From Cirque du Soleil to David Copperfield and club TAO to Studio 54, extravagance is the essence of Las Vegas. This May, there is one more event that defines the luxury of Las Vegas. 60 restaurants, 50 chefs, 30 sommeliers, 30 events, and four extraordinary resorts collaborate for one incredible weekend: the sixth annual Vegas Uncork’d! by Bon Appétit magazine. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and Mandalay Bay are putting on an event
worthy of their luxurious brand.

Bon Appétit has remained one of food lovers’ most trusted guides. As the country’s largest epicurean magazine with the most affluent readership, Bon Appétit produces recipes, tips, techniques, world of lush travel, and up-to-the-minute restaurant coverage. Each of their issues is known for featuring up-and-coming as well as renowned tastemakers, chefs, restauranteurs, fashion designers, and celebrities.

Lasting from Thursday, May 10 to Sunday, May 13, Vegas Uncork’d! in Las Vegas is any food lover’s dream. In addition to fan favorites such as Grand Tasting (Sixty restaurants participate in this ultimate outdoor culinary experience at Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis); After-Hours the Remix (Chef Alain Ducasse is joined by chef Hubert Keller and Mandalay Bay executive pastry chef and master chocolatier Vincent Pilon for a late-night party at Mix, the rooftop lounge at Mandalay Bay; and VIP Saber-Off at Caesars Palace, this year, Bon Appétit is boasting a brand new, extended program:

• Master Series Dinner with Michel Richard, Thursday, May 10: Caesars Palace adds a new restaurant to its Master Series dinners—Central, helmed by renowned chef Michel Richard and his James Beard Award–winning staff.
• Follow That Food Truck, Thursday, May 10: The most sought-after food trucks from Las Vegas and surrounding areas join forces for one incredible festival. Join chefs Julian Serrano, Todd English, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Michael Mina for live music and ice-cold beers on Bellagio’s rooftop.
• Too-Hot Tamales Live Demonstration, Friday, May 11: Hosted by Bon Appétit editor in chief Adam Rapoport, chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger prepare a fourcourse menu with tequila pairings at Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill.
• Paella Lunch with José Andrés, Friday, May 11: One of the restaurant industry’s most captivating personalities, José Andrés lets loose with a live demo on how to make one of Spain’s signature dishes. He’ll prepare it on a wood-fired paella grill—the only one of its kind in the U.S.—at Jaleo in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
• Gone Fishing with Costas Spiliadis, Saturday, May 12: Join chef Spiliadis at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as he shares his secrets to selecting the highest-quality fish at the market, secrets on making fish at home, and healthful eating through the Mediterranean diet.

Jay Sarno owned a chain of “cabana” motels across the U.S. and looked at Las Vegas as his place for expansion.

Back in 1962, Jay Sarno used a $10.6 million loan from Teamsters Central States Pension Fund, to begin construction of an elegant Las Vegas resort. Caesars Palace was built on a 34-acre piece of property.

Initially, the Vegas resort was to be named the Cabana Palace. It next changed to the Desert Palace, then finally Caesars Palace.

Sarno went to the nth level of detail to model after the ancient Roman time period. Sarno included everything form the traditional Roman decor, toga-like waitress costumes, the hotel logo, the parchment-like desk stationary, matchbooks and business cards with simulated burnt edges.

Building the mighty hotel did have its share of construction problems. One notable one was when builders hit water during the building of a planned underground parking lot. Using coverts to divert the water, building eventually resumed but sometime later, the underground parking plan was abandoned.

Inside Caesars was a very large casino that seemed to go on forever. The casino offered a shallow oval-shaped dome hanging low over the gaming pit. Sarno felt this design created relaxation. The casino offered no windows and the ceiling was blacked-out. Away from the massive casino, a variety of retail shops, restaurants, lounges and corridors awaited the hotel’s patrons. Down one corridor was the impressive Circus Maximus, the resort’s main showroom.

