Things to do / Travel Guide
You're somewhere in the Southwest with your sweetheart, and you need to get married - QUICK! Where do you go? To Las Vegas, of course, wedding capital of the world.
You're somewhere in America with your honey and you're in need a romantic getaway, the perfect honeymoon, or anniversary spot - QUICK! Where to go? Las Vegas, of course, where romance is done big.
Romance Vegas-style is sinful, it's decadent. Oscar Wilde once said it was too bad ice cream wasn't immoral, because it would be so much better that way. Same thing for romance here: Everything is decadent in Vegas, and it makes the romance so much better.
Romantic Las Vegas Accommodations
The Strip, Las Vegas Boulevard, is where it's at, and three of the city's famed mega-resorts will leave you planning your next elopement for years to come: the Bellagio, Paris Las Vegas, and the Venetian.
The Bellagio is probably Las Vegas' most luxurious resort, and a full dose of romance awaits on its premises. At first sight you'll fall in love, the gorgeous dancing fountains welcoming you as you take in the full scale of the immense central building. On the grounds, take hand-in-hand walks with your loved one among its other pools and fountains, and tour the lovely botanical garden.
Your room at the Bellagio is appointed with everything you would expect from a luxury resort - a king-sized bed, a well-furnished bathroom, and room service and other amenities at your fingertips. Venture downstairs to gamble at one of Las Vegas' best casinos, or spend some extra time together at the spa. The beauty of this town is that whatever you want to do can be construed as romance - some rounds in the casino, attending an “O” water production, eating room service in the privacy of your room, watching the dancing fountains in front of the hotel every hour on the hour - you need just one other person to agree with you.
While the Bellagio takes its inspiration from the resort of the same name in northern Italy, the other two romantic resorts along the Strip are directly schemed from European cities closely associated with romance. Paris Las Vegas, therefore, has its own half-scale Eiffel Tower and two-thirds-scale Arc de Triomphe, as well as other famous Parisian landmarks. The look is Versailles all over, and strolling the grounds is almost like a trip to the real city.
Probably the mother of all romantic resorts in Vegas is the Venetian. It's opulent, there's a real sensitivity to detail, and the rooms ooze with character. There's a gondola ride with “genuine” gondoliers steering you on the right course and ready to serenade you and your loved one. The shows at the Venetian will also take you to another place: the production of the Phantom of the Opera has had critics and audiences raving. It's a special presentation, in a custom-built theater meant to mimic the Paris Opera House. There are also the requisite bars and lounges at which you two can enjoy some R&R Vegas-style.
Wholly outside of the city of Las Vegas, you can also find romance and luxury in beautiful outdoors settings at the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas and Red Rock Resort Spa and Casino. The Ritz-Carlton is entirely built, in a nod to theme-based Las Vegas, like an estate from Tuscany. It's a much more traditional resort, with golf courses, a spa, beaches, and recreational lake activities. The suites at the Ritz-Carlton are assuredly decadent, and the most romantic are those on the Club Level along the Pontevecchio Bridge, which crosses the lake. The beautiful views of the lake, the marble and granite baths with advanced bath amenities, and the king-sized bed with luxuriating bed linens, all help make the Ritz-Carlton a supremely romantic lodging location.
Romantic Las Vegas Activities
Las Vegas is a city full of magic, and as such your romantic getaway should surely include at least a show or two. Settle down for a Mac King afternoon show at Harrah's, or be dazzled by Lance Burton at Monte Carlo. David Copperfield and Penn and Teller frequently perform at the city's casino-hotels (usually Caesars Palace and the Rio) as well. These shows, especially those of the latter performers, are designed to arouse your sense of wonder with an accompaniment of roaring laughter. Perfect for a romantic afternoon or evening.
On the western side of Las Vegas, in other words way off the Strip, Red Rock is known for its superior spa and plenty of outdoors activities. A more naturally romantic alternative to the “artificiality” of the Strip, it's located at the gateway to Red Rock Canyon, so there are plenty of opportunities for couples excursions into the area's wild expanses - by horse, bike, kayak, or car. Then it's back to the hotel for a night at the casino and at the award-winning restaurant.
Romantic Dining in Las Vegas
Speaking of restaurants, rest assured, Las Vegas has many culinary treats in store for you and your partner. At Red Rock, for example, a special romantic dinner awaits at Terra Rossa, an authentic Italian restaurant boasting a wood-burning oven and a happy Italian countryside ambiance.
On the Strip, any of the restaurants in the Stratosphere Tower offer a romantic evening. The disk containing the restaurants makes a full revolution every hour and 20 minutes, and at more than 800 feet up, you get fantastic views of Las Vegas and its stunning surroundings. The Top of the World restaurant is especially sensual, with dishes like the Colorado rack of lamb and a Chateaubriand steak, an excellent California-honoring wine list, and decadent chocolate desserts.
Virtually all of the resorts and hotels along the Strip boast multiple excellent restaurants, and many of these fully qualify as romantic. Try the Venetian's Bouchon, the Bellagio's Picasso, or the Four Seasons' Verandah - that's just a small taste. Consider that many of the biggies contain nearly a dozen restaurants each! No lack of choices even if this is your umpteenth romantic jaunt in Sin City.
If a trip off the Strip entices you, there's a good selection of dining establishments that are both top-quality and romantic. Take Rosemary's for example. This restaurant is a bit like a luxurious mom and pop, serving American Continental fare with twists of the South, New Orleans, and Midwest. With entrées like the yellowfin tuna au poivre or the Maytag blue cheese glazed New York Strip with garlic spinach, apple bacon, and smoked tomato butter sauce, you'll be left thinking the Strip's mega-resorts have some catching up to do! The wine list is extensive, with selections from all the best of the world's wine regions.
From the Strip to off the Strip, as is eminently evident, Las Vegas has built herself up to be one of America's prime romantic destinations. And for good reason, too, for you'll find the city extensive and illustrious when it comes to all things romantic. Whether you're looking for a trip to faux-Italy or France, or to be pampered in the lap of nature, Las Vegas is simply the best around. An experience like this comes around once a lifetime, so take your chances and play this one to the hilt! Oh yeah … there's gambling too …
Romantic Vacation Ideas in Las Vegas, Lake Mead and the Nevada desert
Romantic-Vacations-Getaways
Spa Vita di Lago at the Ritz Carlton Lake Las Vegas
Gondola Rides at the Grand Canal
|
|
|