February 26, 2024
Vegas Underground: The Best Luxury Experiences
When it comes to luxury stopovers, Las Vegas might not come to mind immediately. The City of Lights has a dual reputation for many. First, as the US’s no-holds-barred entertainment mecca, full of luxurious opportunities and world-class establishments. Second, it is one of the most frequently visited locations for group trips, many of which run on a shoestring budget.
It’s not uncommon to hear about tips to save money in Vegas. For example, poker players who focus their efforts on online tournaments might still plan a trip to play live in the city. This is the goal of many players: to develop their skills virtually, advance in online tournaments and satellite qualifiers, and then compete live someday. In these cases, the focus isn’t on luxury travel, but on avoiding exorbitant plane tickets, resort fees, and restaurant checks. Simple things like sticking to buffets and asking not to pay for amenities you won’t use can go a long way. Viewed in this way, there are plenty of ways to create a Vegas trip that suits just about any type of budget.
That being said, saving money in Vegas isn’t always on the agenda. In fact, in terms of cities worth splurging in, Las Vegas is a great destination. There are dozens of casinos and resorts to choose from on the Strip, and each has its own take on luxury suites. Most also include world-famous clubs, restaurants with Michelin-caliber chefs, and residencies from some of the world’s most celebrated performers. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Keep reading for some of the most luxurious and underground experiences that are waiting for you in the City of Lights.
Helicopter Night Flight (& Grand Canyon Tour)
There are plenty of ways to get a bird’s eye view on the Vegas Strip, but by far one of the most exclusive ways is to charter a private helicopter tour. These tours offer night adventures, which allow you to see the Strip lit up in all its glory. As anyone who has visited the city can attest, it’s a truly magical place at night—and much more manageable in terms of temperature.
Keep in mind that many helicopter tours can also be scheduled for the Grand Canyon. Helicopter tours are by far the best way to see the surrounding natural wonders. Certain groups may even allow your helicopter to land near the canyons so that you can wander closer for some truly unforgettable selfies.
Shelby VIP Tour
In case you’re unfamiliar, Shelby is a brand of highly prestigious vehicles that are headquartered near Las Vegas, Nevada. The company got its start back in 1962 during the original construction of the Vegas Strip and has released models like the AC Cobras and Shelby Mustang. Now, the company operates worldwide. If you’re visiting Las Vegas, consider scheduling a VIP tour of the Shelby headquarters. You’ll receive a guided tour of the heritage museum, and then have access to exclusive Shelby merchandising.
Sphere VIP Tour
The original Shelby headquarters and heritage museum aren’t the only VIP tours you’ll want to schedule in. But keep in mind that the VIP packages are tacked on to the performances scheduled at the Sphere—for now, these experiences cover U2, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea depending on your feelings about rock music.
However, it’s still worth knowing about these VIP packages. First, it allows you to decide where you’ll sit for the show. Second, it also includes private access to the Fan Portal exhibit, which VR drives. Some packages also include a stay at The Venetian’s luxury suite, which is considered one of the best rooms in Vegas.
The Red Button (Bellagio)
So far, we’ve covered various experiences that take you into the lap of luxury in Las Vegas. However, one of the coolest and most exclusive experiences available is also one of the least well-known—and it’s all about the Bellagio’s water display. In case you haven’t looked into the Bellagio’s fountain, it’s worth pointing out that this feat in engineering plunges more than a dozen floors into the earth and is constantly monitored by a crew of 30 staff.
But there’s a single button that an engineer presses to kick off the show—and, for the right price, you can not only book an experience to dine in front of the show but even be the person to press that button.