Caesars Palace opened on August 5, 1966, offering visitors a mighty 14-story, 700 room resort to Las Vegas.

There have been many memorable moments held at Caesars Palace. One that was legendary for years to come occurred on December 31, 1967. That was when Evel Knievel failed in his attempt to jump over the famous Caesars’ fountain in his motorcycle.

As the hotels expansion continued in 1973, Del Webb Corporation built a 16 story, 333 room high-rise tower that finished the following year. Then in 1979, a 22-story tower was completed.

To finish what his famous dad couldn’t, Robby Knievel, son of Evel Knievel, did make the jump over Caesars’ fountains on April 14, 1989.

Caesars palace has continued to grow and expand, adding more rooms, casino space, fine dining and luxury shopping.  A visit to the Caesars Palace Forum Shops is a must.

You can find a wide variety of romantic places to stay for you and your loved ones to enjoy while in Las Vegas.

But what if you want to enjoy a wonderful pampering experience? Well, we have put together a wonderful list of available and luxurious Valentine’s Day specials that you are sure to enjoy.

Valentine’s Day Tropical Soufflé Manicure and Pedicure

This Pevonia Tropical Soufflé Manicure and Pedicure available at the Spa & Salon at ARIA replenishes and hydrates all while enhancing the skin’s overall appearance and texture.  Regain youthful looking hands and feet with ARIA’s papaya- pineapple body balm, and salt mousse. This treatment is available from February 11-14 and includes a complimentary glass of champagne and a delicious Valentine’s Day chocolate.

• Cost: $200
• Time Length: 50 or 80 minutes

ARIA Valentine’s Signature Couples Massage

Light to deep pressure, this massage is designed specifically for you.  Consult with your massage therapist to create a custom full-body massage, focusing on particular areas to provide stress relief, ease tension, or just “get the knots out.”  From February 9 to 16, this treatment will include special Valentine’s Day gifts: signature sandstone scrubs, two signature lotion bottles and a gift set of chocolates.

• Cost: $185 or $270 (per person)
• Time Length: 50 or 80 minutes

Cherries & Chocolate Facial

Indulge in this delicious and ultimate facial.  Combine the power of the Wild Black Cherry Enzyme Peel with the Cocoa Powder Chocolate Mask.  Both are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and leave the skin glowing.  Top this sinfully decadent facial off with a glass of champagne!

• Cost: 50 min $145 or $195
• Time Length: 50 or 80 minutes

Cherries & Chocolate Manicure/Pedicure

Whoever said food should remain in the kitchen hasn’t experienced our delightful combination of chocolate scrub and cherry body balm on their hands and feet!  Enjoy this scrumptious duo with a glass of bubbly.

• Cost: $115
• Time Length: 75 minutes

Amatela-Love Her Blow Dry and Air-Brush Special

A cleansing with “love”, Davines cleansing and conditioning products will rinse her stress away, leaving her hair shiny and manageable. A personal stylist will then provide a “Bellagio Blow Out”, leaving her hair sexy, fun and flirty.  The service is followed by a naturally flawless professional airbrush makeup application – beginning with the custom blending of pigment colors for a seamless and precise skin color match.  Her look is completed with a pair of voluminous strip lashes, leaving her ready for her Valentine’s night.  To top off her Salon experience, an endless glass of champagne awaits her, with a promise to keep the bubbly flowing as she enjoys the salon services.

• Cost: $250 and an optional $20 for an unlimited amount of champagne from Bellagio’s select reserve
• Time Length: 2 hours

Amalo– Love Him Royal Shave and Haircut

Treat him like royalty with a luxurious aromatherapy skin treatment and facial massage – this blend is specially designed to clarify and rejuvenate the skin while enhancing its texture and suppleness.  Once the skin is prepared, the face is carefully shaved twice and wrapped in a steamed towel to prepare the skin for a custom botanical-based mask that replenishes necessary nutrients lost during the shaving process.  As a final touch, the mask is removed with natural sea sponges soaked in lemon essential oils and an after shave balm is applied to further sooth the skin and replenish its natural moisture.  After the face is cleansed and rejuvenated, the hair will be professionally shaped and styled, leaving feeling like royalty!

