How to Spend a Perfect 72 Hours in Las Vegas (Yes, Really)
Welcome to the VERANDA Perfect Weekends, where we show you how to make the most of 72 hours in our favorite destinations.
It’s no secret that Las Vegas is over the top in every way, from the extravagant hotels to the decadent restaurants. All of this "extra" and more is what makes this desert oasis one of the most popular and luxurious U.S. travel destinations.
We've curated our top things to do in Las Vegas, places to eat and drink, and other can't-miss destinations for a VIP experience where old-school glitz and glamour meets many a modern surprise. Here, a fresh take on the perfect Las Vegas weekend getaway.
Friday Afternoon: Check In
Your very elegant home base for the long weekend is Bellagio Las Vegas, a Mediterranean-themed sanctuary in the very heart of the Vegas strip. The comfortable and uber-spacious remodeled rooms provide a respite from the bright lights, big city vibe outside (speaking of that: if you can, book a room that overlooks the world-famous Bellagio fountains that have been a draw since 1998).
After a long day of travel, head to the elegant Bellagio Spa & Salon for some TLC. Book yourself a restorative CBD massage, a facial tailored just for you, or salon services to get your hair, nails, and body vacation-ready. Get rid of those toxins and reduce travel-related inflammation in the steam room, sauna, hot tubs, or cold plunge; rinse off in a private rainfall shower before heading out for shopping (The Shops at Crystals has everything from Chanel and Cartier to Hermes and Fendi).
For dinner, take a ‘totally rad’ walk down memory lane through the creative décor and menu at the aptly named Retro by Voltaggio at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. A mini museum of '80s and '90s memorabilia (think boomboxes, cassettes, analog phones, and Nintendo consoles) sets the tone for menu throwbacks, including a spin on canned spaghetti Os (noodles are served in a tin can and poured over a meatball at the table), pepperoni pizza rolls, chicken pot pie, and macaroni and cheese, all elevated with fun presentation and fresh ingredients to suit a more sophisticated palate. Paper plate-inspired dinnerware and even some entrees served in classic white Corningware (with the signature blue flower!) serve up the just-right amount of nostalgia.
After your first day, it's dealer's choice: You can make your way back to your hotel room... or head to the casino for some cocktails and fun—after all, what happens in Vegas stays there.
Saturday Morning
On Saturday, schedule time to keep your body and mind in check with a high- or low-intensity fitness session at one of two gyms at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Yoga:Blend (available at 10:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday) is the just-right hour-long mix of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness, or you can claim a spot for the popular 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Yoga at Boulevard Pool well in advance for a quiet beginning to your day. Also, don’t miss the impressive offerings post-workout at the peaceful Sahra Spa, Salon & Hammam.
Saturday Afternoon
Reserve chairs at the adults-only Cypress Pool pool for all-day food and beverage service (breakfast and lunch served). Aperol spritz yourself right into a quiet and relaxing poolside massage (just say "yes!"). A pool host adjusts your umbrella throughout the day so you're never too hot in the desert sun.
Satisfy your appetite with a late brunch (which runs until 2:30 p.m. on the weekends) at Lago by Julian Serrano. Pro tip: Snag a window seat where you’ll score prime views of the Fountains of Bellagio.
Here, fresh seafood and homemade pastas rule the Italian menu, and salad and pizza make for satisfying lighter fare. Truffle fans should go for the Lago Pizzeta featuring pata negra ham, truffle shavings, and truffle-infused cheese. Classic Italian desserts include tiramisu, ricotta cheesecake, and olive oil cake with rosemary-infused gelato dusted with pistachios (all to die for).
Saturday Evening
Head back to your room to freshen up before dinner—and make sure to dress for a glamorous night out on the town, because that’s exactly what you’re going to get. The energy heightens the moment you step foot into The Mayfair Supper Club. The dining room, which was designed by Martin Brudnizki, serves up an old-school-meets-modern Vegas feel-good vibe through both the menu and the top-notch entertainment on the club’s center stage (think Frank Sinatra meets Cabaret meets Prince meets Lady Gaga—we promise it all makes sense!).
“Luck Be a Lady” timed to the infamous Fountains of Bellagio outside is a nice surprise. Classic items to of-the-moment hits fill out the menu, like oysters and shrimp cocktail to sushi; prime rib to wagyu ribeye; creamed spinach to truffle fries.
After dinner, perch yourself high above the strip (from the 64th floor of the gorgeous Delano Las Vegas, to be exact) and soak in the Vegas lights and the mountains beyond at Skyfall Panoramic Bar & Lounge. Sip creative cocktails like the Up and At 'Em (a s’mores-inspired espresso martini) or a classic drink like a Manhattan or Old-Fashioned while the very on point DJ sets a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe Friday and Saturday.
Extensive beer and wine selections as well as bottle service are also available. Grab snacks (sliders, charcuterie, margherita pizza, and more) until 10 p.m.. The VIP service is as first-class as the view.
Sunday Morning
For a truly magical, fairy tale-like brunch experience, head to The Garden Table at Sadelle’s Café (nestled within Bellagio's Conservatory), which is coveted among foodies, romantics and design lovers (it was designed by Ken Fulk). There's a reason they claim it's “the best brunch in Vegas,” thanks to a preset menu that includes a perfectly appointed tower of brunch classics like house-cured salmon, avocado toast, danishes, and sticky buns, as well as bagels and caviar.
Entrees include eggs Benedict and French toast, and the famous raspberry cheesecake... you'll no doubt want to save room for that. The Garden Table is available for only four brunch sittings a day and dinner Wednesday through Sunday, so make your reservations well in advance.
Sunday Afternoon
After brunch, take a gallery stroll through the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art to explore sculpture, photography, and sculpture. "In Bloom," on display through September 10, 2023, features impressive works of art, including Alex Katz’s Homage to Monet 3 depicting the artist's interpretation of his own water lily pond in Maine; a skillfully painted and thought-provoking painting by Shawn Huckins titled Evening Glow At Lake Louise: Hey Siri, How Do I Leave The Planet?; and the star of the show, Salvador Dalí’s nearly life-size bronze sculpture of Alice in Wonderland holding a jumping rope above her head with hair blossoming into roses. The “live life in full bloom” neon and floral entrance sets up a pretty Instagrammable moment.
If you have some extra time before your flight, explore some of Las Vegas’s iconic architecture and design. It may be called Sin City, but there are also some pretty sweet ways to spend a weekend here.
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