One of the most popular attractions at The Mirage Hotel & Casino is the aquarium located behind the front desk. This 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium is home to angelfish, puffer fish, tangs and other exotic sea creatures.

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Managed by The Mirage’s own in-house aquarists, the aquarium accommodates more than 1,000 coral reef animals representing 60 species from Australia, Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji, the Red Sea, the Marshall Islands, the Sea of Cortez and the Caribbean. These sea animals were all selected for their adaptability to the environment and compatibility with other species.

One of the most elaborate and technically advanced aquariums in the world, the tank is 53 feet long, eight feet from top to bottom, and six feet from front to back. The acrylic used in the aquarium is 4 inches thick.

The interior was carefully created to simulate an intricately detailed, artificial coral reef. To preserve the living reefs in the ocean, no live coral is used in the tank.

Total luxury overkill is the theme at Grand Resort Lagonissi in Greece, a sprawling seaside compound on a peninsula 30 miles south of Athens.

This is the kind of place where wealthy industrialists arrive via helicopter or Learjet, and Hollywood stars make discreet entrances in chartered limos. Long a favorite of the Mediterranean jet-set, Lagonissi is catching on worldwide — their Royal Suite made Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s most expensive hotel rooms (though presumably a portion of the $25,639 nightly rate goes to cover the wages of the suite’s pianist, chef, and personal trainer).

Slightly less ostentatious are the Villas, each with its own heated seafront pool, and even the most (relatively) humble standard room comes with a Jacuzzi tub in its oversized marble bathroom. The setting is stunning, both naturally and architecturally — the design is commendably understated and laid-back, enveloping you in comfort rather than bludgeoning you with opulence.

This is Greece, after all, and the natural surroundings speak for themselves. The living here is easy, the climate balmy and temperate, with the deep blue Aegean sea stretching out into the distance.

It is easy to understand, upon a moment’s leisurely reflection at the pool bar, or on a hired yacht, how it came to pass that the foundations of Western society were laid here — with nothing but sun and sea all around, there is plenty of time for leisurely contemplation and the invention of things like (for instance) geometry, or democracy.

It is significant, though perhaps not surprising, that Archimedes cried “Eureka!” not on horseback trudging across some Northern plain but in the Greek colonies of the Mediterranean — and in the (sadly pre-Jacuzzi) bathtub, no less.

The Luxor pyramid shaped casino hotel is pure Egyptian, Las Vegas style!

This modern world wonder – Luxor Hotel & Casino Las Vegas – is topped with a xenon light beam that burns brighter than any other in the world and can be seen from anywhere in the valley at night; for that matter, it’s even visible from space.

Inside the Luxor Hotel great pyramid, you’ll discover an opulent casino gaming area with everything your treasure seeking heart desires. You will discover many untold secrets when venturing into The Atrium Level, located one level above the Casino, it is the gateway to The World’s Largest Atrium.

Looking up leaves you in awe, as its grandeur is revealed. Your senses will be intrigued as you embark upon a world all its own within our pyramid, enjoy shopping, dining, rides and attractions.

Inside the Luxor hotel, four “inclinators” (elevators) travel the 39 degree incline of the pyramid to the guest rooms; “hallways” overlook the atrium. Rooms are large and continue the Egyptian motif, with scarabs, palms, ankhs, and hieroglyphic design elements.

One wall slopes a bit because of the building’s design. Furnishings and design carry out a subtly Middle Eastern theme; artwork is Egyptian inspired. Spa suites are in the pyramid and have plenty of extra space and deep whirlpool tubs with brilliant views of the skyline.

The magnificent bronze tint pyramid is arguably the most unusual casino in the world, inside and out. Luxor’s casino is not only huge, it’s also round, so it will take some time to get your bearings.

Orient yourself by looking for periphery landmarks such as the coffee shop, sports book, and lounge. You find surprisingly fresh air and a muted noise level as everyone stands to gawk at this eighth wonder of the world.

From elegant decor reminiscent of the famous Monaco playground to top-name entertainment, the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino offers visitors a taste of all that is Las Vegas.

The business and pleasure traveler may enjoy many amenities including the excitement captured in the 90,000 square foot casino featuring state-of-the-art slot and video poker machines, plenty of exciting table games, meeting facilities, a wide variety of dining establishments and entertainment by world-renowned magician Lance Burton.

The more exclusive amenities would not be complete without the full-service spa, extensive fitness room and a luxurious pool area.

Overall, the Monte Carlo is a good resort to utilize if you have children that enjoy having fun and you as an adult want to experience Vegas simultaneously.

The casino offers single zero roulette that makes your odds of losing smaller and they have a nice sized poker room. Obviously they offer all other casino games. If you’re looking for double deck Blackjack you will have to bet a bit more, $25 a hand for that luxury.

Join the “One Club” and you can enjoy benefits at more than one casino. The pools, a wave pool, a lagoon pool, a kiddie pool and a river ride. The Spa for stress release, Swedish massage, facials, body exfoliation, aroma therapy and a workout.

Spacious rooms that offer great views of the pool or the strip in a comfortable decor.

The Monte Carlo Brew pub doubles as a great sports bar, but I found the beer a bit lacking in taste.  The Monte Carlo street of dreams shopping area offers cigars, beers, magic and clothing.