• Cost: $115
• Time Length: 75 minutes

Sweetheart Manicure & Pedicure

Bellagio’s Sweetheart Manicure and Pedicure includes a gentle exfoliation indulging Turbinado Sugar from Hawaii with unrefined Cocoa Butter, & pure spun honey.  Packed with essential trace elements, this scrub will help stimulate cell renewal, add vitamins, which all help to hydrate the skin.  To sweeten your experience even further, a Cocoa Organic Mask treatment, rich with pure Hawaiian cane sugar, premium African Forestro Cocoa, and ground chocolate which naturally delivers iron, magnesium, vitamins and antioxidants will be applied directly to the skin.  The hands and feet will feel an invigorating boost, leaving instant and dramatic results. Lastly, indulge in a soothing massage with a Chocolate Aroma, the ultimate Moisturizer, used to keep skin smooth and soft. This decadent experience is the ultimate way to enjoy Chocolate, guilt-free and is available for the whole month of February.

• Cost: $75 (manicure) or $105 (pedicure)
• Time Length: 50 (manicure) or 60 minutes (pedicure)

Valentine’s Amore Face & Body Rejuvenation

Love yourself from head to toe throughout the month of February with a skin quenching scrub performed with the white sands from the coast of Bora Bora.  This scrub will be customized with a choice of spice essence: cinnamon-vanilla or cardamom-nutmeg.  During the facial, the skin is polished to smoothness with a manual micro-peel and is lavished in a choice of spice serum to lift the spirits. Lastly, a radiance boosting mask is applied to leave the skin luminous, bright and dewy with youth.

• Cost: $180
• Time Length: 50 minutes

Blissful Amore Couples Massage

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate romance and enjoy harmonious blissful indulgence with our signature couples massage. This custom session using Keyano Champagne & Rose massage oil includes our signature “Hot Toe Bliss” treatment, warm stones, and any level of pressure or techniques that the body needs. Available throughout February, this treatment includes a special gift – a long stem rose and a bottle of Keyano’s Champagne & Rose scented oil.

• Cost: $350 (per couple)
• Time Length: 50 minutes

Kissed by a Rose Facial

Indulge the senses with the romantic scent of rose as it is infused with this specialty facial designed with results in mind.  This facial helps renew and restore the skin just in time for that special evening.

• Cost: $125
• Time length: 50 minutes

Romancing with Stones Massage

A perfect way to enjoy the romance of the season. Combined with your choice of chocolate or rose massage oil, this treatment uses warmed smooth river stones to enhance deep relaxation and physical renewal.  This treatment can also be enjoyed with a special someone.

• Cost: $140 or $280 (couples)
• Time length: 50 minutes

Blooming Pedicure

This luxurious pedicure is sure to satisfy the senses.  Enjoy a rose petal foot soak, chocolate foot scrub and massage – leaving the feet refreshed and ready for a night out on the town with that special Valentine!

• Cost: $80
• Time length: 50 minutes

Enjoy complimentary Heart chocolates with any of the above romance treatments.

BATHHOUSE, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay – For reservations call (877) 632-9636 or visit BATHHOUSE

Side by Side Bubalina Chocolat’ Manicure and Pedicure

Rich in Vitamin C, this Bubalina Chocolat’ manicure and pedicure can be enjoyed side-by-side and contains anti-aging benefits, promotes healing and rebuilding of skin.  A sugar scrub infused with rich chocolate gently exfoliates and leaves the skin feeling smooth, with a polished look and feel.

