Mariah’s Carey concert in Yaamava was a must see, as was the resort

Mary Carey brought Christmas cheer to the West Coast early this month, kicking it off Christmas time tour at the Yamava’ Resort & Casino in Highland, California, on November 6. The holidays are known to be a favorite time of year for the singer who is also known as the Queen of Christmasbut this 21-date concert series is particularly special as it marks the 30th anniversary of her 1994 ninefold platinum album Merry christmas. To commemorate the occasion, Carey added two popular songs from her first Christmas album to the setlist: her rendition of “O Holy Night” and the self-penned “Miss You Most (at Christmas Time).”

The feel-good holiday energy of the concert, which also featured Carey’s classics like “We Belong Together,” “Always Be My Baby” and “Fantasy,” as well as songs from her 2010 second Christmas album Merry Christmas II You, was enhanced by the intimate interior of the property’s theater, a 3,000-capacity space that makes you feel like you’re among 300 fans with its large video walls, premier views of the stage from all four seating levels and a audio experience put together by L-acoustics.

The Christmas time The tour stop marked Carey’s second show at Yaamava, and after spending a night at the resort and casino, it was easy to see what brought her back. Read on to learn more about the property, which, located just 65 miles from Los Angeles, is the perfect spot for a solo retreat or a getaway with friends.

The resort

It’s not often that you experience a sense of tranquility at a resort casino, but that’s exactly what the picturesque rolling brown hills you view from the floor-to-ceiling windows in your resort room provide. The two-bedroom suite I stayed in was exceptionally spacious and well-equipped for group travel, with two and a half bathrooms, one with a fantastic bathtub, a large dining table and chairs, a living room and a kitchenette with bar stools.

Additionally, there is a balcony where you can lounge and enjoy the aforementioned views. It was a pleasant surprise when I returned to my room after the concert to find my bedroom ready for a good night’s sleep, with the curtains drawn, slippers placed next to my bed, and a sleep mask placed on my pillow for me.

I was able to take the peace one step further with a 60-minute massage Serrano Spa the next morning. My masseuse, Ligia, was incredibly attentive to the parts of my body I asked her to focus on, and I loved the personal touch of being able to choose my own massage oil scent, as well as crystals to take with me after the treatment. The hardest part of the experience was leaving after using the other amenities, such as the sauna and steam room, and lounging in the private women’s relaxation room.

Unwinding with a nightcap in the exclusive Y Lounge was another highlight of my stay. The outdoor space is located on the 17th floor and offers panoramic views of the San Bernardino Mountains, while inside there is a bar with a luxurious collection of wines and spirits and a secret cigar lounge where a stick will set you back anywhere from $17 to $5,000 costs. . You’ll also want to come back in the morning for the free breakfast bar. The chef’s unique take on shrimp and grits is sure to please your taste buds.

The Casino

The first thing I noticed about the casino was what it didn’t have: the unpleasant cloud of cigarette smoke that often hangs around the gambling tables in Vegas. What the smoke-free environment did have, however, were more than 7,400 slot machines – the most of any casino west of the Mississippi – and an array of private rooms for high rollers that will make you want to boost your money, or at least your Club Serrano membership, which entitles you to all kinds of VIP discounts and exclusive offers during your stay.

Drinks are not allowed on the casino floor until after 5 p.m., which adds to the sophisticated look of the scene, making it a safe bet as a travel stop for the new wave of aunts who still want to have fun without unnecessary boisterousness.

There is also a plethora of diverse dining options in the casino, from George Lopez’s Mexican restaurant Chingon cuisine and Asian cuisine Hong Bao Unpleasant Pines’ modern steakhouseranked No. 1 in USA TODAY’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Casino Restaurant.

You may also run into some trouble with the on-site shops, which range from gift shops where you can buy souvenirs for friends and family back home, to high-end stores like 1891 Boutique.

Are you convinced that you should see for yourself, or better yet, stay? Here are a few upcoming shows at the Yaamava’ Theater to plan your trip:

November 24: Charlie Wilson

December 2: John Legend

December 7: Gladys Ridder

December 20: Boys II Men

December 31: 112 and Black Street

January 7: Monica

January 17: LL COOL J

January 19: Xscape