ELLE Escapes: Las Vegas

Las Vegas has long been regarded as America’s bacchanal, but it has become so much more than a gambling mecca in recent years. Case in point: the city offers exceptional shopping, with more flagship boutiques than New York’s Madison Avenue, gastronomic experiences from celebrated chefs, and over-the-top lodging complete with some of the world’s best destination spas—there is truly something for everyone. Below, we highlight some of Las Vegas’ most iconic and newest offerings.

Adele at Caesars Palace

From Céline Dion to Britney Spears and Mariah Carey, it’s no secret that Vegas’ residencies are always a must-see whenever you’re in town. And now, Caesars Palace’s latest announcement to bring on the incomparable Adele has made it one of the most anticipated shows of the year. If you want to sing “Hello” at the top of your lungs, “Weekends with Adele” kicks off at the Coliseum on Friday, Jan. 21.

Awana Spa

If you haven’t had the luxury of experiencing an Aufguss, this may be your only opportunity to do so stateside. Inspired by the ancient European sauna tradition, Resorts World invested in a state-of-the-art sauna situated just to the right of Awana Spa’s co-ed Fountain of Youth. There, a world champion sauna meister waves towels to move heat around the room in sync with the beat of the music through a series of staccato flicks and flowing dance-like gestures. At the end of this 30-minute slice of heaven, you’ll be left in the perfect state to enjoy one of the spa’s many treatments. We recommend the 120-minute Tokyo Escape, inspired by spa director Jennifer Lyn’s trip to the bustling city where, even in a state of frenetic energy, she found that peace could still be achieved through motion and a calming of the mind.

“O” at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino

Even after 20 years, “O” at the Bellagio remains one of the most iconic shows. Produced by the ever so haute and avant garde Cirque Du Soleil, this spectacle sees aerialists, divers, contortionists, and the like performing in, on, and above a 1.5-million-gallon pool. The superhuman acrobatics and the enchanting storyline are guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on life one triple axel dive at a time.

Sadelle’s Café

From the folks who brought us Carbone comes the world’s most stunning Jewish deli. Between its jewel box-inspired design, stunning salmon platters, and gorgeous salads, you may well feel like you’re eating breakfast at Tiffany’s. Just be sure to save room for the traditional rugelach, babkas, and strawberry tall cake.

Estiatorio Milos

Milos is what cooking should be: high-quality and exceptionally fresh product handled with care. The sea-forward menu is on display in its open kitchen and fish market (much of which is flown in from the Med daily). Everything is great, but you would be remiss to not start with the Milos Special (lightly fried eggplant and zucchini sliced razor-thin and paired with saganaki cheese and tzatziki) and the astonishingly tender octopus.

Mizumi

Yes, the two multi-story waterfalls set alongside a gorgeous pagoda are striking, but it’s Michelin-lauded Chef Min Kim’s culinary prowess that makes Mizumi all about what’s on the plate. While most traditional Japanese chefs focus on one cooking style, Kim applies authentic and contemporary technique to kaiseki, teppan, robatayaki, tempura, and sushi. Standout dishes include wild snapper sashimi usuzukuri that is brightened and balanced by a citrus kick, bluefin tuna tataki in a ponzu emulsification topped with a carbonized leek powder, and a bone-in ribeye that is handedly the best steak in the city.

Bar Zazu

Curated by AK Design Network, this newly opened tapas bar-meets-cocktail lounge is simply stunning. The warm and inviting atmosphere features animated portraits of female characters who inspire a selection of craft cocktails based on their unique storylines. We suggest sipping the Isabella, composed of ultra-premium and barrel-aged Casa Dragones tequila, aperol, lime, and a passionfruit mole spice. While the beverage program takes center stage, don’t skip chef Nicole Brisson’s savory selects, which are even better than those found at her much-hyped neighboring Italian eatery Brezza.

The NoMad Bar

Tucked inside Park MGM you will find a sophisticated speakeasy that is reminiscent of Hemingway’s Bar at the Ritz in Paris. The program is helmed by Leo Robitschek, who brought his magic to Vegas after receiving the honor of “Best Bar in North America” and the #3 ranking globally in the 2017 World’s 50 Best Bars for his work in New York. Here, you’ll find classic cocktails, playful riffs such as Detox-Retox (think: a tiki-inspired old fashioned), and larger formatted adult punch bowls.

Vesta Coffee Roasters

Born out of downtown Las Vegas’s arts district, this boutique coffee brand has garnered a cult-like following. Everything from farmer selection to on-site roasting to classic and nitro brewing is carefully watched by a team of the city’s best baristas. For those looking for something more substantial, all of Vesta’s pastries are made in-house, including a must-try savory tartine and sweet almond croissant.

Bellagio Hotel & Casino

Bellagio’s iconic fountains make it one of the most recognizable hotels on the planet, but once you venture inside, you will know what the fuss is really all about. From the registration area’s stunning Dale Chihuly glass ceiling to its spa located off an ever-changing conservatory that features the city’s only watsu massage (a combination of zen shiatsu and stretching while gently floating in a private heated pool) and an unparalleled culinary lineup, this hotel will never disappoint.

Crockfords

One of the newest properties in town, the Crockfords at Resorts World is one of the buzziest. To get there, you need to pass through a gated motor court and enter into the very private lobby of Resorts World’s ultra-swank Crockfords tower. There, you will find a dedicated staff, elevators to whisk you up to the 236 penthouse accommodations, direct access to private gaming, and a VIP pool.

The Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas

Those in the know are aware of Las Vegas’s hotels within hotels, and the Tower Suites is the Wynn’s very private, five-star offering. Setting the standard for over-the-top service, a stay at this property comes with a private motor court and pool as well as access to all the dining, nightlife, gaming, and shopping that has put the Wynn on the map.