Taking a luxury holiday to the finest international resorts, hotels and casinos is a great way of feeling extra special – and getting a relaxing break at the same time.
There’s an added thrill to playing the classic card game alongside fabulous beaches or in the middle of exciting glittering cities.
Casino resorts are becoming more and more popular as online gaming grows. An increasing number of luxury resorts now provide everything from gourmet restaurants to wellness centres – plus the all-important exclusive gambling facilities of course.
Today’s top casino resorts range from the traditional to the exotic.
At one extreme is the time-tested glamour of Monte Carlo Casino, overlooking the Mediterranean. At the other extreme are ultra-modern resorts, like some of those in Vegas or Macau.
To help fuel your finest poker fantasies, we’ve selected some of the most alluring casino resorts in the world today:
The Atlantic, Bahamas
The Atlantic Resort offers a fabulous beachside getaway with large casino complex amid swaying palms and long sandy beaches on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
Its Bridge Suite is one of the world’s most expensive hotel rooms at around $25,000 a night. It’s a huge 1,250 square feet suite with a grand piano, gold chandelier and a permanent staff of seven.
Don’t worry, the normal rooms are much more affordable!
Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas
Vegas is full of luxury casinos like The Bellagio and The Venetian – but experts say the recently revamped Palms Resort may be the best pick at the moment. US laws meant playing poker online wasn’t possible for a long time, enabling the Palms Casino Resort to become the best place in the country for experienced player to visit, as this new complex boasts an amazing collection of modern art by the biggest names like from Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, displayed throughout all the bars, casino floors, restaurants and hotel rooms.
The Venetian Macau
Asia’s gambling capital has its own version of The Venetian – and it has surpassed the Vegas original. It was built with one of the world’s largest casino floors and an amazing replica of the streets and canals of Venice.
Inside this ‘Venice’ are designer stores and luxury restaurants – all overlooked by the main 39-storey hotel offering 3,000 rooms.
Casino de Monte Carlo
Imagine playing a hand of poker at THE original high-end casino. Even today, few resorts can match the classic glamour of Monte Carlo.
The casino is perched on cliffs above the Mediterranean and has a palatial style that is more than 150 years old. Thankfully adjoining hotel rooms have been modernised – while still retaining their elegance and charm.
Note that the casino imposes a strict dress code in the evenings to maintain its glamorous image.
Crown Casino Complex, Melbourne
Australia is emerging as a new casino destination and the Crown is leading the way. The complex has three towering hotels with stunning views and designer stores like Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton and Prada.
The gourmet restaurants including a branch of Nobu and don’t miss the rooftop tennis court where world famous players play.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands is one of Asia’s most striking modern buildings. It has three towers topped by a sweeping roof garden 200 metres above the ground.
The highest infinity pool in the world has spectacular views, dozens of restaurants serve cuisine from around the world and the shopping mall features more than 170 top brands from Armani to Zara.
Park Hyatt Mendoza, Argentina
This hotel, casino and spa complex introduces another new gaming destination. Argentina’s finest casino is housed in an impressive neoclassical building in the country’s classic wine region of Mendoza.
Its facilities include restaurants, pools, spas – and gaming room with 20 tables and hundreds of machines.
The Venetian Resort, Aruba
Another Venetian but a very different one. This is a boutique-style resort known for its intimate and personalized service.
This smaller, more exclusive Caribbean atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more upscale poker experience.
Guests stay in spacious suites with private balconies or patios. The stylish atmosphere rages from high quality Italian-inspired food to serene courtyards with hot tubs amid the greenery.
Outside there’s easy access to the spectacular Eagle Beach – and nearby attractions like golf courses and water sports.
The growth of holiday casinos
The rise of luxury casino resorts is all part of a rebranding of the gaming world that has seen casinos become a respected part of holidays. Casinos are now found in places as different as luxury cruise ships, boutique city breaks and seaside beach resorts.
All this is great news for poker fans worldwide. Yes, we can all play online whenever and wherever we want now – but when we have the chance for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday treat it would be good to be able to play poker there too!