Elite Traveler September-October 2017

EXPLORE LAS VEGAS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS

Love it or loathe it, Las Vegas’s sheer number of hotels, events and conferences makes it a frequent destination for many of us. And of course, it’s the party capital of the US. While some of the city’s most over-the- top accommodations are reserved for high rollers and are by invitation only, there are still incredible suites with extravagant amenities that put some bigger cities’ offerings to shame. If you think the dining scene is only full of celebrity chefs and outposts of successful restaurants, think again. Many chefs view Las Vegas as the perfect place to go all-out and to be as innovative as they can, and several restaurants would be deserving of Michelin stars if the city had its own guide. So, if you’re in town, check into a fabulous suite, embrace the kitsch, dust off your party hat and go have the time of your life. You can do whatever you want here. This is Las Vegas, after all.

by Kristen Shirley

WHEN IN VEGAS

TAKE INA SHOW Nearly every concert touring the US makes a stop in Las Vegas, so check schedules before your trip. This year, some of music’s greatest divas are in residency. Dance the night away with Britney Spears or Jennifer Lopez, both at Planet Hollywood, sing along with Céline Dion at Caesars Palace, or see the original diva herself in person —Diana Ross will be at Encore at TheWynn from October 11-28 for a limited engagement. Don’t miss one of the eight Cirque du Soleil shows around town (always a favorite), and perhaps let a magician blow your mind. David Copperfield and Criss Angel are in residence. HIT THE CLUB Whether you’re looking for a pool party or late-night debauchery, Vegas has you covered. Most hotels have pool parties, so find your

FLY OUT OF TOWN With its proximity to some of the US’s most beautiful natural sights, it seems like a crime to spend your entire trip indoors at a conference or casino. Guests at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas can benefit from an exclusive partnership with Maverick

favorite DJ and reserve a cabana. Vegas is not the place to be subtle, and its bottle presentations are becoming more and more outlandish; whether you want to be doused in champagne or just drink it is up to you. Our favorite package has to be at Hyde Bellagio, where for $250,000 you can control the fountains of Bellagio while drinking a 30ltr bottle of Ace Of Spades at your table overlooking the water. SHOP LATE NIGHT High jewelry, complicated timepieces and the latest fashions can all be found here. There are boutiques within the hotels, of course, but don’t miss some of the most upscale malls in the US, where many stores carry Vegas-only exclusive pieces. At The Shops At Crystals you’ll find stores ranging from Dolce & Gabbana, Stefano Ricci and Tom Ford to

Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille. Forum Shops at Caesars has more than 150 stores within its gilded walls, including the only standalone Fendi shoe boutique in the US, and you can take a shopping break and check out its 50,000 gallon aquarium. Most places are open until 11pm or later, so after you’ve beaten the house, you can leave the tables and treat yourself to a decadent reminder of your Vegas vacation. SEE THE SIGHTS As hotels vie to outdo each other, visitors are treated to more and more extravagant shows on property. Lake Of Dreams at Wynn is an evening show that mixes a 40ft waterfall with contemporary art, and is best enjoyed alfresco with a cocktail. Seeing Bellagio’s iconic fountains is a must (be sure to stand close

enough to a speaker to hear the music and enjoy the perfect synchronization). There’s also the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, Italian sights galore at The Venetian and The Palazzo, the roller coaster at New York New York and the volcano at The Mirage.

Helicopters and head on a thrilling tour of the Grand Canyon and Valley Of Fire, with a private landing at the highest peak of the Valley Of Fires, which offers superlative views of its iconic red Aztec sandstone outcrops. From$7,495, fourseasons. com/lasvegas