And, Relax: a Slow-Travel Tour of Vegas and Nevada

With generous suites and a locally famous rooftop pool with glam cabanas, the Vdara really complements a stay in Vegas. Just a stone’s throw from the famous Fountains of Bellagio and the buzz of the Strip, the hotel boasts sparkling skyline views and provides a calm, modern and minimalist base between flights and road trips out of town. Part of the Aria Resort and Casino complex, it’s within walking distance of several of the city’s signature flashy fine-dining experiences – from Jean Georges Steakhouse to beloved New York export Carbone and upmarket Chinese at Blossom – and nightlife fun. After soaking up all the city action and taking a day trip into the desert hinterland, relax in Vdara’s two-floor, 16,000sqft (1,486sqm) spa, with a beauty salon, fitness center and smoothie bar.

The natural beauty beyond Las Vegas is often overlooked. “There are so many hikes to take in,” says local Mike Schoenbaechler. “Red Rock Canyon is only 20 minutes from the Strip, and there’s a beautiful, 13mi [21km] loop that can be driven to see the red, mountainous landscapes.” Alternatively, head out on the waters around the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States. This full-day kayaking tour escorts you out to the lake’s sparkling, gem-clear waters for a four-and-a-half-hour paddle, factoring in time to swim, hang out, eat (lunch and snacks provided) and visit a cave on the Arizona side of the river.

Nevada’s stretches of untouched desert have a true Wild West feel, which is best embraced on horseback. This tour fills your view with rugged mountain scenery and your lungs with fresh wilderness air as you ride horses from a ranch into the Moapa Valley, spotting curly-horned sheep and jackrabbits along the way. Your guides will assess your riding ability on arrival, and there are horses to suit everyone, from beginners to pros. The journey ends with a hearty meal back at the ranch.

You’ve tried stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and you’ve tried yoga – but have you combined the two? This Vegas-departing tour whisks you out to the still waters of Lake Mead to test your core strength, balance and composure as you learn to do a combination of poses atop your paddleboard over a 90-minute lesson. You’ll have time to paddle about independently and take in the expansive scenery, too.