Viva Las Vegas – Life Outside the Strip on beautiful Lake Las Vegas

Does the sound of hitting the Las Vegas Strip make you wanna run for the hills? I feel ya. The idea of visiting a place named Sin City doesn’t ever appeal to me. If we have spoken about traveling to Vegas, you might be surprised to hear the negativity in my voice. But, when two of your besties fly in for work, (and one all the way from Germany), you really just have to suck it up and go. I said “Viva” and jumped on a plane for 6 days in the sun and desert.

If you are visiting Las Vegas for the first time, trust me, it is filled with anything and everything your heart desires. The beginning of my trip took me straight to the Venetian deep in the heart of the Vegas Strip. I love this hotel, the rooms are spacious, clean, and the hotel is connected to the Palazzo so there is plenty to shop, walk, ride, eat, sip and see. Plus let’s be honest they have 3 Bouchon bakeries and that makes me happier than you know – plus the macaroons are massive. I wish I would have taken a spin on the gondola boats but time did not allow, so maybe next time. But after my time in Henderson that is a definite “maybe”. You could see and do all you need in about two days in Vegas so keep that in mind if needing a quick weekend getaway.

There are a plethora of hotels, massive structures bursting with lights, pools, casinos, and crazy visitors, but deep down all I wanted to do was relax. When your bestie flies all the way from across the pond you really have one agenda – talking over wine, good food and enjoying the scenery. I knew staying on the Strip would make all of those things a challenge, so I did a little digging around and came across a slice of paradise just 17 miles outside the Las Vegas Strip in Henderson, Nevada. We checked in at The Westin Lake Las Vegas and the escape from busy hotels, smokey casinos and recycled air was just what we needed.

A short drive into the desert will offer you a total change of scenery. A calm tranquil setting dotted with palm trees and mountain views while seated on a lush golf course, you literally feel like you are stepping out in another state. I kept saying, “I feel like I am in Palm Springs but with water”. The Moroccan inspired ambiance at the Westin will keep you feeling at peace from the minute you arrive to the second you sadly say goodbye. And we both were sad to leave.

There is plenty to see and do on property from lounging poolside to kayaking or paddle boarding on Lake Las Vegas, a helicopter ride through the Grand Canyon, golf, or just exploring the walking paths around the resort. The Westin has a very nice list of activities on their website here.  I kept saying out loud, “I can’t believe this is so close to Vegas, I can’t believe we are still in Nevada.”  We had such a nice time relaxing by the water and sipping bubbles while watching the sunset fade into the mountains. The nightly fire places were the perfect option to cozy up and enjoy dinner followed by more conversation where s more’s table side are a nightly occurrence. They have a nice offering of restaurants on property or you can take their complimentary shuttle just a few minutes drive down the road to a little village called Montelago Village Resort filled with a variety of places to dine. We enjoyed fajita’s and margaritas at Sonrisa Grill and finished with a quick stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

The trip was just what I wanted, easy and relaxing.  There is so much to do I cannot wait to go back and explore even more. I would highly recommend staying at the Westin for your family vacation, a romantic getaway, family reunion, escape the winter blues, planning a wedding, or just a nice little girlfriend getaway. Be sure to check them out!

Photos from our trip below. The last photo is my favorite and taken while exploring the property. Enjoy – Tamara

Special thank you to The Westin Lake Las Vegas for having us!