Elite Traveler January-February 2018

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA This beautifully designed hotel offers a welcome respite from the hubbub of the famous Strip — despite being right in the middle of it. The Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas is casino-free, so it can really embrace the luxurious serenity the brand is known for. All the rooms feature Orient-inspired decor, and the downstairs lobby’s beautiful Chinese artworks are fit for a gallery. Head to the 23rd floor to dine on seasonal French cuisine at renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire’s restaurant Twist. Then retreat to the Mandarin Bar & Tea Lounge for a Golden Knights cocktail (a tribute to Las Vegas’s NHL team) and watch the lights twinkle below. Previous guests include Lucy Liu and Norman Mailer. Mandarin Suite from $5,000 per night. Contact Donald Bowman, general manager, molas-reservations@mohg.com, +1 702 590 8888, mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas

The Little Nell ASPEN, COLORADO, USA

The only five-star hotel in Aspen, The Little Nell is also the only resort with ski-in and ski-out access to Aspen Mountain. The hotel is an art lover’s dream, housing a number of original works from internationally recognized artists like Michelle Grabner, Paula Crown and Theaster Gates. Of course, the skiing is excellent, with untracked powder runs, and the facilities are even better — the ski-concierge team takes care of your every need, even warming your boots. Visit for New Year’s Eve, when The Nell hosts the party of the season, with live music and bottomless Dom Pérignon. The Paepcke Suite from $1,725 to $6,875 per night. Contact Simon Chen, managing director, schen@thelittlenell.com, +1 855 970 4600, thelittlenell.com