where diversity is the name of the game

story by Kathy Kuczka

Sin city is ever attempting to redeem itself by growing more diverse. Even if you’re not a high roller, there’s plenty of high-stakes fun past the poker rooms. travelgirl Arts & Spirituality editor Kathy Kuczka set out for this desert destination in search of theatrical, sensual and shopping pleasures. Turns out in today’s Las Vegas, whether you’re a gambler or not, finding ways to entertain your mind, pamper your body and ease your shopping soul is a sure bet.

In Vegas, some stars even walk on water! Just check out Le Reve at Wynn Las Vegas. The show, which just celebrated its year anniversary, is the creative genius of former Cirque du Soleil creative director, Franco Dragone. This acrobatic bonanza takes place on a pool of water rather than a stage.

For those looking for old-time Las Vegas entertainment, look to Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce Club at Mandalay Bay. This nightclub, which features old-fashioned burlesque shows, has become the talk of the town. And, it’s as popular with women as it is with men. Unlike some burlesque shows, there is no nudity here, only sultry women who shimmy and shake to the music of a three-piece band of percussion, bass and sax. The shows run Thursday through Monday beginning at 10:30PM and continue into the wee hours. Seating is limited, so if you don’t want to stand the whole night, call early to reserve a table.

If you prefer visual over performing arts, there are a number of galleries to take in. Check out the Guggenheim Hermitage at the Venetian, The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, or the Wynn Collection of Fine Art at the Wynn Hotel, a small but worthy collection of real estate tycoon, Steve Wynn.

Some of the best entertainment in Las Vegas is free. The fountains in front of the Bellagio are stars in their own right. Watch them as they “dance” nightly to different pieces of music every 15 minutes. For a great view that’ll also satisfy the taste buds, plan to dine on the terrace at Olives, one of the Bellagio’s famed restaurants and a travelgirl favorite.

Take Your Wallet Sightseeing on The Strip

In Las Vegas, shopping is just one more form of entertainment. At least, that’s the way most retail developers look at it, as they compete to find innovative ways to lure people and their pocketbooks. It’s only natural that Vegas visitors demand a little show time in their shopping. Here are the top spots where your shopping fix is likely to be satiated:

The Forum Shops at Caesars

It may not be the biggest shopping mall, but it’s America’s most profitable. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace opened in Las Vegas in 1992, ushering in a whole new game in retail competition. During the last decade this shopping bonanza has expanded — both in square feet and in special effects. Those who feel shopping is an art won’t be disappointed here, where shopping and art are woven together in a classic Las Vegas experience.

Step into this mall, and you’ll feel like you’re in a Roman museum, complete with elaborate statues, fountains, columns, arches and ornate ceilings. For those of you who like a splash of Hollywood in your Rome, there is a centerpiece three-level spiral escalator — a little Gone With The Wind gone hi-tech. The escalator, built specially for the Forum by Mitsubishi, is the first of its kind in the United States. There are more than 150 specialty retailers and restaurants at the Forum.

If you’re looking for stores you can’t find in any ordinary mall, look no further. Juicy Couture is hot here. And, Tommy Pink, CH Carolina Herrera and Vosges Haut Chocolat have planted their West Coast shops at the Forum. Several stores like Kate Spade and Ted Baker London were the first West Coast outlets of their kind. High-end retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Tourneau are coupled with more common stores such as the Gap and Bath and Body Works. If your appetite for food is as big as your hunger for clothes, stop in at one of the many Forum restaurants, like the Zagat-rated Il Mulino New York or Stage Deli, rated locally as “Best Deli.” 

The Forum isn’t just for shopping. Not in the market for a Fendi bag? How about a fountain that comes to life? Every hour on the hour amidst crowds who gather in the rotunda, Bacchus, god of merriment and wine, decides to throw himself a party. He’s joined by Apollo, Venus and Plutus. A laser show set to music beams images on the dome while other special effects rise from the fountain. In another part of this shopping paradise, you’ll find the Atlantis fountain, where Animatronic characters try to take over the city of Atlantis in a production complete with fire and water. www.ceasars.com

The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian

Tired of Rome, but still want to see what “Italy” has to offer? Travel north a bit on The Strip, and you’ll see a model of the Northern Italian city of Venice. The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian are accessible either by an outside entrance, or by going through the hotel’s casino and up the escalators. You will be transported to Renaissance Venice underneath a blue sky at dusk. In the midst of fabulous shopping options lies a canal filled with hundreds of gallons of water. You can take a floating pre-tour of the stores in traditional Venetian fashion, complete with serenading gondoliers.

There’s more entertainment on these cobbled walkways as visitors encounter samples of live opera and living statues whose stiff stances stump visitors into thinking they’re real. Shoppers will find a smaller, more selective array of stores than at the Forum. Jimmy Choo, shoes made famous by the HBO series Sex and the City, is located here, along with other designer stores like Gandini and Lior. Horologio, Ca’d’Oro and Erwin Pearl are just a few of the many designer jewelers.

If you’re looking for something “Venetian” to take home as a souvenir, step into Il Prato, which can only be found in Venice and at the Venetian. Il Prato is known for its masks, Italian dolls and marionettes. Ripa de Monti is the best place to shop for Venetian glassware. If an elaborate vase is more than your budget can afford, you can still take home a piece of Venice with a pair of glass earrings, a magnet or a key chain. Round out the day with a visit to the Vegas version of St. Mark’s Square and enjoy a meal at Canaletto’s, one of the square’s “open-air” restaurants. The charming setting makes it a favorite spot for everything from weddings to reality TV shows. www.venetian.com

Fashion Show Mall

From the Venetian, look across the street and up a few blocks, and chances are you’ll see what’s called “the cloud.” It looks like a large satellite dish, but instead of catching radio waves, it attracts shoppers to what has become the largest shopping venue on the Las Vegas Strip. In 2004, the mall completed an expansion that doubled its size. Two million square feet and more than 200 retailers make this a favorite shopping venue for visitors and locals.

Anchor stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue lure shoppers with everything from eyewear to electronics. Fashion Show Mall wouldn’t deserve the name without its spectacular runway events. Every Friday through Sunday shoppers in the mall’s Great Hall watch as an 80-foot runway rises from the floor and models parade in the latest attire from mall merchants. The day travelgirl investigated, the latest in women’s swimwear was on display. The multi-media fashion show is produced with music, special effects (like snow and fog) and more lights than you would probably find in your local theatre, yet another reminder that this is Vegas, where everything is meant to be entertaining. Jim McMichael, senior marketing manager for Fashion Show Mall says, “We infused a strong element of entertainment into what is already an exciting retail atmosphere.” The fashion shows run at the top of the hour from 12 to 6PM and last about 10 minutes. www.thefashionshow.com

Via Bellagio

If you’re looking for the finest that money can buy or the most satisfying window-shopping ever, walk the route of Via Bellagio, located in the city’s only five-diamond hotel. Via Bellagio is described as the “Rodeo Drive in the Desert” by Andrew Hagopian, Vice President of Retail Operations at the Bellagio. Ten of the most exclusive retailers in the world generating more than $2,500 per square foot give the wealthy a chance to double down on the ultimate luxuries, and those limited to playing penny slots the chance to dream to their luxurious heart’s content.

The list of designers reads like a who’s who of Oscar nominees: Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Fred Leighton, Hermès and Yves Saint Laurent, to name a few. Hollywood heavyweights often sport the rare jewels found in Fred Leighton. Academy-award winner Reese Witherspoon donned the designer’s 19th Century diamond and conch pearl pendant earrings at this year’s Oscars.

Even if your agenda doesn’t include a walk on the red carpet, you’ll want to check out Fred Leighton’s rare collection of estate and antique jewelry. And if Tiffany & Co. tops your list, you don’t have to wait until that next trip to New York; Nevada’s only Tiffany & Co. is located in the Bellagio. Well-known designers Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso are featured in signature collections, along with gift items like stationery and pens, which offer a taste of treasured Tiffany without breaking the bank. Fine jewelry, along with designer handbags, shoes and accessories can be found in Dior, Christian Dior’s newest flagship boutique in the United States. Other designer stores like Chanel, Prada and Giorgio Armani can clothe you with the latest runway couture — Giorgio Armani even offers personal shoppers and professional wardrobe consultations.

Stores near the Bellagio’s lobby and conservatory are as exquisite as those off the carpeted route of Via Bellagio. If you’re looking for a luxurious way to tell time, you’ll want to check out the Rolex watches at Tesorini. This fine jeweler includes designer watches by Panerai made for left-handed folks. Tesorini also carries a variety of offerings from signature designers David Yurman and Harry Winston. If you’re tired of your drug-store-bought sunglasses case, you can pick up one that’s made of 18kt gold by designer Judith Leiber. 

No visit to the shops at Bellagio would be complete without a stop in the Chihuly Gallery, which features the work of Seattle artist Dale Chihuly. For a special look at his work, step into the lobby and look up. You’ll see a huge glass-blown design of flowers, the largest of its kind in the world — where better to bloom, than here? www.bellagio.com

Mandalay Place

Any travelgirl is sure to love spending time and money at Mandalay Place. It’s small enough to maneuver in just an hour or two and big enough to have lots of specialty stores. Located on a sky bridge that joins Mandalay Bay and Luxor resorts, there are more than 40 retailers here, some of whom can’t be found anywhere else. Take, for instance, Lush Puppy. Only in Las Vegas would you find a store where you can get a diamond tiara for your dog and some crystal charms to put on his collar! How about a dog carrier for $620?

If it’s children you’re bringing gifts home to, Five Little Monkeys carries a host of nostalgic toys and games, such as historic collections of Lego and the first version of Monopoly. Wine lovers will feel lucky to discover 55º, named for the perfect temperature at which to serve wine. This shop includes selections ranging in price from $10 to more than $4,000 per bottle, and a wine bar offers occasional tastings and exclusive hand-crafted glassware only found here. If wine and chocolate are a mix that titillates your taste buds, drop into The Chocolate Swan, a store that began in Elm Grove, Wisconsin and relocated to Mandalay Place. Its handmade delights were tasty enough to be featured on the Food Network.

For women’s fashions, visit Max & Co., Nora Blue, and Oilily, a Norwegian specialty store with handcrafted clothes tailor-made for the store by some of Europe’s finest designers. Planning to gamble away some time on the golf course? There is a Nike Golf store in Mandalay Place, the only store of its kind in the U.S. It’s the place to pick up the hottest new item to help your game, and you can even practice your swing. Shoppers looking for pampering of the salon sort should look no further than the Robert Cromeans Salon. A shampoo/massage here can last 25 minutes. Bookworms will delight in The Reading Room, the only genuine bookstore on The Strip. www.mandalaybay.com

For the travelgirl in Search of a Spa-tacular Time

Tourism and hospitality experts in this flashy city know that not everyone comes here to gamble. And even those who love to lose themselves in the neon and never-ending party aura of The Strip won’t pass up the opportunity to do some lavish pampering while on holiday in this city of excess. The spa scene is just another facet of Sin City that’s exploding. Whether you want to be wrapped in seaweed, lathered in mud, or fancy a gallop into the red rock canyon at sunrise, the spas of Las Vegas are happy to oblige. Most hotel spas include the basics, but here are our choices for the pamper-centers sure to make you feel like Lady Luck, with a full hand of oils, aromatherapy and even outdoor options designed to promote serious relaxation.

BATHHOUSE Spa and Fitness Center at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay

If you’re into Zen, this place is a must. Recognized by Hospitality Design Magazine for creativity in spa design, it has a unique feel found nowhere else on The Strip. Its cool colors, marble floors, textured walls and low lighting are meant to induce energy. Water isn’t only found in the steam rooms here. It is the preeminent theme flowing throughout the spa’s 14,000 square feet. Walls of falling water exist among hot and cold plunge pools, and on the second level, there are 12 private treatment rooms — each with its own shower so guests can rinse off after their massage.