• Cost: $60 or $110 (per person)
• Time length: 25 or 50 minutes

Chocolate Kiss Sugar Scrub

This luxurious body scrub reduces the degeneration of skin cells and restores the skins flexibility while leaving it smelling like a box of chocolates.

• Cost: $85
• Time length: 25 minutes

Chocolate Kiss Manicure and Chocolate Kiss Pedicure

These treatments relax the body, rejuvenate tired aching muscles and improve circulation while leaving the skin smelling like a box of chocolates.

• Cost: $55 (manicure) or $90 (pedicure)
• Time length: 25 minutes (manicure) or 50 minutes (pedicure)

Mi Amor Massage

This aromatherapy massage uses a blend of oils that will inspire love and enhance the heartfelt touch.

• Cost: $85 or $135
• Time length: 25 or 50 minutes

Chocolate Kiss Sugar Scrub

This luxurious body scrub reduces the degeneration of skin cells and restores the skin’s flexibility while leaving it smelling like a box of chocolates.

• Cost: $85
• Time length: 25 minutes

Chocolate Kiss Manicure and Chocolate Kiss Pedicure

These treatments relax the body, rejuvenate tired aching muscles and improve circulation while leaving the skin smelling like a box of chocolates.

• Cost: $55 (manicure) or $90 (pedicure)
• Time length: 25 minutes (manicure) or 50 minutes (pedicure)

Mi Amor Couples Massage

This aromatherapy massage for couples uses a blend of oils that inspire love and enhance the heartfelt touch – a perfect treatment to share with the one you love.

• Cost: $290 (total)
• Time length: 50 minutes

Sweetheart Couples Massage

Fall in love all over again as you and your sweetheart are intoxicated by the scent of Love Spell, and a massage completely customized to your needs.  Enjoy elements of our classic Swedish massage, combined with a therapeutic deep tissue massage and aromatherapy.

• Cost: $250 or $375
• Time length: 50 or 75 minutes

Cupid’s Getaway

Combine all three express treatments below for only $150! This package includes 25-minute treatments for the Valentine’s Massage, Express Love Spell Facial and a choice of a 25-minute manicure or pedicure.

• Valentine’s Massage

The irresistible aroma of Love Spell puts an enchanting twist on this classic Swedish massage.

o    Cost: $60, $105, $155

o    Time length: 25, 50 or 75 minutes

• XOXO Soak and Glow

The invigorating scent of Love Spell fills the air as this treatment relaxes and rejuvenates along with a hydrotherapy soak paired with an express facial.

o    Cost: $90

o    Time length: 45 minutes

• Be Mine Mani/Pedi

Enjoy the classic elements of a mini manicure and mini pedicure paired with a Love Spell aromatherapy soak, followed by an application of hydrating Love Spell lotion.

o    Cost: $75

o    Time length: 50 minutes

The Revere at Anthem features two championship golf courses designed by architects Billy Casper & Greg Nash.

Revere at Anthem golf courses include the Lexington and the Concord. The Lexington is a desert-style course that plays through three canyons. Despite the trio of canyons, the Lexington’s fairways are regarded as open and generous.

There are a variety of greens, ranging from large to those with undulation, and also some that are postage-stamp sized. Several fairways at Revere at Anthem golf course necessitate careful play over ample sand bunkers.

Concord is the newer of Revere at Anthem’s two courses. Also a desert style course, the Concord plays from 5,306 to 7,034-yards. With wide open, undulating fairways, the Concord can offer some challenging lies.

The greens vary in size and there is ample bunkering throughout the layout.

Try your swing at Revere at Anthem golf courses next time you are in Las Vegas.

Do you want a VIP experience and play at a top golf course like Revere at Anthem in Las Vegas? Contact us and allow us to be your luxury travel concierge source.

The Lounge At Dos Caminos – The Palazzo

In the luxurious Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino – Las Vegas, The Lounge At Dos Camino is one of the hottest places in all of Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas night life scene is always hopping, especially at The Lounge At Dos Caminos.

