Las Vegas, baby! How to plan an unforgettable romantic getaway

By: Lois Alter Mark | USA Today

Laura Kimpton’s LOVE sculpture at The Venetian pretty much says it all — Photo courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Las Vegas may not be the first place you think of when it comes to romance but, think again, because it is the wedding capital of the world. Countless couples have run off to Vegas to declare “I do,” and the city is filled with both stunning and off-the-wall venues in which to get married.

No pressure, though. You can still enjoy the romantic side of Las Vegas without putting a ring on it. Whether you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day getaway or just some much-needed couple time, we’ve put together a list of options to create the perfect itinerary. It just may make you fall deeper in love with each other — and with Las Vegas.

Check into The Fontainebleau Las Vegas

*The Panorama Suite at Fontainebleau Las Vegas is aptly named — Photo courtesy of Mark Mediana, DREX Agency*

Sure, any Las Vegas hotel can be romantic with the right person, but why not opt for the Strip’s latest — and possibly greatest? The city has been anticipating the opening of The Fontainebleau Las Vegas for more than two decades and the result proves that good things are worth waiting for.

Modeled after the iconic Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, it shares its sister hotel’s signature aesthetic and impeccable service. The well-appointed rooms are large and lovely, making the hotel a great home base, especially if you start the day with a sumptuous breakfast in bed.

Other great hotel choices include Wynn and Encore resorts, which never disappoint. (Check out their Big Game Weekend special for Super Bowl 2024.)

Book an unforgettable meal at these top Las Vegas restaurants

*20,000 Leagues Under the Sea will blow your minds — Photo courtesy of Lost Spirits Distillery*

It’s hard to describe 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at Lost Spirits Distillery — the fine dining experience based on the classic novel — without spoiling some of its delightful surprises, so suffice it to say it’s a feast for all your senses. A 16-course tasting menu is served in a submarine-like setting at a long table that seats up to 16 lucky guests. A tip for those who don’t drink: Spirits are fused into many of the dishes; non-alcoholic versions are not available.

For a more classic dinner, you can’t beat Peter Luger Steak House at Caesars Palace. The new outpost of the legendary New York steakhouse serves up delicious USDA Prime with a slew of rich sides, all meant for sharing.

*The Garden Table lets you dine surrounded by the beauty of the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — Photo courtesy of MGM Resorts*

Nothing sets the scene for romance like dining in the breathtaking Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The Garden Table is an exclusive experience that offers you a place of honor in a specially designed structure based on the Conservatory’s seasonal theme. You’ll feel like a royal couple, surrounded by the extravagant floral displays.

If you can’t secure The Garden Table, book a table at Sadelle’s Cafe. Overlooking the Conservatory, it’s a great place for brunch. Share a sticky bun and keep your phone handy, because everything is “Instagrammable.” You’ll want to walk over to the lobby after you eat to take photos under the famous Chihuly glass ceiling.

Kiss your lover in Paris Las Vegas

*Enjoy panoramic views atop the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas — Photo courtesy of Erik Kabik*

The next best thing to being in the City of Light is being in Paris Las Vegas, which has its own Eiffel Tower that’s a half-scale replica of the real one. Ride a glass elevator up to the 46th floor viewing deck — considered one of the city’s most romantic spots — and kiss in front of the panoramic views. You also can take photos at iconic landmarks like the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe, making your friends think you took a quick trip to Paris.

Enjoy a romantic meal at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, where (hint hint) you wouldn’t be the first to get down on one knee and propose.

Experience Love, Italian style, at The Venetian

*Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal at The Venetian — Photo courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas*

One of the most unique things about Las Vegas is that it gives you the opportunity to see the world without leaving the U.S. Get a real taste of Italy at The Venetian, where you’ll swear you’re strolling hand in hand around the real St. Mark’s Square. Or take a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal while a gondolier serenades you.

Pamper yourselves with a couple’s massage

*You’ll want to spend the day together at the Fontainebleau’s Lapis Spa and Wellness — Photo courtesy of Mark Mediana, DREX Agency*

Take time to relax together at one of Las Vegas’ amazing spas. Book “Love in Bloom,” an unparalleled, 120-minute treatment, at The Fontainebleau’s Lapis Spa & Wellness, which includes a body scrub, full body massage, and cups of hot chocolate for both of you. Come early so you can use the spa’s coed facilities, which include a salt room, steam room, and snow and star showers.

Feeling extra indulgent? Book a Couple’s Suite at Awana Spa at Resorts World, where you and your love can indulge in head-to-toe treatments that will leave you completely blissed out.

Immerse all your senses at Arte Museum

*Become part of the art at Arte Museum in Las Vegas — Photo courtesy of Arte Museum*

If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to appreciate art, get tickets to Arte Museum, an immersive art experience where digital technology is used to express the theme, Eternal Nature. You’ll be amazed at the realism of elements like flowers, waterfalls, and jungles, and the way they make you feel, thanks to projection, lighting, sound, and scent.

You’ll want to pose each other and take lots of couple selfies to capture the experience. Stay to see works of art from the masters – Renoir! Klimt! Monet! – and then exit through Arte Tea Bar for a tasty chilled milk tea.

See some of the best Las Vegas shows

*Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles LOVE is all you need — Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil*

If you can miraculously get tickets to see Adele during her residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, grab them for a night you will never forget. As amazing as the superstar sounds on her records, her voice is even better in person. You’ll get goosebumps as you hold hands and belt out her love songs to each other.

Don’t worry if you can’t score seats because, really, all you need is love. “The Beatles LOVE” by Cirque du Soleil is so magical, you’ll find yourselves singing along to hit after hit as performers fly through the air and show off breathtaking stunts and choreography.

Indulge in sweets with your sweetheart

*Dominique Ansel’s Bake the World a Better Place collection is the epitome of decadence — Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment*

Las Vegas is renowned for its over the top desserts, but Dominique Ansel understands that, sometimes, simple is best. The award-winning pastry chef and inventor of the Cronut runs a bakery in Caesars Palace. Whether you pick up the Cronut of the month or something from his new Bake the World a Better Place collection, you’ll be on a blissful sugar high.

Find time and make room between activities to share a CrazyShake at Black Tap in The Venetian. You’ve never seen or tasted shakes like this, piled high with toppings — or whole ice cream sandwiches!

If you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at The Bedford by Martha Stewart, don’t skip the upside-down lemon meringue pie, the mile-high chocolate cake, or the classic crème brûlée.

Raise a glass to love at Vanderpump Cocktail Garden

*Order the Chocolate Covered Strawberry at Vanderpump Cocktail Garden in Las Vegas — Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment*

There are tons of places to toast in Las Vegas, but one of the prettiest is Lisa Vanderpump’s Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace. “The Real Housewives” star has created a lovely, floral atmosphere for love to bloom along with handcrafted cocktails that look as good as they taste.

For a smaller, more intimate setting, Rosina Cocktail Lounge is hidden away in The Venetian and is a romantic choice for a nightcap. There’s even a champagne button so you can keep the bubbly flowing.