Would you believe that Las Vegas is going green? And that makes it even more fun than ever. Really.
There’s a new Las Vegas in town. Chic, sexy, sophisticated, and surprisingly sustainable. Now you can indulge in a luxurious weekend and skip the maddening crowds, cheap buffets, swarms of drunk frat boys, and smoky casinos.
There’s a better way to love Las Vegas — here are 5 ways to do it.
1. Stay at a Non-gaming Hotel
LEED gold-certified, Vdara is an all-suite, art-filled, smoke-free oasis of serenity in Las Vegas. With 57 stories, you’ll feel like you’re floating over the twinkling skyline. Its house wine is Bonterra Chardonnay made with organic grapes. And while smokers aren’t welcome, your dog certainly is with suites outfitted specifically for four-legged best friends. Vdara’s pool and lounge area are a haven away from the busy strip below with an interactive space, sweeping views, private cabanas, a semi-private plunge pool and double daybeds.
The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is another stunning non-gaming option. With recently renovated luxurious rooms with views of Red Rock Canyon and a beautiful pool with top service, you can’t go wrong.
2. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Need to recover from a late night out? Treat yourself to a spa day. The Cosmopolitan’s Sahra Spa is home to a 1,200-square-foot stone Hammam that can be just for you – or up to four very lucky friends – to purify away last night with steam baths and cold water plunges. The Hamman’s signature treatment, the Sahra Journey, is 2.5 hours of detoxing bliss.
Vdara’s ESPA offers a 110-minute Desert Rose treatment that starts with a ritual foot cleansing then a salt scrub, body and scalp massage. After your baby-like soft skin is slathered with body butter. Covering two floors with rejuvenating therapies, when you book a treatment you can come and go in the spa throughout the day. Don’t miss the heated stone lounge chairs by the whirlpool. Bliss.
Aliante’s Spa is worth the 20-minute trip off strip for their re:juvenate massage therapy with dōTERRA essential oils. Using a specific order, the oils are massaged up and down your spine and combined with a Swedish massage that will truly take you away.
And if you’d love a spa day but prefer to stay poolside, the perfect solution is the“Spaah-ify” cabana program at none other than the Trump International Hotel. The Mediterranean-style cabanas and daybeds feature an aromatherapy mister with refreshing scents like pink grapefruit, a chair massage, and Coola skincare products made with organic extracts.
3. Dine at Sustainable Luxe Restaurants
Encore’s Jardin is very ooh la la for several reasons. First, its garden chic atmosphere is inspired by the South of France and is truly magnificent. Second, Executive Chef Joseph Zanelli went to extraordinary lengths to include mouthwatering vegan and sustainable seasonal options on his menu. No vegan will go home hungry or unsatisfied. Overlooking Encore’s pool, the indoor/outdoor French garden makes you suddenly want to speak with an accent. And you can drink consciously with Wynn mixologist Damian Cross’s menu of artisanal favorites such as the Vanilla Rose with Tru Organic vanilla vodka.
Harvest by Roy Ellamar serves up sustainable and seasonal dishes at The Bellagio. The restaurant honors his culinary history “surrounded by farmers, foragers and fishermen, gaining a true appreciation for the provenance of ingredients and the relationship with the producers.” The decor is sexy and sleek. You won’t feel like your missing out on that nighttime Las Vegas vibe while staying healthy.
A retro classic, The Barrymore is a slice of the silver screen, where the sommelier is passionate about organic and biodynamic wine. Sit and sip outside on the patio and watch the lights glimmer over Las Vegas. It’s magical.
4. Take in a Show with Phenomenal Artist Residencies
No more looking at the jumbotron screen when at a live concert. Line up your Las Vegas trip when your favorite artist is in residence and you’ll feel like it’s (almost) a private show. Think not just Celine Dion, but also Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, and top DJs like Tiësto who take up residence for a unique experience that you won’t see anywhere else. Many charity events such as Cirque du Soleil’s One Night for One Drop offer bespoke events with phenomenal after-parties.
5. Do Brunch
Las Vegas knows brunch and brings it to an entirely new level. STK’s Brunch Club in The Cosmopolitan Hotel serves up fresh pressed juice or the hair of the dog – if you prefer – in a fully stacked bloody mary cart. Add in a band and day becomes just as fun as night. While you might be elbow-to-elbow with meat-loving folks, STK’s healthy options like the ubiquitous kale salad and fresh farm egg omelets will make the meat eaters ask what you’re having.
Off strip is Hearthstone Kitchen and Cellar boasting “simple, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients.” Do not leave Las Vegas without trying their Coconut Cream and Seasonal Fruit Parfait. The food is just as fresh as the vibe. And it’s the perfect stop after an early morning hike at Red Rocky Canyon, which is just minutes away.
While Las Vegas is still on its journey to green (as most cities are), restaurant groups and hotels have made incredible strides expanding our options to enjoy the vibrancy, creativity, and fun of Las Vegas while still feeling good about our choices.
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Image of Welcome To Las Vegas neon sign on sunset sky via Shutterstock