Forbes Travel Guide Stories

Hotels, Restaurants

6 New Attractions At The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

The resort unveils new offerings just in time for its anniversary. Credit: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

The legendary The Venetian Resort Las Vegas celebrates 23 years this month, and its sister property The Palazzo commemorates 15 years in December. But the dual casino-resort complex doesn’t rest on its past glories — it continues to evolve and innovate with new venues, restaurants, amenities and entertainment.

Whether you want to party in a sprawling day club or get VIP treatment at an exclusive lounge, these new experiences will make you want to check into the luxurious Italian-themed mega-resort:

Enjoy Exclusive Lounge Access

The Prestige Club Lounge, previously available only at The Palazzo (on the 23rd floor), expands to The Venetian tower, allowing you to upgrade your stay. Receive expedited check-in; a welcome glass of prosecco; and complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon coffee or tea, and evening appetizers and handcrafted cocktails — all with Strip views and tranquil environs. The Venetian’s Prestige Club Lounge sits on the 36th floor.

Choose your veggies in the market. Credit: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Get Authentic Greek Cuisine

New to The Venetian’s Restaurant Row, estiatorio Milos is known for its seafood with fresh fish flown in from the Mediterranean. At this location of the Greek restaurant, there’s also a fruit and vegetable market where you pick what goes on your plate as an accompaniment; a raw bar with whole fish sashimi, crudos and tartares; and a yogurt room.

After dinner is sorted, expect the Greek wine to flow. Milos follows its Greek island namesake with architecture echoing the essence of Cycladic landscapes with stone, wood and Pentelikon marble.

See an Interactive Wild West Saloon Show

Hidden on the third level of the Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian, Atomic Saloon Show by Spiegelworld (from the team behind Absinthe at Caesars Palace and OPIUM at The Cosmopolitan) goes beyond the Las Vegas showroom as an immersive Wild West-saloon-meets-old-world-theater-meets-upscale-nightclub. With secret rooms and tucked-away bars featuring bespoke cocktails, you will want to hang out here regularly, even without seeing the show.

Your hostess for the evening, Madam Boozy Skunkton, presides over acrobats and passersby, including a singing cowboy, nuns and Irish folk dancers. The first stop along the Atomic Saloon drinking trail is the Traveler Bar. Try an Outlaw’s Old Fashioned with bourbon, apple brandy, demerara and tobacco bitters. The barkeeps also provide a libation for your journey out of the bar — as indicated by the name, this is where to get a “Traveler.”

At the Watering Hole bar, the walls are plastered floor to ceiling with curious framed pictures and mementos from the Wild West and historic Las Vegas, including an autographed Dolly Parton photograph. Grab a cocktail before heading to your seat. Speaking of which, reserve one of Boozy Skunkton’s Bawdy Booths — they offer the best view of the show — with padded-leather benches and low marble cocktail tables. Each is named after a real brothel madam.

Expect a cocktail tower delivered to your table, like the Painted Lady with grapefruit, Lillet, rhubarb and pink peppercorn, and small bites. On the upper level, curtained-off Bang Bang Boxes around the perimeter allow you to lean over the balcony rail to enjoy the show below. Each Bang Bang Box bears the moniker of an imploded Las Vegas casino property, such as the Algiers, Dunes and Silver Slipper.

Upstairs, you are serviced by yet another bar, this one with champagne. Robin’s Nest is dedicated to the late, great Las Vegas entertainment reporter Robin Leach and looks over the entertainment shenanigans from above, as it’s imagined he’s doing now. Behind the bar is a specially commissioned oil portrait of Leach dressed in formal scarlet hunting attire as well as a photograph of him with his buddy The Gazillionaire, the host of Spiegelworld’s hit show Absinthe, at which Leach was a regular. Behind closed doors there are two private rooms: the Gazillionaire’s Den — complete with a gold throne — and The Glitterloft.

Soak up the sun at Tao Beach. Credit: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Party at Tao Beach

Tao Beach, one of Las Vegas’ first day club experiences, unveiled an all-new look that was two years in the making and doubled the size of its original footprint. Sun, relax and party in this Balinese-inspired tropical oasis with 29 cabanas — seven of which have their own plunge pools — multiple pools and a dazzling sound and lighting system.

Known for its food, drawing from the top-grossing Tao Restaurant, Tao Beach now has its own kitchen turning out sushi boats and other extravagant pool fare, such as seafood towers, sashimi carved table-side and hand rolls. Two large-scale figurative sculptures by South African artist Daniel Popper are where everyone wants to pose for a picture — a pair of mandala-decorated hands wait at the entry and a tree goddess welcomes you to the main bar. A new DJ booth, home to Alesso and Fisher, takes center stage as the venue features a stadium-style setting.

Savor Italian Staples

There is no other Strip location quite as iconic as St. Mark’s Square inside The Venetian. Punctuating that bustling energy, chef Angelo Auriana’s (from Brera Ristorante in the Los Angeles Arts District) BRERA Osteria serves housemade pastas, cured meats and more Italian favorites. For plant-based eaters, there is a four-course Chef’s Go Vegan Tasting Menu with bright dishes such as the farro polenta with beet puree, eggplant and crispy kale.

Enjoy Latin fare in tropical surroundings. Credit: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Lap Up Latin Flavors

Chef Lorena Garcia’s Chica Las Vegas, a Latin restaurant in partnership with John Kunkel’s 50 Eggs Hospitality Group (which includes Yardbird) underwent an extensive renovation and a new menu debut. It now resembles the Miami location with tropical colors that give off Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela vibes. Daniel Osorno, a Latin American graffiti artist based in Miami, created the mural featured in the lounge.

Start with a pineapple CHICA-Rita margarita and then indulge in the wagyu quesa-birria empanada and roasted meat parrillada to get a taste of everything wagyu N.Y. strip, tenderloin pinchos, lamb, venison chorizo and Meyer lemon chicken. For dessert, the Flaming Skull, the Instagram-friendly lava cake with horchata ice cream, is unmissable.

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Destinations, Hotels

3 Lavish Hotel Suites In Istanbul

Get great views from the Royal Bosphorus Suite. Credit: Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

There’s nothing more decadent than staying in a luxurious hotel suite. And Istanbul takes suites to another level. Whether you’re looking for a palace, a home away from home or a unique adventure in interior design, you’ll find it all here.

The famed Turkish hospitality is alive and well at the following hotels, where you can enjoy lavish accommodations. We’ve picked three of the best for your next trip to Istanbul:

Royal Bosphorus Suite, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Bosphorus Strait, the one-bedroom Royal Bosphorus Suite in this newly appointed Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel has a balcony for you to make the most of the beautiful view. This accommodation is just the place to bring your entourage, friends or family: the palatial 4,210-square-foot suite has a separate staff entrance, a security room and can be connected to other suites if you need more bedrooms. The elegant living room, dining room and workspaces are furnished with wooden panels in neutral hues, and fresh flowers adorn the rooms.

Lavishly appointed with modern artwork and objets d’art, a private marble bar on the waterfront is an unparalleled luxury. Balconies are large enough for an alfresco dinner party, or room service will provide you with an opulent meal on a tray if you fancy a lavish Turkish breakfast in bed. And if you need to work on your wellness, the suite has a gym and a marble bath with spa products for self-pampering.

Although you are in the middle of town, the urban resort feels like a beach retreat. Bikes and a walking track from the hotel around the Bosphorus take you to the lovely district of Bebek, with its historical Turkish homes, chic cafés and local shops.

Live like a sultan in this former palace. Credit: Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Sultan Suite, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

This is your rare chance to stay in a sultan’s private quarters. Designed by Sultan Abdulaziz for his personal use, this 19th-century palace now is a hotel with sumptuous suites fit for a king. Each of the suites in the original palace building is updated, refurbished and uniquely beautiful. One of the most grand — and among the largest in Europe — is the nearly 5,000-square-foot Sultan Suite. It comes with two bedrooms, a dining room table that seats 12, a kitchenette and sparkling Bosphorus vistas. Revel in the antique carpets, exquisite Turkish glass ornaments and classic décor while sipping French champagnes, bottled cocktails or Turkish wines from the minibar.

A unique amenity is the soap service. It’s a Turkish spa tradition revived by the Istanbul hotel, where your butler carves pure olive oil soap, according to your choice of fragrance, with a sword for you to enjoy in your opulent marble bathroom. It’s an Ottoman experience that makes a stay at Çırağan memorable.

Other memorable moments include the splendid breakfasts and private tours of the hotel’s Historical Corridor (a museum that recounts the property’s fascinating past) and the sultan’s marble hammam.

With a pool, a museum, a spa, a garden and the best restaurants and bars on the property, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star palace has it all.

Find sleek interiors in the Bentley Suite. Credit: The St. Regis Istanbul

Bentley Suite, The St. Regis Istanbul

This exclusive suite was a collaboration between Bentley Motors and the Istanbul hotel. Just like the one in The St. Regis New York, fine motor aficionados worldwide have flocked to Istanbul to see this innovative one-bedroom suite designed to evoke Bentley’s famous Continental Series of cars.

The suite is modern, chic and curved. A custom-made beige leather couch with a built-in champagne bar makes for the ultimate entertainment room, which is more opulent than any movie theater.

The eye for detail is remarkable, with the lights inspired by car headlights, Breitling clocks in the bar and custom-made wooden humidors and jewelry boxes from the Bentley workshop. The pop-up television resembles a screen in a luxury car, only much bigger. The more than 1,500-square-foot Bentley Suite can accommodate four guests. And the corner accommodation provides a diverse view of Macka Park, Istanbul’s bustling streets and the distant waters of the Bosphorus.

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Hotels, Restaurants

6 New Reasons To Stay At Wynn Las Vegas

Try fare from Mizumi’s new chef. Credit: Wynn Las Vegas

Winning seven top honors in Forbes Travel Guide’s recent 2022 Star Awards, Wynn Las Vegas is the Five-Star leader on the Strip. Alongside providing impeccable service, the brand consistently keeps its offerings fresh and exciting, adding new restaurants, bars, menus and personalities.

Whether you come into town for business or pleasure, here are six new reasons to stay at this star-studded Las Vegas resort:

Mizumi at Wynn Las Vegas

Migrating from Mizumi’s sister restaurant at Wynn Palace in Macau, chef Min Kim creates a masterwork with every dish that leaves his kitchen at this temple of Japanese fine dining. Trained in some of Asia’s top restaurants and by his father, a Korean chef specializing in Japanese food, Kim layers ingredients and their flavors with precision, crafting plates to please the palate and the eye.

For an unforgettable evening, book the floating pagoda table. Dishes such as the wildly colorful snapper sashimi usuzukuri and one-bite wonder creamy crab croquette with wild black truffle deserve the resplendent backdrop of a Japanese garden, koi pond and 90-foot waterfall.

Unwind with some fashionable drinks. Credit: Robert Miller

Overlook Lounge

Upstairs at Overlook Lounge, in the heart of Wynn’s casino, enjoy spirits and aperitifs brought to life by resort mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini amid jewel-tone décor and vintage European design elements created by Todd-Avery Lenahan, chief creative officer of Wynn Design & Development. Overlook sits at the intersection of Wynn’s Lake of Dreams waterfall and its lush atrium.

In line with the design vibe, every one of the drinks features a name of an iconic figure in fashion, film, history or mythology. The spritzes, for example, are called Naomi, Evangelista and Hudson. Fittingly, the spritzes are finished with a mist from a series of edible aperitif parfums inspired by the most fashionable destinations such as Amalfi, Morocco and Milan.

Savor a Five-Star meal. Credit: Wynn Las Vegas

Wing Lei

Putting her touch on Wing Lei — the only Five-Star Chinese restaurant in North America — Mercer Boarini introduced a new cocktail menu inspired by Chinese history, mythology, cuisine and philosophy. The aesthetic of the cocktails matches up with the room’s shades of gold and jade, just like a jewel box.

Fanciful sips like the Year of the Tiger and Jade Emperor, among others, use complementary flavors to Cantonese cuisine, such as lychee, persimmon, plum and jasmine pearl tea, as well as more uncommon ones, such as black sesame, peanut and Szechuan peppercorns. Many of these ingredients symbolize good fortune and happiness. Pair them with the Imperial Peking Duck Tasting menu for a decadent evening.

Sip one-of-a-kind cocktails like the Stepford Wife. Credit: Bill Milne

Delilah

Bringing something new to Wynn’s renowned dining collection, Delilah, a partnership with the h.wood Group, takes you back to the historic showrooms of 1950s Las Vegas. With a streamline moderne design by Lenahan, cuisine influenced by American classics from chef Joshua Smith and live music and special performances from today’s biggest stars, count on every moment to be enticing and surprising.

Start the night at Delilah’s 34-seat Little Bubble Bar with a glass of bubbly or the French 75-inspired Stepford Wife cocktail, which comes with an atomized spritz. Don’t miss elevated finger foods, such as the burger, chicken tenders and pigs in a blanket, alongside eccentricities like deconstructed Dover sole “fish and chips” and wagyu beef Wellington for two. And for you and four of your friends, the grasshopper baked Alaska gets a tableside flambé finish on top of mint chocolate chip ice cream, dark chocolate ganache and crème de menthe chocolate cake. Dinner and a show, indeed.

Enjoy Mexican cuisine. Credit: Bill Milne

Casa Playa

The boom of Mexican cuisine and agave spirits echoes throughout the Las Vegas dining scene. At Wynn, executive chef Sarah Thompson creates a dining destination with Casa Playa that brings the authentic flavors of her journeys to Baja to an atmospheric Mexican escape with interesting textures, bright colors and lively patterns — like cascading marigolds, furnishings of organic forms and bold black and white beachscape photography.

Curated by agave expert Noah Arenstein, the extensive mezcal and tequila collection pairs well with dishes such as the Mexican blue shrimp ceviche, the black truffle tostada, Baja fried fish tacos and beef birria for the table.

Wynn throws a party at Allegiant Stadium. Credit: Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Field Club

Beyond dining and cocktails, the Five-Star experience extends to entertainment and the new Allegiant Stadium, which opened in July 2021. Inside the north-end zone, Wynn Field Club offers fans a field-level party for Raiders games, other sporting events and concerts.

Designed by Manica Architecture, Wynn Field Club mimics the look of the stadium and the Raiders brand. If the action on the field isn’t big enough, check out the 42 televisions and 9-foot-by-35-foot LED screen. Expect appearances by Wynn nightlife talent at the two DJ booths powered by a 45,000-watt sound system. And to give it that extra Wynn touch, there’s bottle service and even the chicken fingers from pool party favorite Encore Beach Club.

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Food and Wine, Hotels

This Hotel Offers A Crawfish Concierge

The next Mudbugs and Bubbles event is May 14. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Spring’s arrival at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans offers your chance to attend a New Orleans time-honored culinary tradition, a crawfish boil.

Of course, The Ritz-Carlton takes the humble seafood-and-spice backyard boil and elevates it to something even more special. The hotel hosts an annual Mudbugs and Bubbles series of soirées in its swank hidden courtyard, a white-brick-lined sanctum with a columned gazebo crowned with a wrought-iron curlicue dome, a trickling fountain guarded by a pair of lion sculptures and bountiful greenery, like palms, ferns and topiaries. And the property makes it a thoroughly New Orleans affair — the festive April 24 event featured live Louisiana bluegrass music from local band Bogue Chitto and an appearance by the champagne-loving Merry Antoinettes krewe, whose members showed up in their 18th-century finest with bodices, hoop skirts and big curls.

The Merry Antoinettes were in attendance. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

But the main event is the food: all-you-can-eat succulent crawfish made by the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel’s expert chefs paired with free-flowing Veuve Clicquot in orange goblets. Presiding over the meal is a crawfish concierge, who rolls a cart from table to table scooping a heaving portion of the fragrant seafood, andouille sausage, potatoes, mushrooms, onions and corn on the cob onto a silver jelly roll pan for each partygoer. The mountain of crustaceans looks intimidating to the uninitiated, but the crawfish concierge, chef Jason “Rosie” Flato, demonstrates how to properly peel and eat it. The Louisiana native shares that while deshelling one, locals suck the discarded head, which holds in flavorful juices.

While crawfish look like miniature lobsters, their sweet white meat tastes like a cross between shrimp and crab. The Ritz-Carlton’s citrus-heavy version packs heat and flavor that comes from soaking the crawfish in granulated garlic, mustard seed, Chinese red pepper, cayenne, clove, salt, tangerine, lemon and pineapple, Flato said. But the recipe needs something more. “Timing and temperature are the secrets,” he said. “After 15 minutes, keep tasting.”

Prepare for a feast. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

First harvested in south-central Louisiana’s Atchafalaya swamp, crawfish reside in freshwater streams, ponds and rivers under rocks and along the sandy floor, which is how they got the nickname mudbugs. But the spiny lobster goes by many names. Louisianans call it crawfish. Northerners refer to it as crayfish. And those in Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma use the term crawdad.

In Louisiana, peak crawfish season runs from March to May, and that’s when you see the seafood popping up at New Orleans markets, restaurants and neighborhood boils. Locals wait all year to enjoy the popular Cajun staple. This is the fifth year that The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans has held Mudbugs and Bubbles, and the next edition is set for May 14.

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Hotels, Star Ratings

11 Reasons To Visit Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Right Now

Arrive by yacht to this paradise. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Spanning three islands, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is a tropical paradise floating in the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by picturesque waters, it boasts lavish overwater villas, dining among the treetops and even a private island within the resort. Beyond its extravagant perks, it’s most noteworthy for its warm and impeccable service. That quality won the hotel its first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star accolade in the newly unveiled 2022 Star Awards.

Here are our top reasons why you should check into one of the Maldives’ newest Five-Star refuges:

The Arrival

The Waldorf Astoria offers a luxurious alternative to the tiny seaplane that’s required for most far-flung Maldives resorts. Set sail from Male’s Velana International Airport in style aboard the resort’s private yacht (it’s an extra cost). The final leg on your long journey to the island nation will be effortless in the comfort of the air-conditioned main cabin or on a spacious deck as you nosh on sandwiches and cupcakes and sip champagne.

Reserve the entire ship or share the transfer with other resort guests. Even if you opt for the latter, you’ll still enjoy privacy by claiming one of the wood-lined staterooms, where you can rest in a plush bed during the 45-minute ride.  

Dine among the treetops at Terra. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Terra

Crane your neck to discover seven large nests perched among the treetops. But these aren’t for birds. The handcrafted bamboo nests serve as coveted open-air dining areas for Terra restaurant. The unique setting on top of the palm fronds and other lush greenery makes for a romantic meal.

The seven-course gastronomic menu is equally memorable with artfully composed dishes like Maldivian lobster with miso butter, burnt leek, glazed edamame, lobster bisque foam, ponzu gel and beluga caviar. The nests fill up quickly, so be sure to book ahead of time.

Enjoy the lush spa garden. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Spa

You will instantly feel at ease at this spa, whether you stroll the long lawn to the yoga pavilion overlooking the ocean or enter one of its 10 treatment villas, some of which are overwater. The service offerings are vast, but the hydrotherapy experience is a must. It trumps the usual Jacuzzi-plunge-sauna-steam circuit with a custom-built 2,906-square-foot outdoor pool with stations featuring jet baths, air jets, shower jets and more. The stations have varying levels of intensity to ease muscle tension and boost the immune system and circulation. It unfurls knots after a long flight.

Linger after your treatment in the teardrop-shaped hanging chair amid the tropical flora in the spa garden or poolside refueling with banana chip and sweet tamarind jam sandwiches and ginger tea.

You won’t want to leave your villa’s deck. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Villas

Under thatched roofs, the 119 reef, beach and overwater villas have contemporary living rooms and bedrooms with gray, white and pops of aqua. They also feature bathrooms with stylish touches, like chevron walls and a standalone egg-shaped tub that’s so deep, it should have its own lifeguard.

Despite these tempting interiors, you’ll spend your time outside. All villas offer sprawling decks with expansive pools, dining areas and a swinging day bed. The beach villas overlook lush foliage and give you direct access to the sand, while the other villas allow you to gaze at the ocean from your pool or the overwater hammocks. These outdoor spaces are so extraordinary, you’d be forgiven for staying there your whole vacation.

The Star Club is a destination for kids. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Kids Club

You won’t feel guilty about dropping off your little ones at the family-friendly resort’s Stars Club while you indulge at the spa. Inside this colorful club — a complimentary guest perk — children can play games or do arts and crafts (making slime is a popular one). Out back, there’s a playground with a seesaw, swings and a trampoline, and a small water park complete with slides and a splash pad. Plus, there’s a slate of daily activities that include movies, hair braiding and kiddie yoga.

If you want more individualized attention for your children, a kids concierge can craft a special itinerary based on their preferences.

Take sunset photos at Amber. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Instagrammable Scenery

With unusual dining nests, villa pools and hammocks, and pristine waters everywhere, the Waldorf Astoria seems made for social media, which is why it won our award for the best hotel Instagram account in 2021. But there’s much more to photograph at the stunning escape. Head to alfresco lounge Amber to capture the glowing sunset from the provided tripods while noshing on fresh oysters and avocado bruschetta and toasting flutes of bubbly.

Yasmeen

The Waldorf Astoria has many delicious choices among its 11 restaurants (the newest is an outpost of the popular izakaya-inspired Zuma chain), but Yasmeen stands out. It could be the charming backdrop — the alfresco restaurant looks like a tree-dotted Arabian village with a trickling fountain, antiques and (intentionally) crumbling walls that reveal the ocean.

The Middle Eastern dishes are equally enticing. Order the set menu for hot and cold mezze (we couldn’t get enough of the garlicky labneh) that you’ll want to scrape up with piping-hot pita. But save room for the meaty mixed grill entrées and cheesecake with a pistachio-studded crust for dessert.

This could be your private island. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Private Island

For an over-the-top getaway, reserve Ithaafushi. Available for buyout only, the 344,445-square-foot oasis is the largest private island in the Maldives. And it’s secluded: you can only reach Ithaafushi from the main resort via a short boat ride.

You won’t have to sacrifice any amenities here, and the two luxurious villas and four-bedroom residence accommodate 24. Get pampered at Ithaafushi’s own overwater spa; lounge in five pools — one of which has the resort’s only swim-up bar; and glimpse the turquoise water from the island’s yoga pavilion, sauna, steam room and indoor gym.

Haali serves as the entertainment hub with a full kitchen, bar, DJ booth, pool table, movie-screen-sized TV and a private dining room. Of course, a dedicated staff ranging from personal trainers to chefs is at your disposal.

The Waldorf Astoria elevates the beach picnic. Credit: Jennifer Kester

The Private Dining

Restaurants aside, you can enjoy some one-of-a-kind dining experiences at the Waldorf Astoria, including meals at an isolated sandbank or aboard sunset cruises. The possibilities are seemingly infinite. Try a private wine dinner or wine tasting at The Rock, a cool wine cellar amid boulders whose walls are made of white limestone from Jordan and a bar that’s a slab from a 2,000-year-old tree. It carries more than 1,000 labels, one of the largest collections in the Maldives.

Or try a beach picnic, but we’re not just talking about a blanket thrown on the sand and some bites. The staff digs out sunken seating in the sand and covers it with blankets and pillows to ensure your comfort. A wooden box’s drawers open to reveal sandwiches wrapped in WA tissue paper and decadent desserts. A Bluetooth speaker adds ambiance, though the waves may be the only soundtrack you need.

Take a seat on Li Long’s terrace. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Li Long

Step through the moon gate entrance and into the dining room with cutout screens, warm-colored patterns on the walls and high ceilings and in the center, a nearly seven-foot bell made of infused porcelain and timber that’s a modern take on a Ming vase.

Take a seat on the terrace above the alluring waters and savor dim sum, like chicken siu mai and xiao long bao (soup dumplings), and dishes like tender black pepper wagyu chunks with vegetables. Don’t miss the roasted Beijing duck, a guest favorite. Cooked in a wood-fired oven, the duck arrives at your table on a trolley, where the chef expertly cuts juicy slices for you to stuff into thin pancakes with cucumber and a drizzle of hoisin sauce. It’s the best bite in the restaurant.

Your butler can arrange for a floating breakfast. Credit: Jennifer Kester

The Butler Service

Every guest is assigned a personal concierge, who essentially acts as your butler. The friendly, knowledgeable concierges pack and unpack your belongings and assist with a daily garment pressing, which are complimentary services. But they go beyond that to ensure your trip goes smoothly, from shuttling you in a golf cart to meals and activities to scheduling airport transfers and COVID tests. They help make your stay unforgettable by arranging experiences such as the floating room service breakfast that’s served in your villa’s pool.

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Hotels, Lists

5 Things We Love About Sheraton Grand At Wild Horse Pass

The newly renovated rooms have earth tones and Native American motifs. Credit: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

Roughly 20 miles from downtown Phoenix, on the banks of a Gila River replica, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass strikes the right balance of luxury and rugged, natural beauty. The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended resort pays homage to the Gila River Indian Community (the property resides on its land), specifically Maricopa and Pima tribal culture, in décor and amenities. Interiors, both public spaces and all newly renovated 500 rooms, showcase tribal artwork, such as basket weavings, pottery and paintings.

With many outdoor attractions (including a 36-hole Troon-managed golf course and the 2,400-acre KOLI Equestrian Center) and restorative activities (such as Aji Spa’s Native American-inspired treatments), the resort is great for family vacations, weddings and retreats.

Because the property is so flush with perks, it’s hard to choose just five things we love about this Phoenix resort. But here are the ones that will have us booking a return visit:

The resort is surrounded by natural beauty. Credit: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

A Nature Lover’s Retreat in the City

In a metropolis of more than a million residents, Phoenix’s Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass offers a unique respite from the urban grind. With bountiful nature, from the river to hiking trails, the resort allows you to unwind in the serenity of the Sonoran Desert. But it also is close enough to enjoy the excitement of the city (it’s within a 20-minute drive).

Get authentic treatments at the spa. Credit: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

Indigenous-Inspired Spa Treatments

Utilizing the healing traditions of the Pima and Maricopa tribes, Five-Star Aji Spa spotlights services vetted by tribal elders for authenticity. Fan favorites include the Sacred Prickly Pear treatment, a prickly pear red clay body wrap and full-body massage, and the Ancient Shegoi Wrap & Massage featuring Shegoi, the world’s oldest living plant revered for its healing properties. The spa’s gated pool is an oasis when you want a dip, sans the crowds (or kids) of the other resort pools.

Kid-Friendly Activities

Four pools — one with a heart-racing 111-foot slide — an equestrian center, a tennis court and river activities, like paddleboarding and hydro-biking, will keep kids of all ages busy at this luxury Phoenix resort.

Kai is destination dining. Credit: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

Arizona’s Only Five-Star Restaurant

The state’s only Five-Star award-winning restaurant, Kai is an epicurean destination. The resort’s fine-dining spot uses Gila River Indian Community produce prepared in an innovative (and delicious) fashion using Native American techniques. The menu has a story arc, just like your latest favorite fiction read — and the meal is just as enthralling.

Reserve one of Kai’s outdoor tables for stunning golf course and river views; time dinner during sunset for an even more spectacular sight.

An Event Haven

For a convention, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass has a one-of-a-kind offering. There’s an abundance of meeting rooms and event space — nearly 100,000 square feet, in fact. But with the property’s restorative naturescapes, including babbling brooks and friendly frogs, it still feels like a special getaway. The backdrop will make your next convention or conference much more memorable.

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