Think you know Las Vegas? Think again. Thankfully for us lower-rollers, there’s more to Sin City than the hangovers, showgirls and blackjack. If you’ve done the Strip (or need to rejuvenate from your own daily sins) there’s just the place: Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada – about 25 minutes from the buzz of downtown LV. Here you’ll find peace in the shadow of the McCullough mountains (not to mention rub shoulders with the likes of Celine Dion and Britney Spears who are said to call this enclave home).
A visit to this serene lakeside destination proves how much it has to offer – from golf to hiking trails – and the best way to experience it is to stay a while. The Moroccan-themed Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, which rises grandly above the still waters, is the perfect place to soak up the desert ambiance. Boasting a beach, gardens, two pools (with a waterslide), as well as a range of outdoor activities, award-winning dining and a pamper-ific spa, a stay at this resort is enough to tempt even the hard-and-fast gamblers away from the boulevard of lights. Want the best of both worlds? The Westin Lake Las Vegas lets you have your cake and eat it too by running a regular shuttle bus into the heart of downtown Las Vegas.
Highlights from the other Vegas
Looking to break away from the Boroughs and head to Lake LV? Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:
Bring the pooch
The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa is totally dog-friendly, so feel free to bring along your canine friend for the ride. I saw plenty of playful pups during my stay.
Beach party!
The hotel also runs regular lakeside beach parties with live music, barbeque treats and s’mores around the bonfire. We had the pleasure of dancing the night away to the tunes of a Hawaiian reggae band.
Dive In
The Westin Lake Las Vegas runs regular outdoor movie nights by the pool – aptly named the Dive In. They tend to be family-friendly. Perfect if you’re traveling with kids.
Pamper up
An Aveda Concept Spa & Salon, the Westin’s Spa Moulay is a full-service retreat with plenty of transformational treatments on offer. Earth conscious? The spa is committed to creating a truly organic experience, with eco-friendly products on offer. Don’t have time for a mani-pedi before you go? Don’t worry: they do great ones here.
Get outdoors
For the fitness folks out there, Westin Lake Las Vegas offers a huge range of recreational pursuits out of its Outdoor to the Core sports shop. Highlights include Paddle to the Core (its stand-up paddling venture), kayaking (access to which is included with your stay) and a range of bikes, including outdoor elliptical bikes and foot bikes. Up for a (not-as-hard-as-you-think) challenge? Try yoga on a stand-up paddleboard. Bonus: for $5 a day you can rent New Balance workout gear and sneakers to save the need to check a big bag.
Stellar sushi
Las Vegas is a foodie’s paradise and the Westin Lake Las Vegas delivers – particularly its Marssa restaurant, which serves world-class Japanese cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Michael Omo and Executive Sushi Chef Kazuki Tozawa. These experts were responsible for the best sushi I’ve had in a very long time (and I’ve been to Japan). The artful creations coming out of this kitchen are worth the trip alone.
So if you’re in need of inspiration for your next long weekend, look no further. With budget flights to Las Vegas, this piece of paradise is an easy way to get that R&R recharge.
*Images via The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa
Twisted Talk: Have you been to Las Vegas before? Would you rather check in at the Westin and relax during your stay? Discuss below!
