Solara by Ritual Collective

📍 Bel-Aire Backyard, Durango Casino | Las Vegas, NV

🌓 Summer Solstice Edition | Monday Night, June

TL;DR

Solara by Ritual Collective is one of the most thoughtfully produced wellness events we’ve seen—not just in Vegas, but anywhere. It was held outdoors at the brand new Durango Casino’s Bel Air Backyard with full private access, and every detail—from the sound bath to the moodboard to the timing—was handled with real intention.

This isn’t just a yoga class or a social hour. It’s part of a growing shift toward actual wellness tourism in Las Vegas. It’s beautiful. It’s organized. And it’s worth paying attention to.

The vibe is curated, the crowd comes styled, and while there’s time to mingle, don’t expect icebreakers—most people come with their crew. There’s a bar, but alcohol isn’t the center of the experience.

If you want something elevated, immersive, and aligned with how Vegas wellness is starting to grow - This is it.

What Is This?

Solara was the summer solstice edition of a pop-up wellness series produced by Ritual Collective—a local team led by studio owner and facilitator Dana Kay (@danaofthedesert). 

Each event blends movement, ceremony, and immersive sound in different environments around Vegas. We attended just one edition of what is shaping up to be one of the most promising wellness event series in Las Vegas. Keep an eye out for upcoming pop-ups at both Durango and Rooted Lounge, and follow @ritualcollective_ for the next one.

Who’s Behind It?

Everything was led by one woman—founder, facilitator, and Vegas studio owner, Dana Kay. After losing her space unexpectedly, she started producing these pop-ups while rebuilding. What she’s delivering now? Polished, professional, and deeply intentional. 

And if this is her version of a temporary setup, we’re paying close attention to what she does next, which is opening her brand new studio Summer 2025 in the Vegas Arts District. Get updates on Rooted Lounge’s opening (expect a future tour from us!) on their website.

Why This Matters

Wellness tourism is finally starting to take root in Las Vegas in ways that feel relevant, high-caliber, and worth planning around—and this event is proof.

Solara is part of a growing wave of experiences designed for people who want to go out without defaulting to the bar. This is the kind of experience corporate travelers, sober-curious visitors, and well-ish locals have been waiting for: a reason to get dressed up, go out, and be in a space that isn’t centered on drinking. 

We’re still early in this scene. But if you’re looking for what’s next in Vegas wellness culture? Solara is already doing it.

Why Solara Is Setting the Standard for Vegas Wellness Events

What You’d Ask Me If We Were On the Phone

Was it actually good?

Yes—exceptionally good. The entire event was cohesive, intentional, and clearly rehearsed. Dana Kay, the woman behind it all, led every element: yoga, breathwork, fire ceremony, and sound bath. The synchronized flow between the DJ, live percussionist, and yoga instruction was especially impressive.

What was the format?

It started with a sunset "yogish" flow around 6:30 p.m. (delayed slightly from the 6:00 posted time). Not super strenuous—toned down intentionally due to the heat—but just enough to move and drop in. That was followed by a long break with time to hang, mingle, order food, or lounge poolside. Around 9:00P came the short but symbolic fire ceremony complete with fire dancers, then a quick, fun fashion show where guests strutted their themed looks. The night wrapped with a fully immersive 360-degree sound bath under the moon, featuring live instrumentation, gongs, chimes, and layered acoustic elements that surrounded you from all sides. It wasn’t just calming—it was cinematic and deeply felt.

What should I wear?

They post a full moodboard before each event, and people show up for it. Think: Lulu, Alo, statement jewelry, hair done, full face. Some even changed outfits between yoga and nighttime mingling. Definitely lean into the theme. Bonus: they had a mini fashion show where you could win prizes for showing up on theme.

Should I bring anything?

Water (non-negotiable, it’s the desert). A bathing suit or change of clothes if you want to take advantage of the pool. Maybe a towel or grippy layer for under your yoga mat— there was some slippage on the turf. Everything else is covered.

Was it social? Will I meet people?

This wasn’t structured for connection. No icebreakers, no prompts to engage with your neighbor—just open time to mingle between segments. Most people came with a group, so if you’re coming solo, expect to work up some courage to meet new people, or to relax in the pool for a bit between sets. That said, it is a great way to find your people if you’re looking for wellness-minded events in Vegas. We met up with friends and still felt like we were doing something fresh and intentional, not just defaulting to the bar.

How’s the location?

Durango Casino’s Bel-Aire Backyard is stunning. Full private access means no hotel guests or kids—just adults, music, intentional design, and clean Vegas nighttime air. Valet available by the pool entrance or free parking on the casino side.

Would you go again?

Absolutely. We're already watching for the next date.

What We Noticed (Because We Notice Everything)

• Monday night was a smart play—low pressure, high potential for wellness pros and service industry locals to actually show up.

• There was a long pause between the yoga flow and the fire ceremony. Although the dancefloor was open and ordinarily we'd be there! This [DJ] set was a bit more mellow, and we were feeling more of a seated vibe. If you were solo, this part might've felt like a bit of dead air.

• Dana, the DJ, and the percussionist were totally in sync—you could tell this wasn’t pieced together. The whole thing felt sharp, thoroughly rehearsed, and perfected.

• The fans given as gifts were a pleasant surprise!

• The pool was open, and never got sloppy. It stayed calm, ambient, and part of the vibe—not a distraction.

• No kids. No random hotel guests. Just grown-up, curated wellness.

Food + Drink

Bar: Full-service bar was available, but not central to the experience.

Mocktails: Ritual (yes, our go-to n/a brand) was serving zero-proof margaritas and mojitos. Flavor was on point, but they were a little sweet. Durango: We’re ready for monk fruit syrup season. 🙏

Food: Low-key menu with fish tacos, chicken tenders, and fries. Not the star of the show, but appreciated if you needed a snack.

Overall: Offered enough for mixed lifestyle crowds—whether you’re drinking or not, there were solid options to work with. Probably wouldn't plan on dinner from the limited menu of mostly bar convenient items.

Planning Tips

💦 Hydrate: Bring a full water bottle. You’ll want it, especially during the flow.

🧘‍♀️ Mat Setup: The turf gets slick. Add a towel or grippy layer under your mat to avoid sliding.

🎒 What to Pack: Bathing suit, change of clothes if you want to dip in the pool or clean up after movement. Towels were available from the hotel.

💃 Theme-Check: Follow the posted moodboard—it’s part of the fun.

🧍‍♀️ Roll Deep (or Prep to Chill): There’s downtime between sessions.

🅿️ Parking: Valet by the pool or self-park on the casino side—both were easy.

Bottom Line

If you’re in Vegas and want an immersive, beautifully executed experience that doesn’t feel like copy-paste yoga in a hotel ballroom—this is it. Follow them, bookmark it, and plan ahead. We’ll absolutely be going back.