When you think of vacations in the California Desert, you probably think first about Palm Springs and its celebrity history, golf resorts, dazzling swimming pools, lounges, casinos, dance clubs and colorful street festivals, but has so much more to offer for the spa, fitness, outdoors and wellness enthusiast.
Las Vegas – Where to Spa, Eat Well, Wander and Explore
When you think of vacations in Nevada, you probably think first about Las Vegas and its dazzling parade of lights, attractions, gambling, buffets, cabarets and more. Las Vegas doesn’t have to be all about the casinos, gambling, and alcohol. It has so much more to offer for the spa, fitness, outdoors and wellness enthusiast.
If you’re wanting to explore the healthier side of Vegas, here are 10 Things to Do in Las Vegas and the surrounding area.
ABOUT LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas is a city in the Las Vegas Valley of the Nevada Deserts. It is an internationally renowned resort and convention center city known primarily for its luxury casinos, gambling halls, shopping, fine dining and nightlife, but don’t overlook its many sites of natural beauty for outdoor fitness and adventure enthusiast.
Its close proximity to Red Rock Canyon National Park, nature preserves and conservation areas means there are a host of wholesome and healthy day trips waiting for you.
LAS VEGAS SPAS
The 9 to 9 appointment window so common in most day spas doesn’t apply here! You’ll find many wonderful spas in Las Vegas know that the lights never go out, and you may need some rest and recuperation in the moonlight hours. Many are open late into the evening, so be to ask, and head to the spa as a wind-down from the day.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL SPA
One of only thirty spas in the world to receive the esteemed Forbes Five-Star award, the Mandarin Oriental Spa Las Vegas offers a seductive retreat high above the Las Vegas Strip.
The suites and lounge areas vary between those modeled after 1930s Shanghai elegance, and sleek jewel like areas, covering two full floors.
Don’t miss the heat and water experiences, including steam rooms, a hammam, a laconium, vitality pool, ladies’ rhassoul, men’s sauna and an ice fountain.
THE SPAS AT WYNN & ENCORE
The Spas at Wynn and Encore have each been honored with a Five-Star Awards. These sister spas at the Wynn and Encore casino resorts offer guests an exceptional luxury and relaxation experience, including many treatment spaces, sauna and plunge pools, sun-lit atrium, garden villas, couples’ rooms, and an exceptional hair salon.
In addition to the spas and salons, guests enjoy two fitness centers as well as temperature-controlled pools and Jacuzzi spas surrounded by immaculate gardens. Reserve a private cabana complete with mini-fridge, plasma TV, plush chairs and sofas. The secluded, adults-only European pools are an ideal retreat.
SPA BELLAGIO
One of the most gorgeous and luxurious spas in Las Vegas is the Spa Bellagio. Enjoy a full menu of both salon and spa services in 56 treatment rooms in facilities specifically for men, women, and a co-ed lounge, with access to multiple pools and hot tubs to relax in. At 65,000 square feet in size, the Spa Bellagio knows how to do spas Vegas style.
The “don’t miss” amenities and services include the extensive Mediterranean pools and courtyards. Five definitive pool courtyard settings, spas, a garden vista café, private cabanas, and poolside massage treatments are available. Try the Watsu treatment. This 70 minute aquatic session combines Zen Shiatsu and stretching while gently floating in a private 94-degree pool.
RED ROCK CASINO SPA
After a day hiking and touring Red Rock Canyon, stop by the spa and salon at Red Rock Casino to rejuvenate. The spa has a sleek, ultra-modern feel in more than 25,000 square feet of tranquil space.
In addition to a menu of massage, skin care, body care, hand and foot care, Red Rock offers the only adventure spa program in Nevada, with morning and sunset horseback rides, river rafting, indoor/outdoor rock climbing, mountain and road biking, hiking and ranger-led tours. Back in the spa, treatments focus on Eastern-influenced techniques like their Jasmine Java Espresso Wrap.
WINE & DINE
There are a host of dining options at every major casino and resort on the strip and downtown, and many have healthier options available. But, for those who are ready to jump off the all-you-can eat wagon after a day of indulgence, try these healthy options away from the fanfare.
HONEY SALT
Honey Salt is one of the best rated farm-to-table restaurants in Las Vegas. The decor is a whimsical and homey blend of rustic and shabby farmhouse with chic and elegant bling.
They succeed in balancing the harsh reality of living in a desert with regional ingredients that are available for those who search. The owners take particular care to present a child-friendly menu for those wishing to dine on innovative but healthy cuisine away from the resorts and casinos, and adults are treated to hand-crafted cocktails and a wonderful selection of beers and wines.
GREENS & PROTEINS
Greens and Proteins is a slick but family friendly healthy dining café featuring favorite comfort foods with a healthy twist. Enjoy breakfast entrees, sandwiches and wraps, pizzas and burgers, vegan, raw and vegetarian-friendly meals, snacks, smoothies and juices.
Build a custom meal picking from unique proteins, like Bison patties, and ramping it up with Spirulina & Wakame Salad, or choose the cafe’s popular lunch options and have them pack you something for the trail.
DAY TRIPS and ADVENTURES
Head outside to experience these beautiful canyons, parks, trails, and natural wonders.
VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK
A little further outside of Las Vegas, about one hour north, nature lovers will find one of Nevada’s oldest state parks. The Valley of Fire State Park is a true wonder of nature with its natural red sandstone formations that are dazzling and unforgettable. Another amazing reason to visit is to see petroglyphs left by former civilizations. Some of the best are at Atlatl Rock, Rainbow Vista, Seven Sisters, Elephant Rock, and Mouse’s Tank.
LAKE MEAD
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is one of the best spots in Nevada for a variety of water activities for tourists to enjoy, from boating and fishing to swimming and relaxing. Created by the Hoover Dam that holds back the waters of the Colorado River, it is twice the size of Rhode Island. There are hidden canyons, wide open boating spaces, shores and inlets for picnics and exploration, and abundant wildlife.
SPRINGS PRESERVE
Just 3 miles from The Strip, Springs Preserve is a 180 acre, award-winning, family destination. So close to the strip you can see the bright lights in the evenings, but dedicated to being green while embracing the desert life.
Here you’ll find a weekly Farmer’s Market, botanical gardens, interactive exhibits, and many trails. There are also indoor activities for those hot days, including the Nevada State Museum, as well as a well-regarded cafe. Special events include music, lectures, yoga classes, fundraising runs, holiday events, family events (including weddings) and more.
RED ROCK CANYON
One of the closest places to Las Vegas to experience the great outdoors is Red Rock Canyon in the Mojave Desert.
With a 13 mile scenic loop, including stops for photo or hiking opportunities, this canyon attracts more than two million tourists, sightseers, hikers, joggers, and rock climbers each year.
Visit the official website for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to plan a visit. Unique geologic features, plants and wildlife are abundant and with its short distance from Las Vegas (just 17 miles from the strip).
SEE MORE NEVADA SPAS
Click here to browse our complete directory of Nevada Day Spas, Med Spas Spa Hotels, and Casino Spa Resorts.
SPA DEALS
Browse our seasonal Spa Packages, Getaways, Promotions, Deals and Coupons to help choose your next spa-cation.
Compiled by SpaIndex.com Guide to Spas and Wellness Travel Contributor Emily Rose.
What are you favorite places to visit and things to do in Las Vegas and Nevada? Let us know in the comments.
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We didn’t know anything about The Preserve — good tip and we enjoyed it (pre pandemic) so we hope to return this year again thank you
Looking forward to getting down there ASAP when it’s safe and normal. I miss my friends who moved there. I’d like to try that Farmer’s Market — they didn’t know about that!