Strolling through the Venetian Resort Las Vegas
I could hardly contain my childish excitement as we glided through the air taking in the view of the Las Vegas Strip. Although it had only been two years since I attended my friends bachelorette in Vegas, there were so many activities I still needed to cross off my bucket list and so many recently opened restaurants I was itching to try. It was good to be back and now, soaring over the Vegas Strip in a helicopter, soaking up its buzzing energy from an unbelievable vantage point, I was hit with a title wave of elation that literally made me laugh aloud. Viva Las Vegas, baby!
This time around I wasn’t attending a bachelorette. Instead, I was with a great group of friends who enjoyed eating and trying new things. Some of us had been to Vegas before while others were experiencing it for the first time. Although much of what you expect from a Vegas vacation remains available, the city is also rolling out the red carpet with many new experiences for visitors to try. Tons of restaurants have recently opened and there’s even a new hotel on the strip! I was on a mission! So for five and a half days we dined, drank and explored. I crossed so many items off my Vegas bucket list and have so many new recommendations to share because it’s Vegas 2.0 and it’s better than ever!
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The recently opened Casa Playa at The Wynn Las Vegas!
WHAT’S NEW IN VEGAS
My meal at The Wynn Las Vegas’ newest Mexican costal restaurant, Casa Playa, was sensational. Chef Sarah Thompson’s ceviche, aguachile, and seafood platters are all sustainably sourced from Mexico’s Pacific coastline. The selection of carne is also hard to pass on with Wagyu tacos and suckling pig carnitas being major highlights, both served alongside fresh house-made corn tortillas. Trying one of their cocktails is also a must as Wynn’s expert mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini has curated a collection of delicious cocktails using only the best spirits and produce of Mexico. As soon as I walked into the place I knew it was something to get excited about. The ambiance was beautiful, the staff were so friendly, and the drinks and seafood dishes that followed were exceptional. I already have plans to come back on my next trip to Las Vegas.
Marissa from Darling Escapes looking excited for dinner at Julian Serrano Tapas
Join the party and feast on Julian Serrano’s revamped menu of exquisite Spanish fare at Julian Serrano Tapas located in Aria. Two-time recipient of the James Beard Award and Madrid native, Chef Julian Serrano shares his interpretations of his native Spanish fare with delectable small plates with big flavours like ‘Pulpo a la Gallega’, an octopus dish with potatoes and Spanish paprika, and Shisihito Peppers dressed with lemon and sea salt. If you’re a big paella fan like me, I recommend persuading a friend or two to tag team one of their delicious paellas as well. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! We did a trio of their orange blossom ‘Crema Catalana’, homemade Churros in a spicy hot chocolate, and Monchego cheese cake, that we devoured. Top it all off with their refreshing house made Sangria that takes 3 days to create, and you have a great meal to get you started on a night out in Las Vegas.
A slice of Canada has found its way to Las Vegas with one of the world’s most celebrated Greek seafood restaurants opening its 7th location in The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Born in Montreal, Estiatorio Milos serves an à la carte menu of dishes family style, in a setting inspired by Greek Cycladic landscapes and the iconic Milos fresh fish market. Open for lunch and dinner, Milos is perfect for large groups, date nights, celebrations, and up scale family dinners. While in Vegas I had a chance to try their prix fixe lunch menu for $38 which is a great option if you are going out as a large group and want to keep it simple. Menu favourites included the Big Eye ‘Tuna Tartare’ with micro basil, Serrano chile and orange, and ‘Astako Makaronada’ a Deep Sea Bay of Fundy lobster pasta, Athenian style.
If you are a fan of celebrity chef David Chang, Majordomo Meat & Fish opened at The Palazzo right before the pandemic which, in my opinion, means it’s practically brand new! The restaurant features a large main dining room, a nice bar area with additional seating, and a secret karaoke room which is available to groups after dinner for singing and cocktails. My friends and I had dinner here and ordered a la carte to share family style. Big hits include the ‘Bing Bread’, ‘Shaved Fois Gras’ with pear butter and ricotta, ‘Crispy Cauliflower Shawarma’ with tahini, cherry tomatoes and pomegranate, and Shrimp Crispy Rice with spicy salt, gochujang and cilantro. For an entertaining table side experience order the ‘The Major Doughnut’ for dessert! It’s essentially pan fried Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in a banana flambé with vanilla ice cream and caramel whip. It’s delicious and the best dessert I had in Vegas!
Resort World Las Vegas - the first integrated resort to be built on the Las Vegas Strip in over a decade
The first integrated resort to be built on the Las Vegas strip in over a decade has finally open its doors to the public! Resort World Las Vegas is an urban contemporary resort that blends technology, luxury with the long standing traditions and level of hospitality associated with the Resort World brand. Situated on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, adjacent to the Fashion Show Mall and Las Vegas Convention Center, Resort World Las Vegas is comprised of three hotel properties - Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas and Crockfords Las Vegas. The hotel casino floor boast 117,000 square feet of both slots and table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette, but the real ‘wow factor’ can be found on the 66th floor at their more intimate Sky Casino. Resort World also has the largest pool complex on the strip with seven stunning pools to choose from, an Awana Spa that offers a variety of treatments inspired by European and Eastern rituals to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul, as well as over 70,000 square feet of curated designer boutiques to help you indulge in some retail therapy. Additionally, expect to see artists like Katy Perry, Celine Dion, and Luke Bryan performing at Resorts World Theatre, a multi level concert and entertainment venue with a 5,000 person capacity that is outfitted to host a myriad of affairs from A-List concerts to conventions. Lastly, there are over 40 globally inspired food and beverage experiences to explore at Resorts World Las Vegas, more than any other destination on the Strip.
