For those of us out there who love to travel and combine our vacations with an array of entertainment options, the past 10 months have proved to be somewhat challenging. Staying at home more may have resulted in more savings, more time with loved ones and perhaps an appreciation of what matters the most, but for those who love to be on the go and experiencing all that the world can offer, it has no doubt been difficult at times.
When the time comes to take your next holiday, you’ll most likely be looking for a way to combine all the things that you love, and for those who love a flutter, the fantastic selection of casino resorts across the world offer so much more than a floor filled with game tables and slots.
It isn’t just Las Vegas and Macao that keen gamblers can head to for the cream of the crop and for those travelling with friends or family who aren’t so fussed about spending time at the casino, it is important to find a balance between a good holiday and the odd flutter. Things have changed with lavish casino resorts popping up everywhere and offering a wide range of activities, entertainments options and stunning surroundings to explore, and the casino holiday experience just got a lot more exciting.
We take a look at five of the best luxury casino resorts around the world that not only make for a great casino orientated experience, but also a great holiday as well.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Spin to win in the heart of Caribbean paradise. A notable name in the hospitality world, ‘Hard Rock’ is synonymous with supreme entertainment and here at this destination, you simply cannot go wrong. Boasting an impressive 13 swimming pools each in different forms and various themes, you will also find 23 bars and the biggest casino on the island.
Standing at 45,000 square feet, this Las Vegas style casino offers you 450 different slot machines and 40 gaming tables as well as Dominica Republic’s largest sportsbook. Effectively this screams luxury and while there is the sense of an ‘all-action’ vibe on paper, in reality, it offers the best of both worlds.
Situated right on the beach, where you can enjoy mesmerising sunsets, there are also numerous spa facilities for you to take a break from the gaming tables and relieve some stress. If you do not feel like dragging yourself to the casino though, you can find a number of exciting jackpot games to play via your mobile from the comfort of your own surroundings here at your leisure!
Melia Nassau Beach, Bahamas
Crystal clear blue sea with views as far as you can see, captivating sunsets, and a highly impressive casino, right in the centre of paradise – what more could you want? This resort also boasts three pools which vary considerably; one is surrounded by waterfalls and palm trees and another features a swim-up bar, providing a great way to relax if you need a break from the tables.
Speaking of which, the casino at the Melia Nassau Beach offers, perhaps, more of an intimate feel than most of which you will find in the Caribbean, and the service is top class. With an assortment of the most popular slot machines as well as numerous table games to choose from, you can also find a Starbucks close by if you feel that you are in need of a caffeine break.
Sunborn Yacht Hotel, Gibraltar
Arguably a highlight of this British-owned colony, the Sunborn Yacht Hotel is an impressive structure in Gibraltar and is known as a ‘floating hotel’ permanently anchored in one of Gibraltar’s most salubrious spots.
Situated in the exclusive Ocean Village resort, which, in itself could be defined as a floating marina, you will find exquisite bars and restaurants as you walk around while enjoying the impressive view of the Sunborn before your eyes. With a pool and pool bar on the top deck, you can take in breath-taking views of the marina and mainland Spain, while also hopping down to the yacht’s very own 24-hour casino when you feel like it.
This itself is perfectly apportioned and definitely has a more exclusive feel to it than the Admiral Casino next door (Gibraltar is somewhat of a hot spot for gambling). With a range of table games, a fully serviced bar and numerous slot machines scattered around, it is highly unlikely that you will find a casino experience like this again.
If you feel like stretching your legs, you can spend an afternoon working your way to the top of the rock (though there is also a cable-car as well), where you will find Gibraltar’s iconic monkeys, as well as sumptuous views across Andalucia.
The Venetian Macau, Macau
When it comes to sheer extravagance and opulence, you simply cannot go wrong with The Venetian, situated in the highest-grossing gambling hot spot in the world. Everything about Macau as a place screams luxury and it has been built to cater, essentially for the super-rich, though you can still enjoy it on a relatively modest budget.
The Venetian boasts the biggest casino in the world and, as a result, cost a staggering $2.4 billion to build. The casino itself stands at a combined 550,000 square feet and includes in excess of 3,000 slot machines as well as 750 different table games for you to choose from, while there is also a dedicated hall for sports events.
Also featuring exquisite suites and multiple Michelin Star restaurants that offer cuisine from all around the world, your appetite will only increase when you see what they have on the menu.
Hideaway at Royal Riverton, Cancun, Mexico
If you are in search of the perfect blend of luxury and entertainment, then the sun-kissed Hideaway just a 20-minute commute from Cancun airport is the one for you. Not only does this have its own casino which features an impressive selection of slots and table games, but it offers guests $50 of free credit to get started.
You will find 10 restaurants differing in themes from Greek to Japanese, and you can also find a range of beauty treatments to choose from, accompanied with a hydrotherapy circuit. Located on the beach, you can enjoy a drink watching the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico or enjoy one of the resorts swimming pools, or if you are feeling energetic, maybe even a game of tennis.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating