Elite Traveler September-October 2017

elite traveler SEPT/OCT 2017 119

The elegant main dining room at Joël Robuchon, and some of the exceptionally delicious food you can try there

DESERT DINING

TWIST BY PIERRE GAGNAIRE If you would like to try Michelin-starred Pierre Gagnaire’s exceptional cooking in the US (and you really should), head to Twist, the only restaurant stateside where you can find his modern take on classic French cuisine. And since you are in Las Vegas, order the Lucky Number 7 tasting menu, which presents seven courses inspired by seven of the world’s best wines, and might just give you some good fortune at the tables later on. There’s also a thoughtfully considered vegetarian tasting menu. pierre-gagnaire.com JOËL ROBUCHON The winner of Elite Traveler’s Lifetime Achievement Award in this year’s Top 100 Restaurants tells us that his Las Vegas restaurant has a special place in his heart. And rightly so. Designed to look like an Art Deco townhouse, it provides

an elegant and intimate dining experience. The tasting menu showcases some of his finest dishes, including Oscetra caviar in crustacean gelée, truffled langoustine ravioli in foie gras sauce and seared scallops in a green curry sauce. joel-robuchon.com LOTUS OF SIAM Leave the Strip and head to a strip mall (yes, a strip mall) to experience some of the best, if not the best, Thai food in the US. This year, the unassuming spot won its second James Beard award. Chef Saipin focuses on northern Thai cuisine, which is quite different from the Thai food found most frequently in the US. Be sure to order the Khao Soi, a Burmese-influenced dish with your choice of meat in a coconut cream and curry sauce, and if soft shell crab is on the menu, it’s a must. lotusofsiamlv.com

TOP SUITES

CHAIRMAN SUITE The Palazzo

WYNN FAIRWAY VILLAS The Wynn

SKYLOFTS MGM Grand

MANDARIN SUITE Mandarin Oriental

Embrace Vegas’s dueling kitsch and luxury at The Palazzo. After you’ve wandered through St Mark’s Square and taken a gondola ride down the Grand Canal, head up to the Chairman Suite for an elegantly designed respite. The three-bedroom suite boasts an opulent living and dining area with bar and separate media room. The suite is also well equipped for relaxation; it has a workout room, cedar-wood sauna, steam room, gym and in-suite salon. The hightlight is the private terrace with pool and hot tub. From$12,000 per night Contact +1 866 263 2999, palazzo.com

If you would prefer to gaze upon greenery instead of desert and city lights, theWynn Fairway Villas are for you. Until 2015, these villas were invitation-only for guests of Mr Wynn (the first-floor villas with private pools are still only available to his guests). Now open for booking, each two-bedroom villa comes with a large private balcony for outdoor dining, living area with breakfast nook and granite wet bar, and massage room. The villas come with butler service and have a private entrance. From$4,000 per night Contact roomreservations@wynnlasvegas. com, +1 877 321 9966, wynnlasvegas.com

Sophisticated, modern decor awaits in the Skylofts at MGM Grand. Located on the top two floors of the property, the Skyloft suites are accessed via a separate elevator, offering both privacy and security. The suite is perfect for entertaining and includes a billiard room, media room, dining room and bar. Have your butler whip up a round of cocktails and enjoy iconic Las Vegas views through the 24ft floor-to-ceiling windows. From $5,656 per night Contact Matt Moraca, director of hotel operations, mmoraca@lv.mgmgrand.com, +1 702 891 3801, skyloftsmgmgrand.com

A sublime and very adult suite high above the busy city, the Mandarin Suite offers an elegant home away from home in the non-smoking, non-gaming hotel. The living area includes multiple seating options, study and wet bar, as well a separate dining room for eight that is serviced by the butler’s entrance. There are two bedrooms, a fitness room and a soaking tub overlooking the Strip in the master bath. From$15,000 per night Contact Natalie Sanchez-Rivera, associate director of leisure, sales andmarketing, nrivera@mohg.com, +1 702 590 3013, mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas

Photo Thomas Hart Shelby