The Strip

Though it’s admittedly a little over-the-top (the gold color scheme means that even the tiniest details are gilded), spa at the Encore is generally held to be one of the best in town. The theme feels partly Indian and partly Moroccan, starting with the dramatic entrance: guests walk down a river-rock path lined with gold lanterns, to be greeted at the end by an 8-foot, hand-carved sculpture of Buddha. Inside, there are waterfall showers, a marble Jacuzzi room, and a series of hot and cold plunge pools. As for the treatments, we recommend the Nalu Body Ritual, which includes Polynesian massage, full body exfoliation, and a coconut oil scalp treatment. For expecting mothers, they offer a pregnancy-specific massage that’s pretty unmatched.

Mandarin Oriental is known for their luxurious spas, but the experience at their Las Vegas location is exceptional, even for them. The two-floor space offers treatments that are exclusive to Las Vegas, like the Lucky Eights, a soothing reflexology series. Even if you don’t have time for a formal appointment, relax by the pool and in their quiet lounges, both of which offer phenomenal views of the entire strip.

Until now, most boutique hotel experiences in Vegas were embedded inside the larger hotels (read: Tower Suites at the Wynn, The Four Seasons at Montecarlo), which is part of what makes the Cromwell so special. The brand-new spot only has 88 rooms, so it feels much more personal than some of the larger, more sprawling compounds. It’s also home to the first-ever restaurant from Giada De Laurentiis—if you can get past the gift shop in the front, you'll find some of best meatballs and chewiest pizza on the strip. And, if you're into that kind of thing, the reviews of their nightclub, Drai's, have been uniformly positive so far.

Considering its location right in the middle of The Strip and its bustling casino, the MGM isn’t an obvious pick for the Un-Vegas Vegas guide: That said, the MGM Mansion program is really in a league of its own. The Mansion is actually physically separate from the MGM itself—the building is made up of 29 individual villas, which range from one- and two-bedrooms up to full-fledged homes. It features its own separate driveway and lobby area, making it a thoroughly private experience, despite its central location. Each villa overlooks a lush, Italian-style garden atrium that’s much more Tuscany than Vegas, and has its own private dining area. In an effort to keep the vibe quiet and civilized, there are no bachelor parties or big groups allowed.

The Mandarin Oriental in Vegas has all the style and amenities you’d expect from the chain (Asian-inflected design, high-touch service, and cool flourishes like the 23rd floor lobby). That said, the real draw is the fact that this is one of the only hotels on The Strip without a casino, so it feels more like a retreat from the madness of the street than part of it. The spa is truly world-class, taking up two full floors with its sprawling pools and lounge rooms. Bonus: the 47-story building is LEED Gold certified.

For the classic, glitzy Vegas shopping experience, don’t waste valuable time and energy wandering through every mall: head straight for the Shops at Crystals (located in the Aria). The mall has all of the classic big-name designers, but in a space designed by Daniel Libeskind: For whatever reason, perhaps because it's not attached to a casino, it's always nicely quiet, too.

José Andrés’s taco and dumpling bar is a totally authentic taste of Mexico City that just happens to be situated inside the bustling Cosmopolitan hotel. It’s a fun, casual set up serving incredibly fresh tacos, BBQ oysters, and an avocado margarita that sounds strange but tastes incredible. For a great alternative to room service, there are also hearty noodle and fried rice dishes.

Bauman is one of the biggest rare bookshops in the world, and this location is the only outpost that’s not on the East Coast. Their staff is wonderfully helpful if you’re looking for something specific, and their finds always make the most thoughtful gifts.

Like its counterpoint in NYC, Milos serves incredible Greek food with the price tag to match. It's worth it, though, because the fish is just off the boat, and an order of the lightly fried zucchini sticks makes life—on or off The Strip—better.

Modeled after celebrated chef Guy Savoy's eponymous restaurant in Paris, this Vegas location—which has earned two Michelin stars itself—delivers its own high-end experience in fine French dining. Extravagant, for sure, but there is also an appreciated amount of restraint. The colors here are neutral, understated, and interestingly, Guy Savoy insists on not having flowers in the restaurant—and doesn't allow restaurant employees to wear perfume—nothing should interfere, apparently, with what's put in front of you.