Enjoyed my lychee cocktail ‘Fuhy Haiku’ from Fuhu Las Vegas outside at Ayu Dayclub
I had a chance to experience Resort World Las Vegas a few times during my latest trip to Las Vegas and was even invited to try a few bites from one of their signature restaurants FUHU, a contemporary Asian inspired restaurant who’s menu features a wide variety of dished including seafood, steak and sushi, plus specialty cocktails and sake. Everything I tasted was delicious including their signature lychee cocktail ‘Fuhu Haiku’, duck fried rice and ‘Fuhu Fried Chicken’ with chile glaze and scallions. Next time I am back in Las Vegas I will for sure be organizing a proper sit down dinner here so I can try the rest of the menu.
DJ Snake at Zouk Nightclub, Resort World Las Vegas
One of the first events I attended while in Las Vegas was to see DJ Snake perform at Resort World Las Vegas’s club, Zouk Nightclub. Attached to Ayu Dayclub - a Bali inspired outdoor oasis - Zouk Nightclub is a massive venue spanning over 26,000 square feet with the capacity to hold over 2,100 people. The club features a large dance floor surrounded by go-go dancers and booth seating. The main stage, although elevated didn’t feel impersonal which I think allowed the crowd to really connect with the DJ and music. Upscale nightclub attire is required to enter so come dressed to impress!
HEADING TO THE USA? CHECK OUT THESE OTHER TRAVEL GUIDES!
If you don’t get a photo, did it really happen? Me at Maverick Helicopter in Las Vegas ready to take flight!
FUN GROUP & FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN LAS VEGAS
One of the biggest highlights of my trip was definitely doing an afternoon helicopter tour of the Vegas Strip with Maverick Helicopters. I have been in a helicopter before but for some reason it still fills me with childish excitement ever single time I take flight in one, and this was no different. The ride was a total of 15 minutes long and took us soaring above the strip giving way to incredible views of Vegas. It was such a fun experience and I got a thrill out of seeing iconic landmarks like Paris Paris’s Eiffel Tower, Bellagio, Wynn and the Venetian from way up high.
HOT TIP: Sit on the pilot’s side of the helicopter for the best views! The tour starts at $149 USD and shuttle service to the Las Vegas Strip Terminal, where you would be meet your pilot, is available.
Dinner at the Wynn is always a good idea and their restaurant Lakeside is about as amazing of a setting as it gets in Las Vegas. Situated on the edge of the Lake of Dreams, you aren’t just getting an upscale dining experience, you’re also getting a beautiful show full of characters and music! The girls and I lucked out with a great table on the patio that provided us a prime location to view the show all while feasting on one delicious dish after the next. Highlights of this meal definitely include everything from the ‘Raw & Chilled’ section of their menu as well as the Atlantic Diver Scallops in a cauliflower velouté, fennel chutney, grapefruit, and roasted chicken jus. For dessert, ‘Pretty In Pink’ and ‘Shooting Star’ both rose to the top as table favourites for presentation and taste. Although a great restaurant for large groups, entertaining clients or splurging on an upscale family dining experiences, children under 5 are not allowed in the restaurant and there is a dress code. So come dressed to the nines and ready for an unforgettable night!
Our Lakeside Las Vegas view!
An absolute must when in Las Vegas is going to a Cirque Du Soleil show. During this trip I saw 2 Cirque shows, Mystère at Treasure Island and ‘O’ at Bellagio Hotel & Casino, and both were spectacular! Mystère is an original Cirque Du Soleil production that combines high-energy acrobatics to the thunderous rhythms of the Taiko drums, and ‘O” is a theatrical performance that combines world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, and divers with enchanting characters. Both shows are around 90 minutes and tickets are available Wednesday through Sunday for 7:00PM and 9:30PM showings. Tickets vary in price depending on which show you choose and where you want to, sit but they start at $75-80 USD. Although I do consider this a group or family friendly activity, I would be doing you a disservice if I did not also mention that guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theatre.
So there you have it, another trip to Vegas in the books and a lifetime of memories to go home with. If you haven’t already I also recommend you check out the guide I did after I organized my friends Bachelorette in Vegas. It’s also full of great Las Vegas restaurant recommendations and fun activities to do including the best Vegas pool party I have ever been to. If you end up doing any of the activities I shared above or dine at any of the restaurants I recommended, I would love to hear about your experience and invite you to share about it below! Until next time!
- S
The Eiffel Tower at Paris Paris Las Vegas!
