Health and wellness in Las Vegas
Given its moniker of “Sin City,” the very idea that anyone might seek out opportunities for health and wellness in a city of gluttony might seem a bit contradictory. Yet, for every over-sized dessert, headache-induced hangover or regrettable sunburn is a vegetarian meal, fulfilling fitness class or rejuvenating spa treatment.
It is important to realize that Las Vegas is a city of over-the-top experiences, and it is very easy to get caught up in all the hype – but that’s okay. That is, in part, what makes visiting Las Vegas a lot of fun. But don’t get too bogged down by the guilt. Instead, consider that crazy night out as a moment worth remembering (you do remember it, don’t you?), then commit to doing something a bit healthier with the new day.
Healthy Dining
As dining has increased in popularity in Las Vegas, so, too, have the options for healthy options on the ever-expanding menus. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian or just good ol’ healthy food, there is somewhere to dine not far from your hotel in Las Vegas.
Though the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian and Palazzo is known for being one of the very best spas in Las Vegas, its adjoining restaurant, the Canyon Ranch Grill serves a welcome selection of fresh and healthy meal options as well as fresh juices and organic wines and beers. The restaurant isn’t reserved specifically for spa guests, but you’ll need to ask how to get there because it is a bit hidden.
Diners often struggle to find vegan-friendly food, but head to Wynn Las Vegas and those difficult days will be over. Every single restaurant at the resort offers vegan menu options, though you may need to ask for a different menu. And the items are so good, even those who are meat eaters or vegetarians are likely to find something they like as well.
Border Grill at Mandalay Bay sources local and organic ingredients for use in its menu items and encourages diners to take meat out of their diet once a week with selections featuring tasty alternatives like quinoa and plantains. In recent years, Bellagio has added cold-pressed juices that are made and bottled at the resort. Additionally, a number of locally owned restaurants in downtown Las Vegas place an emphasis on healthy eating, including Wild and Simply Pure.
Spa Treatments and Fitness Classes
Every Las Vegas hotel has a fitness center on site, but so few people seem to take advantage of what they have to offer. Though they all have run-of-the-mill stationary bikes, treadmills and weight lifting equipment, many also have interesting fitness classes.
In years past, fitness centers at Canyon Ranch SpaClub (Venetian and Palazzo), Sahra Spa & Hammam (the Cosmopolitan), the Spa at Bellagio and Trump Las Vegas have offered a variety of dance, boxing, acrobatic and innovative yoga classes. One of the class highlights is at Mirage, where guests can participate in yoga classes at Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, but visitors should always check in with their chosen resort to find out if anything new and interesting is being offered because there are frequently “pop-up” workouts and fitness classes.
Too often, people don’t give themselves the attention they need to focus on their health and wellness. Despite the fact many people think spa treatments are a way to “treat” themselves to something that feels good, it’s actually a very good thing to simply spend time resting and reflecting. As such, in addition to fitness rooms and fitness classes, resort spas offer an array of services designed to rejuvenate and re-energize the body and mind, and guests should consider checking out a variety of spa menus.
Spa prices vary extensively, and those on the Strip cost more than those off the Strip. Because this is an investment for some people, make the most of the experience. Take it easy the day and night before, and don’t arrive at a spa appointment hungover. Whereas other parts of a Las Vegas vacation are crammed with action, this is a time to slow down, so don’t rush. Arrive early and leave time to relax in the whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the rest of the day. Going to the spa is a personal experience, so let that be the focus.
Wellness Hotels
For those who want to jump into to healthy living during their Las Vegas vacation, check out the Stay Well Suites at MGM Grand. The health-conscious rooms in this block of accommodations feature air purification apparatus, a lighting system meant to help sync natural circadian rhythms when jet lag and late nights attack, hypoallergenic amenities, shower water infused with vitamin C and healthy options stocked in the mini bar, among a number of other offerings.
The rooms aren’t cleaned with any harsh cleansers, and a special Stay Well channel is available for those with health and wellness interests in mind.
-Contributed by JoAnna Haugen
Health and Wellness in Las Vegas from Las Vegas Things to Do
