Wanderlust: Exploring Encore Boston

The event lawn of Encore Boston. Photography courtesy of Encore Boston.

The Las Vegas strip beckons with its beaming neon lights and monstrous resorts, but it sure is far away, requiring planes, trains and automobiles to get there. There’s an easier way to catch that what-happens-in-Vegas-stays-in-Vegas vibe, and it’s only an hour’s drive from Providence. The destination is Encore Boston Harbor Resort (encorebostonharbor.com), a mega-casino that is loaded with fine dining and luxury shopping options, plus high-end accommodations. 

The premier king room promises a comfortable stay. Photography courtesy of Encore Boston.

Check in for a night or two into a king-sized room or suite. Many have views of the Boston Harbor and city skyline, and feature 507-thread-count linens and deep-soaking tubs. You may never want to leave the room, but dinner calls at the newly revamped Rare Lounge and Rare Steakhouse. For the full experience, go for the steakhouse. The menus spotlight dry-aged Kobe beef steaks and lighter bites like tiny ahi tacos, lobster rolls and pigs in a blanket stuffed with Wagyu beef dogs. All pair well with a martini or a nice glass of cab. 

Dinner and cocktails at Rare Lounge and Rare Steakhouse. Photography courtesy of Encore Boston.

After you’ve had your fill, head out for a night of gaming at slots and tables, or go for the big bucks in the high-limit gaming area. There are also 100 WynnBET sports kiosks throughout the property and a state-of-the-art WynnBET Sportsbook sports bar. Try your luck, then stop for a nightcap at upscale lounge Mystique, or maybe even take entertainment to another level with deejays and dancing at Memoire. 

When you eventually make your way back to your room for some shut-eye, the ample amenities make it feel like home. Set an alarm (or don’t), and wake up to a room-service breakfast or sit-down brunch at Garden Cafe, followed by a spa visit. 

Enjoy brunch at the Garden Cafe. Photography courtesy of Encore Boston.

The Spa at Encore Boston is an awe-inspiring self-care experience with 19,000 square feet of treatment rooms. Rest in the common relaxation area before your treatment, or take part in the sauna, steam room or plunge pool (bring your swimsuit). Spa treatments include Ayurvedic Aromatherapy and Lomi Lomi-inspired massages as well as Biologique Recherche booster facials and HydraFacials. After a rejuvenating session, take a ride over to the nearby North End for some incredible eats.

The rejuvenating Spa at Encore Boston. Photography courtesy of Encore Boston.

Stop into bakeries like Mike’s (mikespastry.com) and Modern Pastry Shop (modernpastry.com) for cannoli, as well as some of the lesser-known mom-and-pop shops located down alleyways. North End kingpin Nick Varano owns celebrity-studded Strega (stregaitaliano.com), where family-style meatballs, burrata and calamari can be shared along with pastas. Or check out one of Frank DePasquale’s restaurants, including Bricco, Mare, Aquapazza, Quattro, Umbria or Trattoria Il Panino (depasqualeventures.com). Right next to Bricco, head down the side alley to get to Bricco Salumeria and Pasta Shop (briccosalumeria.com), where you can buy imported Italian meats and cheeses, olive oils, vinegars, housemade mozzarella, fresh bread and handmade pastas. Pack up some goods so you can satisfy cravings for Boston’s Little Italy long after you return home. 

The Atrium Ferris wheel. Photography courtesy of Encore Boston.