Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is a Southern California luxury resort getaway with spa time, poolside lounging, great food, live entertainment—and, yes, a casino
When you hear “casino resort,” you probably have a pretty good idea of what the trip is going to be about. Gambling. Maybe a show. A nice dinner. More gambling.
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel turns that expectation on its head.
Located in Highland, California, near the San Bernardino Mountains and about 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Yaamava’ is certainly a casino resort. And it’s a very big casino. But you could spend an entire weekend here without making gambling the focus of your getaway.
That’s what makes Yaamava’ interesting to me.
There’s a luxury hotel, a Forbes Five-Star spa, an elevated pool deck, plenty of restaurants and bars, a little shopping, and a theater that brings in major touring performers. Everything is under one roof, or close enough that once you check in, you can put away the car keys until it’s time to head home. That’s also a responsible choice if you’re going to be indulging in some of their great cocktails.
Yaamava’ is an adults-only destination; you must be 21 or older to enter the resort, hotel, restaurants, spa, pool, casino, and theater. That makes this a good choice for a couples getaway, girlfriend trip, celebration weekend, or simply a couple of days when you want to be pampered and don’t want to think too hard about logistics.
Yaamava’ works because you can put together the kind of getaway you want. It can be indulgent or relatively restrained, active or lazy, casino-focused or barely casino-adjacent.
Here are my recommendations for turning a stay at Yaamava’ into a Southern California resort getaway.
Note: I stayed at Yaamava’ Resort as part of a media group celebrating the resort’s 40th anniversary.
The Hotel
Stay at the resort and you can pretty much put away the car keys when you arrive. The pool, spa, restaurants, theater, casino, and your room are all right there. Not having to think about transportation for a couple of days is part of the luxury
The hotel has standard guest rooms and a range of suites, including spacious one- and two-bedroom configurations.
A standard room makes sense when your priority is spending your budget on experiences. If you’re planning a spa treatment, a special dinner, and show tickets, you may be happy saving on the room category.
A suite becomes more tempting for a celebration, a longer stay, or a group getaway where you’ll actually use the additional space.
Ask yourself: Will the upgrade change my experience?
Search for dates and rates here.
Things to Do at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
If gambling isn’t your thing, don’t let the word “casino” in the name scare you away. There’s plenty to fill a couple of days without spending hours sitting at a slot machine or gaming table.
And if you do like to gamble? Don’t worry. We’ll get to that, too.
Make It a Spa Getaway
I’m a big believer that sometimes a spa treatment is worth the splurge. Serrano Spa is one of those times.
The Forbes Five-Star spa is a full-service spa and salon, and it feels like an integral part of the resort rather than an amenity tucked away in a forgotten corner of the hotel.
I had the Valmont Signature Facial and loved it. The treatment was wonderfully relaxing, and afterward my skin had that glow that makes you wish you had somewhere special to go that evening. Fortunately, at Yaamava’, you probably do. I headed off for dinner and a show.
If relaxation is part of the reason for your getaway, leave enough time to enjoy the full spa experience rather than squeezing a treatment between other activities. This is one of those places where I recommend slowing down and enjoying the luxury of having nowhere else you need to be.
If your budget allows for one indulgence during your stay, I’d put a treatment at Serrano Spa high on the list.
Spend an Afternoon at the Pool
One of my favorite things about a resort vacation is a day when the big decision is pool or spa.
The elevated pool deck at Yaamava’ makes a compelling case for pool – with one important caveat: Southern California’s summer heat is intense.
Highland is inland, not coastal Southern California, and summer temperatures can soar into triple digits. If you’re visiting during the hottest months, don’t assume you’re going to spend the entire afternoon stretched out on a pool lounger. Even with a pool just steps away, that kind of heat can quickly turn relaxing into uncomfortable.
Plan your pool time accordingly. In summer, I’d head out earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, seek out shade, stay hydrated, and use the middle of the day for the spa, lunch, shopping, or another indoor activity. This is also one situation where the shade provided by a cabana becomes more than just a luxury.
During milder times of year, you’ll have considerably more flexibility to settle in and make a day of it.
The pool area has loungers, two spas, private daybeds and cabanas, plus poolside food and drinks from Radiance Cafe and Helix Bar. It’s easy to settle in for a few hours, order lunch and a cocktail, and make an afternoon of doing very little.
That’s an activity, right?
Regular loungers are the easy way to save here. You still get the pool experience without adding another charge to your getaway.
