is built around indoor dining and entertainment. But it’s spring and the weather is mostly delightful, so an outdoor meal is in order. The Wynn does outdoor dining plentifully and splendidly, starting with its Japanese seafood restaurant Mizumi, which overlooks a tranquil, stunning Japanese garden complete with a koi pond and waterfall. Request the floating pagoda table, just beneath the waterfall. Not in the mood for Asian? Take a seat beside the resort’s idyllic Lake of Dreams at either Lakeside (seafood) or SW Steakhouse.
Perhaps the most romantic restaurant in all of Las Vegas, though, is Bouchon. Set on the 10th floor of The Venetian, it’s blissfully removed from the cacophony of the casino floors. It offers an elevated yet unfussy take on French bistro fare, presented by the legendary chef Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame. Think country-style pate, French onion soup, steak frites and a simple yet sublime roast chicken served with Brussels sprouts, bacon lardons and chicken jus. And if a perfect dinner there leaves you longing for more, no one will fault you for returning for a decadent brunch complete with patisseries, beignets, a rich crab Benedict and a burger that is out of this world.
Nightlife
On a trip like this, you might be tempted to forego the abundant live entertainment and call it a night once you’ve paid the dinner bill. (Been there, done that.) But set aside at least one night to take in a show. It would be a shame to get to Vegas and not step inside Sphere. But you don’t have to see a concert if that’s not the vibe you want; instead, opt for an immersive experience such as Wizard of Oz at Sphere, a fully immersive digital experience that transports you to Oz.
Finish off the evening with a nightcap the Juliet Cocktail Room, a sophisticated space set inside The Venetian Resort. The vibe is relaxed, the lighting is dim and the cocktails, ranging from classic to innovative, are plentiful. Snag a spot in the stately library or near the cozy fireplace, then toast to a Las Vegas trip like no other you’ve taken.
Consider adding Las Vegas to your list of favorite, relaxing weekend trips.
