Some visitors come to Las Vegas looking for the classic-era experience, when resorts like the Flamingo, Thunderbird, and the Sahara were stand-alone outposts of elegance among the desert sands. For those people, I might suggest bypassing the modern Las Vegas Strip, and instead consider an off-Strip destination like M Resort Las Vegas.

Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing nostalgic about M Resort Las Vegas.

On the contrary, it is about as modern a place as you could ask for, sleek and sophisticated, but plenty of fun. Set on the southernmost edge of the Vegas valley, M Resort has stunning views of the city on one side, and a sweeping panorama of almost unspoiled desert and mountains on the other. Everything is a bit smaller at this masterfully designed resort, so it’s easy to get around, though you wouldn’t know it from the grand entrance and cool, wide pool deck (with sexy cabanas, wading shelves, and a second private pool, the DayDream Pool Club for the over-21 partiers).

The Rooms at M Resort Las Vegas
M Resort Las Vegas rooms are among the best in Las Vegas. Particularly the spacious Executive Resort Rooms, with pillowy bedding, Bose wave stereo, LG plasma TV, full mini bar, floor to ceiling views, and in the marble-lined bathroom, two sinks, a large shower and separate soaking tub with peek-a-boo window. Honestly, few rooms on the Strip even compare.

Food Options at M Resort Las Vegas
Restaurants here include the recently revamped Anthony’s steakhouse, with big slabs of beef and a larger array of sides and salads than many competitors; and Veloce Cibo on the top floor, with creative sushi and small plates—don’t miss the fantastic view from the outdoor lounge.

Then there’s Studio B, the buffet that’s considered by many the best in Vegas. It has a truly sprawling array of very good food (fresh oysters, planked salmon, good fried chicken, the list goes on), desserts by an "award-winning awarded" pastry chef and complimentary beer and wine. There’s also a bar with 96 beers overlooking the Sports Book, and several other good options.

The Spa at M Resort Las Vegas
Though it's more moderately sized than the sprawling Strip spas, it's very well designed, with just about anything you could want, from sauna, steam and big spa tubs to gravity chairs in the relaxation lounge and waterfall showers. My head-to-toe massage was exhilarating and rejuvenating—and enough to ruin my motivation to use the well-equipped fitness center overlooking the pool.

M Resort Las Vegas
12300 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Henderson, NV 89044
(702) 797-1000