If you’re traveling with friends, however, take a look at the cabanas. They accommodate up to six people and include a dedicated server, bottled water, fruit, television, and a few additional amenities. Cabana rates vary between weekdays and weekends, so this is one of those splurges that makes considerably more sense when the cost is divided among a group.
For two people? I’d probably save the money for the spa or a great dinner.
For six friends celebrating a birthday? Cabana all the way.
See a Show at Yaamava’ Theater
Don’t think of entertainment at Yaamava’ as an afterthought to your hotel stay or the casino. The theater is one of the strongest reasons to plan a getaway here.
Yaamava’ Theater attracts the kind of major performers you’d expect to see in Las Vegas, but in a venue that feels considerably more intimate. It seats roughly 2,500-3,000 people, so you’re seeing big-name entertainment without disappearing into a massive arena. For the shows I attended, ticket prices were far more appealing than what I’ve become accustomed to seeing for comparable Las Vegas entertainment.
During my stay, I saw Imagine Dragons one night and Snoop Dogg the next. That’s some impressive musical whiplash, and a good example of the diversity of performers scheduled.
The theater itself rivals many of the venues I’ve experienced in Las Vegas. Combine that with the smaller size and generally more approachable ticket prices, and I think entertainment deserves to be near the top of the list when you’re deciding whether to plan a Yaamava’ getaway.
Take a look at the entertainment calendar here, find a must-see show, and build your getaway from there. Here’s what I’d recommend:
Check in, have a great dinner, see the show, grab a late night cocktail, then walk back to your room. The next morning, sleep in and head to the spa or pool.
No fighting Las Vegas traffic. No figuring out transportation between your hotel and the theater. And no long trek through several resorts at the end of the night. This is a great concert getaway.
Enjoy a Little Nightlife
Not ready for bed after the show?
You have options without leaving the resort.
Tukut Lounge features live music and entertainment in a more intimate setting than the theater. If you’re looking for sports rather than music, The 909 combines a sports bar and food hall with more screens than you’ll know where to look.
I’m not someone who needs nightlife every night of a trip, but I appreciate having it available. You can stay out late if the mood strikes, or call it a night and be upstairs in your room a few minutes later.
Browse the Shops
Shopping isn’t going to fill an afternoon, but it’s worth a little time to browse.
A couple shops to note:
1891 Boutique – In addition to fashion and accessories, the shop features jewelry from local and national Indigenous artisans. It gives you an opportunity to find something more distinctive than the standard resort souvenir.
Merch Shop – Authentic sports merchandise and gear from local professional team partners.
Where to Eat at Yaamava’
With numerous restaurants and quick-service options, you don’t need to leave the property to eat well. You don’t have to eat the same kind of meal, or eat at the same place, twice. Unless you want to, of course.
You can have a special-occasion steakhouse dinner one night, Peking duck the next, and grab a terrific plate of chilaquiles when you want something fast and casual.
My approach would be to pick one meal to splurge on and keep the others casual.
Here are my recommendations:
The Splurge: The Pines Modern Steakhouse
If you’re going to splurge on one dinner, The Pines Modern Steakhouse is where I’d start. The restaurant has earned Forbes Four-Star recognition and is designed for the kind of dinner where the meal is the evening rather than something you squeeze in before your next activity.
This is your date-night restaurant, celebration restaurant, or special dinner before a show. Allow time to enjoy it.
Peking Duck at Hong Bao Kitchen
Hong Bao Kitchen was another of my favorite dining experiences at Yaamava’, and the Peking duck was the standout.
This is one of those dishes that I’d go back and order again without feeling any need to work my way through the rest of the menu first. I’d probably be shortchanging myself, though, and there were plenty of other good dishes I discovered during my tasting.
The restaurant draws on a variety of Asian culinary traditions, and it’s a good restaurant choice when you want something more substantial than fast casual but don’t necessarily want the steakhouse experience.
If you’re dining with friends, sharing several dishes is an easy way to try more of the menu.
But get the Peking duck.
Fast Casual: Chingon Kitchen
Chingon Kitchen comes from comedian George Lopez, and it’s important to set expectations correctly: this is fast casual, not a place for a long, leisurely dinner.
That’s part of its appeal.
Order at the counter, get good food quickly, and get on with whatever you’ve planned next. It’s particularly useful when you’re heading to a show, spending the afternoon at the pool, or simply don’t want every meal of the getaway to become an event.
I went for a simple breakfast and ordered my go-to when it’s available: chilaquiles. They were delicious and exactly what I was looking for to ease into the day after a late night.