On the nine-mile long stretch of sunny Kohala Coast, Hilton provides the ultimate luxury resort – The Hilton Waikoloa Village. There is no other hotel like it in Hawaii.

This 62-acre resort has everything: a 4-acre swimming and snorkeling lagoon, 3 freshwater swimming pools, sun-drenched beach, interactive dolphin encounter program, more than 7 million dollars in art, waterfalls, exotic gardens, trams and canal boats.

The Hilton Waikoloa is a destination in itself. Arriving guests cruise on mahogany boats along tranquil waterways to expansive guest rooms.

All rooms have lanais and whether you have a garden, mountain, golf course, full or partial ocean view, the view will be absolutely spectacular.

Guests may choose to travel through the resort by boat, by air-conditioned trams, or by strolling along walkways flanked by Polynesian and oriental artwork.

This Hawaiian playground offers virtually every activity under the sun, from snorkeling and swimming to scuba diving and nearby deep sea fishing, and some unique adventures such as the Dolphin Quest Interactive Program with bottlenose dolphins. this activity Is conducted under the expert guidance of professional staff.

Encounters with the Waikoloa dolphins, in the warm waters of their private lagoon, are a unique experience enjoyed by a few lucky guests each day and one that will stay with you forever. And there are many more Big Island experiences to be found at Hilton Waikoloa Village, where guests cruise to their rooms via mahogany boats along tranquil waterways, or aboard Swiss-made trams.

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is also home to two 18-hole championship golf courses. The Beach Course is designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. And the King’s Course by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish.

Set among the lava fields and by the adjacent Pacific Ocean, The Hilton Waikoloa courses are among the very best in all of Hawaii.

As you approach the Paris Hotel Las Vegas, you simply can’t miss the amazing, half-size re-creation of the Eiffel Tower.

Not that you’ll need to leave the hotel, but when you do, you’ll discover that the hotel is located in one of the most illustrious spots on earth, at the heart of the strip. Within short distance of the hotel you will find almost any attraction that you may care to visit in Vegas.

The impressive array of amenities at the luxury Paris Hotel includes high-end services and features include a concierge, children’s cribs, an on-site ticket agent, 24-hour security, wake-up calls, free parking, rollaway beds, valet parking, daily housekeeping, currency exchange, and everything else you would expect from a world-class resort.

The hotel’s ample (over 80,000 square foot) casino can be found next to the Paris Opera House. In true European tradition, you will find every table game imaginable, including Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, and more. For high rollers, there is also a high-limit area. The casino at Paris Las Vegas also has a myriad of slots and video poker machines.

The Rue de la Paix shopping promenade comprises numerous exciting shops. The hotel also has a gift and convenience store. If you’re seeking superlative shopping, the hotel’s superb location puts you close to some of the finest shopping adventures in the world.

Risque, the new nightclub is extremely popular – when you want to party late into the night, come discover why… The hotel’s lounges and bars are always a great place to sit back and enjoy a drink.

When you finally do leave Vegas, you will truly be able to say that you’ve been to Paris. The architects of this phenomenal resort have done a superb job of creating a structure that brings much of Paris to Vegas.

For another amazing European themed resort, consider staying at The Venetian Las Vegas (see photo below)

The Body English nightclub is in the world famous Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

The very exclusive club is hidden behind an unmarked door which leads down two stories beneath the ground. The main room is surrounded by booths and two bars. The VIP room has its own bar.

Plenty of celebrities are always stopping by along with some of the the best International world renown DJs. Body English features the best in hip hop, house and dance music. Lines are one to two hours long.

So, buy your VIP passes and reserve a VIP booth now for Body English at Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. You won’t be disappointed.

As you walk through the Botanical Gardens at Bellagio there is no need to look to closely because if you’re lucky you can enjoy your dinner and get a great view of the gardens while having a glass of red wine inside Michael Mina.

The Michael Mina Bellagio is a luxurious, contemporary dining room bathed creamy neutral tones and golden light.

The menu here is in the care of a talented group of chefs trained and transported from San Francisco, who create innovate seafood dishes with California ingredients. The menu is extensive and offers la carte selections in addition to a pair of five-course tasting menus, one vegetarian and one seasonal.

Classic dishes include savory black mussel soufflé with saffron and Chardonnay cream and Maine lobster pot pie. The wine list focuses on American producers and contains some gems from small vineyards.

Large bright spaces and a roomy dining room make this place a pleasure to dine at. The restaurant is a bit loud but that gives it a certain atmosphere that lends itself to whispering into your dates’ ear.

Inspired by the sidewalk creperies that line the streets of Paris, La Creperie Paris Las Vegas is the place to find this delicate, authentic French creation.

La Creperie in the Paris Hotel is the cheapest place I know in Vegas for an inexpensive bite that can still hit a sweet (or savory) spot on the taste buds.

Casino losers can buoy their spirits with a fruit crepe at La Creperie in the Paris Las Vegas hotel.

We’re in no-frills territory here. Walk up to the counter, place an order and watch the chefs pour out batter on those evocative round griddles. Retrieve the crepe when it’s ready and have a seat in the unassuming eating area to the left.

I’m fond of unceremonious combos: sautéed spinach and mushroom with cheese or ratatouille with egg, and crepes suzette or Nutella with banana slices for dessert. Staffers also let customers design their own concoctions.

This is also a good spot for a solitary breakfast. