There are two kinds of people in this world—those who can completely relax during a treatment; and those who allow every racing thought to run through their brain and can’t wait until it’s over. I used to be a solid member of column B, fidgeting through manicures, nervously chatting with my aesthetician, or panicking my way through a six-hour hair appointment. I don’t know if it’s a reaction to pandemic stress or too many days spent working from home, but I somehow transformed into a fully relaxed column A. Ironically, I found my best wellness moments in Vegas, of all places. Here’s how, in just three short days at the Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace, I was able to really unplug and truly escape in the lap of Sin City luxury.
My Zen Away From Home
It doesn’t feel very Goopy to admit, but there’s something calming about being in the hustle and bustle of a Las Vegas resort. While some may prefer the sounds of a therapeutic sound bath, I, as someone with a short attention span, much prefer the endless lights and sounds of a good time. When I arrived at Caesars Palace, I checked into my room at the intimate, Japanese-themed Nobu Hotel, a luxury property within the resort that served as my tranquil oasis during my stay. Stocked with lavish Natura Bissé amenities and comfortable cloud-like beds made up with Italian linens, it was hard not to stay in my room all day relaxing. The room came with the added bonus of having my own personal Peloton in my suite, which makes it easy to get in some fitness each day to work off all of the gourmet meals, making my stay truly guilt-free.
Roman Baths for Heavenly Bodies
Because the Nobu Hotel is situated within Caesars Palace, I was able to enjoy all the amenities the 66,000 square-foot resort had to offer, while remaining tucked away at the exclusive boutique-style hotel. A must for my self-care getaway was a visit to the Qua Baths and Spa. This 50,000-square-foot sanctuary on the Strip has it all: three healing Roman baths to dip in and out of, a laconium room and a snowing arctic ice room (the only one of its kind in the world) that releases snow flurries upon entering.
While I spent much of my time dipping in and out of the Roman baths and cooling off in the arctic room, the moment I learned I could actually let go and relax was during my Qua Signature Mojave Rain massage. For 80 minutes, all my worries were set aside and any tension I was holding in was released, as my masseuse incorporated sacred plants and oils to awaken my senses while working out the kinks. Using ancient Native American rituals from the sacred Nevada desert, this experience alone was worth the entire trip to Vegas from my east coast home.
Garden of the Goddesses
After my much-needed massage at the spa, there was only one place I wanted to be to continue the rest and relaxation—the pool. Caesars’ Garden of the Gods pool features seven different experiences, and to keep your Zen moment alive, the cabanas at the Bacchus pool were the only way to go. Quiet, private, and elevated from all access areas of the pool, this VIP spot, named after the Roman god of ecstasy, was an indulging retreat. My favorite part of the “higher than the gods” cabana, was having my lunch delivered straight to me using the Caesars Eats mobile app, which allowed me to order from any of the restaurants at the resort, including Gordon Ramsay’s Pub and Grill or Pronto by Giada. I can attest to the fact that not lifting a finger while lounging by the pool is good for the soul.
Michelin Star Style Delicacies
Essential to the Vegas self care moments are the culinary experiences that surround you. From Nobu to Giada’s to Vanderpump à Paris, I hopped from one delicacy to the next during my Zen away from home trip. Topping my list was Nobu Paris, featuring the Japanese fusion cuisine of chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Just like the Qua Spa experience, a visit to Nobu Paris is a must and topped my list of dining experiences during my stay. Keeping with the guilt-free, self-care theme, I feasted on yellowtail sashimi, wagyu beef, and lobster. The highlight of course was the sushi, which was devoured almost as quickly as it was set down on the table.
Another delightful meal on my self-care itinerary was Giada, which serves as the perfect setting for a girl’s night out or dinner with mom. Vanderpump à Paris, another highlight, did not disappoint. Like all of Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants, this one evokes a sexy style and sets the mood for a spectacular night out with craft cocktails and Instagram-worthy charcuterie boards.
‘Unplugged’ Nights
Not having to go far to get the full Vegas experience was high on my list of the benefits for my self-care getaway. Knowing I could be in bed with a face mask on by midnight, yet being steps away from a real night out was the best balance of fun and relaxation. From RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! to the carnivalesque Absinthe show, I was highly entertained, which allowed me to really unplug. No ringing of a slot machine, email, TikTok, or text could distract me, with show stopping performances at RuPaul’s and the adult’s only style humor at Absinthe, my nights were filled with unbridled laughter.
While not everyone can find their Zen on the busy Strip, for those of us who can’t get comfy in a relaxing environment, Vegas has so much to offer. If you’re anything like me, the perfect escape is taking the time to really enjoy life’s indulgences; and as I found via a few days in the bright lights of the city, there’s no better place to let go and find yourself again than the town known for “what happens here, stays here.”
