Mediterranean-Style Resort with Free Shuttle to the Las Vegas Strip

In the neighborhoods surrounding Lake Las Vegas, colorful, stucco villas and palm trees line cobblestone streets with names like Rue Du Rivoli and Strada Di Villaggio. The entire area feels like a Mediterranean village—complete with pedestrian-only piazzas that lead to cafés, international restaurants, and boutiques with hand-blown glassware—even though it’s actually located about a half hour from Las Vegas, in southern Nevada. Just like in Venice, you can ride in a gondola on the manmade Lake Las Vegas. Aston MonteLago Village Resort sits in the midst of this Mediterranean charm, where it overlooks the lake’s sparkling waters and the craggy desert hills beyond.

Steps away from the resort, Casino MonteLago is located in the western part of Lake Las Vegas. The casino has a number of slot machines, electronic table games, and genie lamps that take quarters; you can try your luck here with the casino credit included in this getaway. To head to the big city, hop on the resort’s free shuttle to the Las Vegas Strip. In the evening, retire to your Luna di Lusso lake-view studio or one-bedroom suite. Each has a private, furnished balcony that looks out onto the lake as well as a small kitchen or kitchenette.

Henderson, Nevada: Thriving Suburb Close to the Vegas Strip

A Las Vegas suburb, Henderson is conveniently close to the Strip but also far enough away to be an escape from the bustle. Livability.com named it a top family vacation destination, highlighting the city’s culture scene, which includes area art galleries and outdoor symphony concerts. At the Clark County Museum, visitors can trace southern Nevada’s history via a timeline exhibit. The museum campus also has several historic buildings—including a decades-old barn and a wedding chapel—as well as a walk-in mining trail.

You’ll find the Hoover Dam, one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders, about 20 miles northwest of town. Take the guided tour if you want to learn more about the dam’s history and get a look at the inner passageways. Nearby Lake Mead hosts all sorts of watersports, including kayaking and fishing, but the bulk of the lake’s recreation area consists of mountains and valley with trails for hiking.

Henderson’s shopping scene is another draw: the town features one of the most popular malls off the Strip, Galleria at Sunset. The two-level shopping center houses more than 140 shops and five department stores. But Galleria really stands out because of its Southwestern-themed decor, including fountains, palm trees, and a topiary of animals in the food court. Alternatively, The District at Green Valley Ranch offers an outdoor shopping experience with a pedestrian-friendly promenade that’s lined with boutiques and restaurants. There are also ample opportunities to relax here with a lushly landscaped central park and a grassy courtyard where musicians play live on Friday and Saturday nights from May through October.

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