Vegas - Off the Grid

For many, Las Vegas is synonymous with slot machines, high-rolling poker tables, over-the-top shows, scantily clad cocktail girls and hotel-specific fragrances. But if you’ve visited this desert oasis yourself, you know that the amenities extend far beyond glitzy casinos. Restaurants from celebrity chefs speckle the strip, with every turn of your head you’ll find world class shopping and luxurious spas, and renowned DJ’s are the soundtrack for every pool party. These are only a few of the reasons that Las Vegas has become a premier holiday destination for travellers around the globe. There’s something for everyone, on any budget.

The Entertainment Capital of the World boasts roughly $9 billion worth of new projects announced or under construction over the next several years, so there will be even more reason to visit Las Vegas. On this trip to Las Vegas, TravelPulse Canada experienced on and off-strip, traditional and not so traditional entertainment … a little “off the grid” if you will.

We arrived to unseasonably cool temperatures but that was forgiven with the clear blue sky. We were treated to the Prestige experience upon checking in at The Palazzo. After a seamless check-in and quick glimpse of our newly renovated Prestige Luxury Suites we walked through The Palazzo entertainment complex into The Venetian where we had lunch at Chica Las Vegas; and so the indulgent, mouth watering meals began. Chef Lorena Garcia is the first Latina chef on the Strip and her menu promises flavour-packed dishes with inspiration from the southern tip of South America all the way to Las Vegas - think Peru, El Salvador, Mexico and Argentina. Eater Las Vegas dubbed Chica “the most-anticipated Las Vegas restaurant set to debut in spring of 2017,” and it did not disappoint. You certainly feel like you’ve been transported to a more lush, tropical space while inside the restaurant you’re surrounded by greenery and Latin inspired artwork. Chica is also known for its vast wine collection and mixology program. It’s multiple private dining areas offer group spaces to be enjoyed for social parties or business lunches.

What is Vegas without a little pampering? We were treated to Warm Apple Cider Pedicures featuring apple cider bath bomb and brown sugar exfoliant at The LINQ. Since Vegas is always pushing the envelope, we entered something we had never experienced before – The Himalayan Salt Cave. Salt Caves have been long enjoyed by Europeans, but for anyone who hasn’t experienced a natural salt cave, imagine yourself surrounded by walls that replicate that of pink Himalayan salt lamps, as your airways naturally decongest your body slips into complete relaxation. The LINQ Spa offers a smattering of seasonal packages to be enjoyed solo or with a loved one.

Instead of enjoying our evening drinks in one of the many hotel bars, we headed to The Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino to explore the underground Wine Cellar & Tasting Room. This is a must-experience in Vegas, even for those that aren’t enjoying a glass of red a day. The cellar offers over 100 wines by the glass and is home to celebrity collections. As you stroll through the brick arches you’ll find rare collectibles and cult-wines in the vault. The professional wine stewards will take you on a tour through the rustic space, show you vintages from around the world and point out the rarest bottles among the cellar, including Thomas Jefferson’s 1800 Madeira. An evening in the cellar is perfect for wine lovers and newbies alike. You get to taste wines from around the world paired with exquisite cheese, all under the tutelage of a wine steward.

Later that evening we embarked on the “Downtown Lip Smacking Tour,” which took us around the East Freemont Street neighbourhood that has undergone a revitalization of sorts. Las Vegas locals can be seen at the hip restaurants and bars in the evening or communal workspaces during the day. We visited four restaurants in total, each one as good as the other, but what was so interesting about the tour, was interacting with locals, seeing and hearing what off-the-strip Vegas is like. Instead of only eating at big glamorous restaurants, which I have nothing against, it was nice to get a feel for Vegas hospitality off the grid, and it was still A+.

In addition to the luxurious Prestige Suite at The Palazzo, it was such a treat to wake up to the Prestige Lounge in the morning instead of having to head into the entertainment complex right away. The Palazzo Prestige Lounge offers breakfast, coffee and a lounging area with a beautiful view. The Lounge is a nice way to start your day without the usual Vegas hustle.

Now it was time to really get off the grid. A quick 30 minute drive brought us to Papillon Helicopter headquarters where we boarded our helicopter to take in a scenic flight around Hoover Dam and the Black Canyon. If you’re looking for a little exhilaration but don’t feel like gambling, go on a helicopter tour. The height and sights will take your breath away.

We landed in Eldorado Canyon, an area with rich mining history. To explore the desert and Techatticup Gold Mine and Mill the team from Awesome Adventures brought us on an off-road ATV excursion. This was a brilliant way to get up close and personal with the real Nevada, endless miles of sand, rock and cacti. The desolate and all encompassing scenery really had us feeling far removed from the Las Vegas strip. Our guide, Jerrod, was incredibly knowledgeable about the Techatticup Gold Mine history and walked us through the areas of the mine that had been restored. Again, I felt transported to another place, another time, far removed from the glitz and bright lights of the Vegas strip. Techatticup is a must see.

Very much among the resorts, we took in the Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks game at the T-Mobile Arena. In keeping with the Vegas spirit, the game had a show-like quality to it. We watched the second half of the game from the Hyde Lounge, an 18,000 sq ft. space that hangs over the rink. To keep the theme going the following night we visited The Cosmopolitan Ice Rink to meet the Vegas Golden Knights. We didn’t get too close to the players but observed the excited fans and enjoyed winter-themed cocktails in front of a rink side open fire. Every holiday season, the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan transforms into a winter wonderland where you can skate across 4,200 square feet of real ice and indulge in seasonal food and drink by the fire.

Earlier that day we experienced something totally new and non-Vegas glam. Our Vegas Fam got to learn how to operate bulldozers and excavators in a simulated work site. After a safety orientation and warm up, our Dig This instructor guided us through three exercises. Talk about something looking way easier than it is! A 1.5-hour session costs $249 USD and you must be 14 or older.

To round off the day we were transported to the mythic Club Domina inside the Hard Rock for one of the most sought-after shows in Law Vegas – Magic Mike. The cabaret nightclub surrounds a centre stage where the show begins, but is not constricted to. Throughout the evening a show was put on by a group of incredibly talented men, not only dancing, but singing, piano playing and acrobatic. The men of Magic Mike are certainly multi-talented and the entire audience walked away impressed. No need to save this occasion for a bachelorette or birthday!

Perhaps the best meal was saved for last. On our final day before flying home we dined at Bouchon in The Venetian. Bouchon opened in 2004 with Chef Thomas Keller at its helm. His award-winning bistro cuisine changes seasonally and the interior design was just as beautiful as the fare.’

Unknown to me, Las Vegas has many experiences to offer outside of the casinos and pool parties. You can wine and dine like you’re in Paris, explore your adventurous and outdoorsy side on ATV’s and skates, and take in the dessert sites from a high vantage points in a helicopter. Las Vegas caters to all ages, interests, singles or groups so the next time you’re planning a trip be sure to think a little off the grid.