With Las Vegas as its main draw, Nevada is often an afterthought for consideration as a relaxation hotspot due to its association with gambling and debauchery, but all that is about to change. Vegas is home to some of the world’s best hotels and resorts, each offering its unique take on wellness. Venture seven hours south and discover the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, a sanctuary of mindful walks and gentle calm, or travel the same distance north of Vegas, and you’ll find “The biggest little city in the world,” Reno. Known for its casinos, Reno is also home to several stunning natural hot springs, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills offer hiking trails with breathtaking views.
So, come with us as we explore some of Nevada’s most underrated, unbeatable, and downright unmissable experiences.
Taho(m)e Away From Home
Some 700km south of Las Vegas, nestled on the border between Nevada and California, you’ll find an aquatic paradise surrounded by snow-capped mountains: Lake Tahoe. Coming in at almost 500 square kilometers, the lake is one of the largest in Nevada and is home to an array of underwater life. To get a sense of this awe-inspiring destination, head over to Emerald Bay State Park and hike the Eagle Lake Trail to the iconic Eagle Falls. Then head down to the lake for a stunning sunset boat cruise.
Besides this tranquil setting, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, Tahoe is home to dozens of picture-perfect mountain spa resorts. Edgewood Tahoe Resort, a Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star rated Spa, boasts vitality-boosting Magnesium Melt Massages specifically for athletes and CBD Vital Body Scrubs to hydrate and soothe. Just an hour’s drive around the lake, you’ll find Everline™ Resort & Spa, home to one of Tahoe’s best-loved spas, which serves up a rotating line-up of great exclusive offers.
Many resorts also offer yoga retreats, combining physical activity with the serenity of the mountains. The fresh alpine air and stunning scenery make Lake Tahoe a must-visit for those looking to recharge.
Relax In The Biggest Little City In The World
You’d be forgiven for not knowing too much about Reno besides its casinos, but Reno packs a punch for such a small place. You can hit up West Street Market to soak up local culture or close out your day with a date at the impressive Reno Philharmonic. The Truckee River also flows through the heart of the city, providing a peaceful escape where you can enjoy a mindful stroll or an indulgent picnic.
One thing that many people don’t know about Reno is that it’s home to a selection of Nevada’s 300 hot springs. Steamboat Springs is the most famous, a hotspot for those looking to soak in mineral-rich waters believed to have powerful healing properties. The surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills also offer hiking trails for all abilities, ensuring everybody can enjoy the wellness benefits of physical activity.
Explore the Great Basin National Park
Located in the far east of Nevada, close to the border with Utah, Great Basin National Park is one of the best-kept secrets in the state. This remote park is home to ancient Bristlecone Pines, dating back over 3,000 years. To stand among these millennia-old trees is to wrestle with the power of time and still find a moment of inner peace. One of the biggest draws to Great Basin National Park is its stargazing. Being so remote serves up some of the best astrological views in the country, with the National Parks Service offering tours across the year to catch an incredible view of the cosmos.
You won’t find any spa resorts in this remote destination, but a slow hike through the park’s quiet trails is an unbeatably mindful experience. Whether exploring Lehman Caves or soaking in the sounds of nature by a peaceful stream, Great Basin offers some of the best natural relaxation experiences.
Where Else But Vegas?
Las Vegas may be known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” but it offers some of the best opportunities for downtime, too. Its excellent selection of megaresorts like MGM Grand and The Venetian offers some of the most luxurious spas in Las Vegas to recharge your batteries after a night out on the strip.
The Spa at ARIA Resort is also a standout, featuring its signature Shio salt room and Ganbanyoku heated stone beds, both located in the largest Forbes Five-Star Spa in the world. Meanwhile, Sahra Spa at The Cosmopolitan brings the serene vibe of the desert indoors with Moroccan decor and treatments inspired by regional ingredients.
People overlook the hiking just a stone’s throw from Vegas, and there’s no better combination than a relaxing treatment and a blood-pumping day hike. Once you’re feeling rested and rejuvenated, take a 25-minute drive out to Red Rock Canyon and soak up the desert views. A touch further afield, you’ll find Valley of Fire State Park, a geologic wonderland of swirling sandstone and psychedelic rock formations.
Make Nevada Your Next Relaxation Getaway
Have we missed anything? Nevada is a state that truly has it all. Whether you’re soaking up the high-energy glamor of Vegas or hiking epic trails around Tahoe, you’re never too far from unbeatable spa resorts or the healing environs of nature.
