I cannot personally vouch for the accommodations at Vdara — although the suites look world class (see below) and the lofts read as a wonderland of vacation bliss — but having spent ample time inside ESPA at Vdara and outside on the open-air patio lounge of Vice Versa, I can testify that the level of serenity offered by this striking non-casino hotel property, only steps from the famous Strip, would be hard to top amidst the hustle and bustle of Vegas, Baby.
Tom Fischer (of BourbonBlog.com) and I ready for our Vdara ESPA spa massages.
In all my years, I never thought of myself as a guy who would enjoy a massage. The idea of a stranger’s hands on me, the tender issue of my iffy back, and the nudity/near-nudity of it all…yeah not my bag. Or so I thought. As part of a trip last month, I had a Swedish massage scheduled for me on my final day in Vegas, and in the spirit of new experiences, I arrived on time for my early morning appointment — bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Okay, groggy and tailless, but still, on time. As always.
The men’s spa at ESPA features multiple sauna rooms, a hot tub, and showers, all of which are included when you have an appointment, meaning you could really make a day out of it if you were so inclined. I unfortunately didn’t have any time before my Swedish massage but did do the sauna thing (man, that’s HOT) and took a shower afterward.
I was still in such a blissful state of sublime relaxation after Ivy had completed my massage, magically turning back the clock on my weary calves, tired soles, and reinvigorating my back and arms, and after I’d spent a few peaceful moments alone in the meditation lounge, listening to the gentle sound of water flowing over rocks, that I nearly missed my checkout time which was fitting because who in their right mind would ever want to leave this serene palace?
Okay, so you started your day wrapped in a warm blanket of sweet serenity at ESPA, and you’ve spent a day gambling, eating, at a show, and generally having a blast on the Vegas Strip — hopefully at Aria right next door. Now what?
Now, you head back to Vdara and chill at Vice Versa, a visually stunning indoor/outdoor bar & lounge in the Vdara hotel lobby with greenery, fire pits, dramatic lighting, and a small stream running through the well-spaced out sofas and wicker chairs. A late-night cocktail on the semi-secluded Vice Versa patio is the cherry on top of your Vegas sundae, the pitch perfect way to unwind and close out another memorable vacation day on the Vegas Strip.
About those Vdara rooms and suites…check out the view inside the corner suite! Wow. If, like me, gambling isn’t really your thing, Vdara might just be your dream Vegas destination — close to every single thing but a million miles away.
*The ESPA spa at Vdara Swedish massage was part of a press trip to experience the Aria and other MGM properties in Las Vegas. All expenses were paid, but the opinions expressed above are honest and unbiased as always.