There are plenty of cocktail and tequila options if that’s what you’re looking for, but I wouldn’t make those the reason to come here. Come because the food is good, it’s quick, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
The Classic Casino Buffet
If a casino buffet is on your to-try list, Serrano Buffet is here. It offers a large selection, making it useful when you’re dining with a group of people who all want something different, or want to eat at different times.
That said, I wouldn’t make the buffet a priority. It’s a fairly standard casino buffet experience, and with so many other interesting dining choices at Yaamava’, I’d spend my food budget in the other restaurants.
The 909
If your getaway overlaps with a big game, The 909 is where you’re likely to find the action. Part sports bar, part food hall, it has all the screens to watch all the sports. Come here when you want something casual, lots of sports, and plenty of high-energy noise.
Poolside: Radiance Cafe
Radiance Cafe serves food on the pool deck, making it easy to have lunch without interrupting a perfectly good afternoon of doing very little.
When It’s Late or Very Early
One of the advantages of a resort that operates around the clock is that food doesn’t necessarily run on your normal schedule. Big Mo’ Cafe offers 24-hour dining, useful after a late show, an evening in the casino, or whenever your stomach hasn’t gotten the memo that dinner ended hours ago.
How Long Should You Stay?
You can certainly do Yaamava’ as an overnight getaway, particularly if you’re coming primarily for a concert. But I think two nights is the sweet spot.
One night goes surprisingly fast. By the time you arrive, check in, get settled, have dinner, and see a show, you’re already thinking about checkout. That’s not relaxing to me. Three nights is perfect for me, but if you aren’t traveling a long distance, two nights will work.
Two nights gives you a full day in the middle when you don’t need to arrive or leave. That’s the day for a leisurely breakfast, spa treatment, pool time, or all three.
A Perfect Two-Night Yaamava’ Getaway
Here’s how I’d pull it together, making sure to make necessary reservations and ticket purchases well in advance.
Day One: Arrive in the afternoon, check in, and explore the resort. Have a leisurely dinner at The Pines, then head to the theater for a show. If you’re not ready for bed, finish with a little casino time or a nightcap.
Day Two: Sleep in. This is a getaway and you’re allowed. Order room service breakfast, then spend the morning at the pool before heading to the spa for an afternoon treatment. After a little downtime in your room, have dinner at Hong Bao Kitchen, followed by another show, live entertainment at Tukut Lounge, or a little casino time.
Day Three: Enjoy breakfast without rushing, squeeze in a little more resort time, and head home.
When to Splurge and When to Save
One of my philosophies about value luxury travel is that knowing where to spend your money matters more than simply spending more of it. There are times when the splurge is worth it, and times when it is not. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision based on your travel priorities and individual preferences.
Here’s where I’d splurge at Yaamava’.
At Yaamava’, I’d splurge on experiences I’ll remember: a treatment at Serrano Spa, dinner at The Pines, and good seats at the theater.
I’d splurge on a cabana if I was sharing it with a group, but for a couple, I’d stick with regular pool loungers and put that money somewhere else.
I’d splurge on the room. We’ve reached the stage of life where a nice hotel matters when we’re going to be somewhere for a couple nights. I like having a little more room to spread out, a comfortable spot for room service breakfast in my robe, and a balcony is always a plus.
I’d mix casual meals with one special dinner instead of making every meal expensive.
And I’d definitely put a limit on the gambling budget.
And Yes, There’s the Casino
The casino has more than 7,500 slot machines, 150-plus table games, and five high-limit rooms. In other words, if gambling is the reason for your visit, you’re not going to run out of options.
If you’re casino-curious rather than casino-committed, set a budget you’re comfortable losing and think of it as part of your entertainment spending. Play a few slots, try a table game, people-watch, and enjoy the energy of the casino floor.
Then go do something else.
I never recommend gambling with money that belongs in another part of your travel budget. The spa, a great dinner, or tickets to see a favorite performer provide a pretty predictable return on your travel dollar. A slot machine does not. That said, I did walk away from the slot machines a couple hundred dollars richer.
Getting to Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is located at 777 San Manuel Boulevard in Highland, California, near the San Bernardino Mountains.
Most visitors will arrive by car, particularly those coming from elsewhere in Southern California. The resort is about 80 miles from downtown Los Angeles, although anyone who has driven in Southern California knows that distance and drive time are two very different things.
The closest major airport is Ontario International Airport (airport code ONT), about 25 miles from the resort. From the airport, you’ll need a rental car, rideshare, or car service. If you’re planning to check in and stay put for two days, I’d opt for a car service rather than rent a car. Once you arrive, you really don’t need to go anywhere.