You can enjoy a manicure or a pedicure while watching TV, thanks to individual monitors and headsets. The signature service at BATHHOUSE is called the “Scents of You.” After filling out a questionnaire about your body, mind and personality, your answers are put into a computer and out comes the names of four essential oils, suited specifically to each client’s needs. The oils are then blended and used for a massage. The spa has separate treatment areas for men and women, but includes a co-ed lounge and other relaxation areas where couples can enjoy each other’s company. The spa carries a fine line of exclusive skin care products including Carita and Eminence. The dimly lit fitness center, designed to make guests feel as if they’re in a nightclub, offers state-of-the-art weights and cardio equipment. Spa fee: $30 for hotel guests and $35 for non-guests, $20 for gym only. (Ask about special rates when planning to pamper for three or more days.) 877-632-9636, www.mandalaybay.com

Spa Bellagio

One of the best perks of being a registered guest at this uber-luxurious hotel is this pampering center: 65,000 square-feet that experienced a huge renovation a couple years ago when Bellagio’s Spa Tower emerged. Another Zen-influenced design, guests will note a water theme with reflecting pools, water walls and beautiful accents of jade and hand-blown glass throughout. The spa had group fun in mind when it designed its latest menu. Family, friends, bridesmaids, and other groups can get pampered together with a party that includes manicures, pedicures and Watsu, a massage that uses Zen Shiatsu stretches while floating in warm water. Skin care rooms, hydrotherapy, Thai yoga massage and four couples’ rooms combine to create the spa’s 56 treatment rooms.

If you just want to get away from it all, or need a quiet place to read, step into the tranquil meditation room, where glowing candles reflect water walls that team up with the sounds of new age music for a soothing respite. Guests who want a more active environment can work out at the large fitness facility overlooking the pool. There are more than 40 cardio machines and a bamboo studio, which holds classes ranging from kickboxing to yoga. Spa fee: $25, 702-693-7472, www.bellagio.com (note: Only open to non-hotel guests Monday-Thursday.)

Canyon Ranch Day Spa

The grande dame of the spa industry has one of its five locations in Las Vegas. This 69,000 square-foot spa is on the fourth floor of the Venetian Hotel and you won’t be taking a gamble when you walk in the doors of this pamper palace — euphoria is a sure bet. In fact, one of the spa’s signature treatments goes by that exact name. “Euphoria” is a 100-minute pampering session that includes an aromatherapy scalp massage, a warm botanical body mask, an herbal bath and a soothing body massage. Is there any wonder why it’s called Euphoria?

Another signature service, the Mango Sugar Glo is a conditioning body scrub that uses natural sugars and beta-carotene to give skin a healthy glow. Besides these extraordinary body treatments, Canyon Ranch offers physical therapy, acupuncture and guidance from consultants on proper nutrition, individual meal plans and maintaining healthy weight. There’s also a 40-foot indoor rock wall and a 22-thousand square-foot fitness center with 50 cardio machines and more than 80 classes a week. The Canyon Ranch Café, adjacent to the spa, has a menu filled with organic goodies that tell you how many calories, fat grams and fiber are in each item — for those who like to count those things! SpaClub fees: daily pass $35, 3-day pass $80, 5-day pass $115, 877-220-2688, www.venetian.com

The Spa at Red Rock

This newcomer to the city puts a whole new spin on spa treatments, taking spa pleasures to a new level — even bringing them outdoors! A super-classy oasis located 10 miles off The Strip, the hotel and casino at Red Rock are stunning and worth strolling through, just to get a peek at the glorious crystal chandeliers, smart marble floors and exotic woods found throughout the property. But if your focus is the spa, no worries, a separate entrance lets you make a beeline for your destination. There are actually two spa menus here: one for those who prefer their pampering to be defined with indoor therapists, the latest and greatest in couple’s treatments and body makeovers to ease even the most weary of travelers, and a second one for those intrigued with the idea of playing a hand at the outdoor delights offered by this desert oasis.

The indoor spa is 35,000 square feet of sleek modern space, enhanced by indoor waterfalls and treatment rooms with tubs, massage tables and daybeds that are so fine you’ll think a seven-hour treatment is too short! A few travelgirl favorites from this pamper palace: the yoga garden, the boxing ring and the endless new twists on traditional treatments. A first of its kind, the Adventure Spa menu breaks traditional spa boundaries even further to send you into nearby Red Rock Canyon for outdoor adventures designed to destroy city stress and remind guests that this gambling mecca is surrounded by an amazing natural playground.

travelgirl tip: Even if you stay on The Strip, plan a day at the Spa at Red Rock and follow it up with a night at Cherry nightclub; it’s the latest creation of Rande Gerber, developer of some of the hottest clubs in New York and Los Angeles. You might even brush elbows with Cindy Crawford. Spa Fee: $35 for guests, $45 for non-guests. 702-797-7878, www.redrocklasvegas.com