A house scent – they call it Asian Garden, a blend of jasmine, lily of the valley and tuberose with vanilla, amber and soft woods – is pumped into the space, designed to connect with emotions and memories, uplift our mood and even influence our behaviours. The lobby’s vibrant, contemporary design and high-gloss architectural details are juxtaposed with stunning floral displays and a magnificent art collection – some on permanent display and others seasonal – meaning there’s always something new to look at or a reason to return. In any case, sensorial stimulation is the game here. Today, ARIA is no less impressive, but we have to consider that competitor resorts have since upped their game and there are a number of new challengers to this once-disrupter in Vegas gaming and hospitality. We can only imagine why it was considered a game-changer for the Strip when it first opened in 2009. Upon entering ARIA, the grandeur is immediately palpable.

In this pursuit of excellence, ARIA is a strong contender for top dog in Vegas, notwithstanding it showing some signs of age. We’ve always believed that luxury in Las Vegas, at its very essence, is all about delivering an experience that’s somehow over the top and rooted in fun, yet with an attention to detail that manifests as a magical ability to exceed guests’ expectations without them even realising.

Aria resort and casino las vegas nevada