Bill BakhoWhat do you get when you mix a top-notch casino, 5-star accommodations, amazing food, an incredible pool and a luxury theatre and add the nicest team & staff around? You get the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel!
Yaamava’, which translates to “Spring” in the Maara’yam (Serrano Indian) language, really makes you feel welcomed. This was the first time I have stayed at a Native American Indian Casino and what an amazing surprise. The first time walking into the brand-new 17-floor hotel I was swept away by the pleasant aromas and handmade colorful flowers and butterflies all through the front lobby.
After checking in we headed to our suite and were blown away by how beautiful the design was along with the views of the sacred San Bernardino Mountains. There was no detail missed in the suite from the Frette robes and slippers to the heavenly bedding and sheets to the great shower and soaking tub, everything in the suite screams luxury.
Photo courtesy of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
After getting settled, it was non-stop for the next 2 days. We headed to the 17th Floor Y Lounge for some spirit tasting, which became our favorite place to hang out every night for a night cap. We were greeted by Ryan Sharpe, the Director of Beverage Operations, and Joey Gottesman, the Assistant Manager/Mixologist, with a range of incredible whiskeys and cocktails for our tasting. The Y Lounge had an impressive collection of spirits handpicked by Ryan and Joey from around the world, some you will be familiar with and other spirits that are exotic and very rare. If you haven’t ever had a professional tasting you should try it. It’s so much fun learning the proper way of enjoying these beautiful spirits.
After we finished, we headed for a tour of the resort & casino. Yaamava’ has more than 7,000 slots, 150 table games, five high-limit gaming rooms, incredible entertainment at the newly opened start-of-the-art theatre, a full array of dining options, first-class spa & salon, gorgeous pool deck, 8 retail shops and a generous player’s reward program. When the tour ended we went up to the suite to get ready and headed to dinner at The Pines Modern Steakhouse. The vibe of The Pines was modern steakhouse and the food was off the charts. Every dish that we had looked like a piece of art but tasted even better. A must dessert that you need to order is the multi-colored cotton candy! With our sugar rush in full effect, we went straight to the Y Lounge to end the night with some champagne, and unique cocktails and enjoy the view of twinkling lights for miles.
Yaamava’ Resort and Casino at San Manuel. Spa architecture. Dec. 2021 (Photo by Eric Reed)
The next morning we ordered some delicious room service and appreciated the views of the sacred San Bernardino Mountains from our suite. After breakfast, we headed to the Serrano Spa for some pampering. The Serrano Spa was incredible. The staff and therapists are some of the best in the business. I received one of their signature CBD and aroma therapy massages. It was a heavenly experience from start to end. You start your treatment with a gentle ding of charm bells and end your massage by picking out some healing colorful stones to take home with you.
After our relaxing massages and treatments, we headed to our cabana to have some snacks by the pool. The pool deck is so impressive with multiple cabanas, spas, fire pits and a massive pool. It was a perfect way to enjoy the afternoon and relax.
For our last night, we decided to go to Hong Bao Kitchen for a yummy Chinese feast. They have something for everyone from veggie to meat to seafood dishes. Make reservations before you go because this restaurant can get very busy. After dinner, we decided to try our luck and have some fun at the slot machines before we headed to the Y Lounge one last time before we left in the morning after an incredible few days.
Yaamava’ is a great place for a quick romantic getaway, a guys or girls weekend trip, a fun night out with friends or a relaxing vacation. A place that you need to visit.
A few weeks later we returned to Yaamava’ for the opening of the Yaamava’ Theater for a surprise performance from the iconic American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Chili Peppers and the theater’s sound system did not disappoint. Everyone rocked the night away. Check out the Yaamava’ website for upcoming concerts or more information about the hotel & casino.
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