You’ve done it. You’ve earned yourself an all-inclusive with a big win on Dragon Slots. You travelled to your destination and navigated the bustling casino floor full of clinking slots and murmured chit-chat. You go up to your exquisite hotel room with a gorgeous view extending to the desert peaks. Later, you even enjoy a world-class meal.
Now, the height of Vegas luxury awaits, and it isn’t always at a blackjack table or a nightclub. It can also be found in the calm, quiet halls of the spa and in the ignored glory of the thermal circuit.
Take this as your spa cicerone to the wet and warm marvels that can turn an ordinary massage into more than a half-day trip of renewal. Forget the massage room, and think of the magic that usually occurs before and after. Right in the common sanctuaries that are meant to melt away your excessive energy.
The Grand Oasis: The Venetian & The Palazzo
Go into the Canyon Ranch Spa at The Venetian and The Palazzo. You find yourself in a place that appears big and intimate at the same time. This is not a spa as we know it, but rather a wellness city.
It is a huge thermal adventure, a multi-chambered journey that begs you to go exploring. You enter a calm, co-ed lounge with hot tiled chaises. Here are the cozy slabs of warmth that ooze into your muscles, getting you ready to go.
The Circuit of Elements
The heart of the experience is the gender-separated circuit. You can move from the dry, invigorating heat of the sauna, where you open your pores and clear your mind, into the damp, heavy air of the steam room. It is especially remarkable, as they usually fill it with the faint aroma of eucalyptus or other herbs. This opens up your lungs and takes you to a perfumed forest.
Then, the bravest ones might take a plunge into the cold plunge pool. It’s a shock, but it’s invigorating, and makes the return to the warm tiles feel like a reward.
The Modern Sanctuary: Aria Resort & Casino
Should The Venetian feel like a classical grand tour, the Spa at Aria is a voyage into the future of wellness. It is minimalistic and sophisticated in aesthetics, and the lighting is soft. All the materials used are stone, glass and wood. Their thermal amenities are a unique work of contemporary architecture.
One of its main attractions is the co-ed “spa courtyard.” This is a lovely pool space with heated loungers, a social, but quiet place where guests read, sleep or just admire the artistic features.
A Focus on Hydrotherapy
Aria places a significant emphasis on water. Their signature attraction is the Shower Circuit. This is a series of multi-sensory showers, each with a different setting. You can experience a tropical downpour, a cool mist, or even a side-blasting jet massage. It’s an interactive and playful way to stimulate circulation.
They also feature a unique “rock sauna.” These are heated stone benches that provide a deeper, more radiant heat than traditional wood. The entire experience feels curated, advanced, and deeply calming.
The Intimate & Exclusive: Wynn & Encore
When you enter the Spa at Wynn or the one next door at Encore, you are certain that you are in the right place. The details are perfect. Everything from the flower arrangements is amazing. It is the air of quiet sophistication. These thermal baths may not be the largest in Las Vegas, but many believe they are more intimate and exclusive.
The facilities are separated by gender. Each area feels like a private club. There is a dry sauna, an eucalyptus steam room and a vitality pool (similar to a hot tub, but with powerful massage jets). Yet, it is their execution that sets them apart from the others entirely.
Bob Duncan is the lead writer and partner on ConversationsWithBianca.com. A passionate parent, he’s always excited to dive into the conversation about anything from parenting, food & drink, travel, to gifts & more!