Whether you’re just socializing or looking to party late until the night, The Lounge At Dos Caminos offers VIP tables, hip DJ styling, premium bottle service, and very private cabanas.

If you love margaritas, you’ll definitely love The Lounge. Enjoy your choice of 35 unique tequilas that are served with custom flavored salts.

If you get hungry, now worries. There’s also a late-night tasting menu with hot Mexican food available right from the Dos Caminos kitchen.

Hours of operation at The Lounge at Dos Caminos are:
Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Friday 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 a.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 a.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

The Lounge at Dos Caminos

For VIP table reservations – please call (702) 577-9555

Jack Nicklaus, like an artist staring at a blank canvas, took the first step in creating a masterpiece at the master-planned Coyote Springs by building the first of at least six planned courses with other big-name designers set to add their touches as well.

When finished, the 43,000-acre town with a master-planned community feel is expected to be home to a master-planned community second to none. If all of the courses are built that they have permits for, there could be as many as 15 courses over the next 40 years.

But before thousands of residents roam hundreds of golf holes and live the comfortable lifestyle that will be Coyote Springs, the first dirt had to be moved. Jack and company have done a great job of doing that and have unveiled the first course The Chase.

The course opened in late April to rave reviews. Nicklaus used the rolling terrain and desert landscaping beautifully. He carved out a stunning 7,471-yard design that is the opener of what will be more breathtaking courses down the line.

Las Vegas golf is at its best at the scenic Desert Pines Golf Club. With thousands of mature Pine trees lining the greens and fairways of the Desert Pines Golf Club, many golfers refer to it as “The Pinehurst”.

Players of all levels will enjoy that rolling green hills protested by white sand bunkers, and the fact that half of the holes have water hazards around them, making Desert Pines a scenic, affordable place to enjoy golf in Las Vegas.

You can find name brand golf merchandise in the excellent clubhouse at Desert Pines, along with shoe rentals, in case you forgot to bring your own.

You can take a break for the sun and golf at one of the excellent restaurants in the clubhouse or enjoy it on the green from the comfort of your golf cart.

Golf in Las Vegas doesn’t have to be ridiculously expensive to be enjoyable and relaxing, and the Desert Pines Golf club gives you everything you could hope for you in a round of Las Vegas golf at a reasonable price.

The Desert Pines Golf Club has a 20,000 square foot practice center where you can warm up or practice at. The only one of its kind, the automated ball delivery system and climate-controlled atmosphere is something you won’t find at any other Las Vegas Golf course.

You can golf in Las Vegas for as little at $45 when you book your reservations at least 90 days in advance.

Desert Pines Golf Club
3415 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (866) 447-4653

Courtesy of: Vdara Hotel & Spa

Vdara Hotel & Spa was first phase of the incredible 67-acre, $8.5 billion mixed-use urban development center called CityCenter, on The Strip in Las Vegas.

The massive CityCenter is located between the Monte Carlo and Bellagio. CityCenter has become the cultural centerpiece of Las Vegas and the amazing vertical city transformed the Las Vegas Strip.

Vdara is an all-suite hotel and spa and is designed for those who love the non-stop excitement of Las Vegas but desire more relaxed accommodations, in an exclusive, non-gaming, smoke-free environment.

The towering 57-story Vdara, has a total of 1,495 luxury suites, all equipped with full kitchens.

The units include deluxe suites and one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 500 to 1,650 square feet. There are also penthouse units and 250 corner-end suites with panoramic views.

The luxury Vdara Hotel & Spa will offer both customized amenities and services that will cater to the discerning clientele who are looking for the ultimate experience.

Courtesy of: Vdara Hotel & Spa

Guests at Vdara can enjoy a luxurious 18,000-square-foot wellness spa and salon, a hip and vibrant pool and lounge perched high above The Strip with 40,000-square-foot pool deck, a state-of-the-art fitness center and 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Vdara Hotel & Spa is a short walk from another new hotel-casino called Aria. Vdara is also approximately 100 feet from the entrance to Bellagio’s south tower.

Jim Murren is the Chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage. During a recent press event, Murren stated, “We are incredibly proud to offer the world this first taste of all that CityCenter will bring to the Las Vegas Strip. Travelers will finally find in Las Vegas what they find in other great cities around the world – spectacular architecture, culturally significant art, great public spaces, sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants and incredible amenities. We look forward to unveiling all of this and more as the month unfolds.”

“It was designed to complement Aria, not operate as an extension of Aria,” McBeath said. “It has its own style, own flavor and its own personality. We really believe the Vdara brand is going to be the sleeper of CityCenter.”

Vdara is categorized as a condominium hotel. This means the hotel’s units can be bought and placed into a rental program where they can then be leased as hotel rooms when vacant by their owners.

For over a century, the name Neiman Marcus has defined luxury retailing. The Neiman Marcus brand is synonymous with merchandising and service excellence.

Neiman Marcus is the king of Las Vegas luxury shopping. The store has been located in the Fashion Show Mall since 1981.

Neiman Marcus has a reputation for having some of the best personal shoppers in the U.S. So if you are looking for the ultimate in luxury and fashion, consider letting someone else do the work for you.

Neiman Marcus
3200 Las Vegas Blvd S # 100
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-731-3636

Courtesy of: Terzetto at M Resort

Capping off a recent stay at the “M” Resort in Las Vegas, we were going to drive back into the strip, (probably 5 miles +), and try out another potentially interesting eatery.

But alas, it was already 8:45 p.m. and our energy level was running on empty. Hence, we opted to remain at the “M” and try out its local cuisine, — and we’re so glad we did.

We made arrangements to dine at “Terzetto”, which boasts a wonderful oyster bar, and an interior design worthy of the cover of “Architectural Digest.”

We began with a shared appetizer salad of a tomato / mozzarella caprese with spring greens and a light vinaigrette. –Very tasty.

My friend ordered a rare 12 oz prime rib*, with a side of fresh sauteed brocolinni, prepared deftly and perfectly, – Very nice.

My entree was a combination 8 oz fillet mignon* (rare) and 8 oz lobster tail served with drawn lemon butter. Both accompanied by a side of cubed butternut squash gratinee.

All three offerings were prepared impeccably and tasted magnificently. Some beautiful deserts were presented to us, but alas, we were stuffed to the gills, –no more room.

The meal was served with a buttery complex house chardonnay, which was quite acceptable.

The french bread offered at the onset was one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

* All beef served at Terzetto is raised on the owner’s cattle ranch in Montana, and the quality was superb.

I strongly recommend Terzetto to everyone. It is a comfortable and beautiful restaurant, with excellently prepared food.

Please enjoy!!!

Author: Val Patacchi is a freelance writer and avid traveler.

Photo: Shadow Creek

Bellagio presents the upper echelon of Las Vegas golf. Be sure to indulge your love for the game of golf. The World-famous Shadow Creek golf course, legendary Primm Valley site, and various Partner Courses each offer a distinctive experience to suit your specific level of play. Now go grab your golf clubs and head to Bellagio Golf.

When you stay at the luxurious Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas you get to play golf at the world famous Shadow Creek course and the legendary Primm Valley site. This rare privilege for hotel guests, includes limousine transportation and a personal caddie.

The Bellagio hotel also has affiliations with several other golf courses. So take a much needed break from gambling and indulge in the game you love, for a weekend away. It’s going to be wonderful weekend.

These golf courses are manicured to perfection. The greens are lush, the lakes are cool, and the water features are breathtaking. The sun shines bright in the beautiful blue desert sky that’s always shining in sultry Las Vegas.

The palm trees sway in the soft blowing wind, which sends the aroma of the plants and flowers your way as you swing and hit a perfect… hole-in-one shot.

What are you waiting for .… FOUR!