lauren balsamo/ khadija horton
If you asked me what my thoughts on Vegas were a few months ago, I would have said, “ehh, not my thing.” I don’t gamble, I like to go to bed early, and buffets stress me out. All the things I *thought* were quintessential Vegas don’t really do it for me, so it’s just never been a place at the top of my list.
It was only when I visited Resorts World at the end of September that I became a full-on Vegas convert. Resorts World has EVERYTHING—from Michelin star dining to next-level spa treatments—and you don’t need to empty your bank account at the roulette table or stay up all night drinking vodka Red Bulls to enjoy it. Even if you’re not a Vegas person at heart, this place will win you over. Check out all my recs, below, to see for yourself.
(P.S. the writer received a free stay/meals/treatments/experiences in order to write this review.)
Where you’re staying
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Resorts World is brand new: It opened over the summer and is the first resort to be built on the Vegas strip in over a decade. The property contains three different hotels, each in their own wing and with their own distinct decor and feel.
There’s the swanky Crockfords (the most luxe of the three for the high-roller gamblers), the more family-friendly Hilton (it’s the largest and most affordable option), and the sleek Conrad (it felt the most modern to me). I’m probably biased because I stayed at the Conrad, but if you’re going to Resorts World I recommend booking a room there. The vibe is chic but not stuffy and the rooms and suites are super spacious—great for a trip with your S.O. or as your home base for a fun girls’ weekend.
Where you’re hanging during the day
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Vegas is HOT (it was a casual 101 degrees in September…) so if you want to spend time outside on your trip, I suggest making your way to one of the resort’s seven different pools. There’s the family pool (skip it if you’re kid-free), the main resort pool (which is really four massive pools clustered together), a cabana pool that’s a bit more private, and then the ~exclusive~ VIP pool. The VIP pool has better views and comfier chairs, but the main resort pool is honestly just as fun.
Hot tip if you’re hanging at the main pool: Don’t waste the extra $ on one of the floating day beds and just snag one of the red lounge chairs around the pool instead. Most of them are shaded, and when the UV index is a 10, that shade is absolutely necessary if you don’t want to feel like you’re melting in your chair.
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Where you’re hanging at night
Vegas is synonymous with A+ nightlife and the options at Resorts World do not disappoint. And there’s something for every vibe too, so if fist pumping until 4 a.m. isn’t your thing it’s NBD. Here’s a quick rundown of the can’t-miss spots:
- Starlight on 66—all the way up on the 66th floor, this lounge bar is the perfect spot to have a glass of fancy champagne and take in the views of the strip at sunset
- Dawg House Saloon—classic Nashville bar with yummy snacks (the tater tots are to dieeeee for) and live country rock music
- Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den—hidden speakeasy (password is Meow, bc of course it is) behind Ms. Meow’s Mamak Stall in Famous Foods
- Redtail—cool pregame spot with games and a ton of TVs to watch sports if that’s your thing (it’s right next to Zouk, so people go from like 9 to 11 as a first stop of the night)
- Zouk—giganto nightclub with resident artists like Zedd and Tiesto (don’t go early, the DJ usually comes on around 2 a.m. 🙃)
- Ayu—classic Vegas pool party spot where you can (and should) take 324,782 selfies in your cutest bathing suit
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What you’re eating
I actually think one of the best things about Vegas are the restaurants, and the options at Resorts World do not disappoint. There’s more than 40 (!!) food and beverage places to explore on the property, but these were my faves:
- Viva—modern Mexican with delish margs and tacos by celeb chef Ray Garcia
- Kusa Nori—sushi, sashimi, and tons of other sea food options (get the oysters, they come on a v cool smoking platter)
- Famous Foods—a collection of street-food inspired stalls from all over the world (good for a quick lunch or late-night snack)
- Wally’s—epic wine bar with equally epic cheese and charcuterie boards (prime happy hour spot)
- Fuhu—trendy Asian fusion with steak, sushi, and more
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How you’re relaxing
I’ve visited A LOT of spas in my day (beauty editor werk perks) but Resorts World’s Awana is a step above, my friends. It’s super modern, stunning, and also huge—there are multiple plunge pools, a steam and sauna, therapeutic hot and cold showers, and a bunch of cozy nooks for lounging around. You could literally spend all day in your fluffy robe just bopping around the place.
And the treatment menu is extensive. There are facials, massages, body scrubs, foot treatments, and more, all inspired by both European and Eastern traditions. I tried the Tokyo Escape massage, Phoenix Rising Foot Treatment, and the Hydrafacial—all were fabulous and left me feeling totally zen and with very glowy skin too.
The coolest thing about Awana IMO is the social aspect. Gossiping with friends, clinking champagne glasses, and loling about whatever ridiculous thing you did the night before is totally acceptable—in fact it’s encouraged. Certain treatments, like the foot massages, are booked in a communal setting for groups, and you can even book a social sauna experience with your friends called Art of Aufguss. Basically you sweat buckets for 15 minutes while the sauna master puts on a show with music, dancing, aromatherapy, and theatrical lighting. It’s like Cirque du Soleil spa edition…something that could literally only happen in Vegas.
Meg Blaire
Meg Blaire
When you’re going
Vegas is a year-round destination, but if you want comfortable temps and ample pool time, I’d go between March and May and September and November. Summer can be unbearably hot, as I mentioned before, and winter temps hover around the 50s and 60s. And since Vegas is a desert, there’s no rainy season either (in fact, it’s one of the sunniest cities in the U.S). My best advice? Plan your trip around the resort’s event schedule—you may be able to snag tickets to see Katy Perry or Luke Bryan while you’re in town.
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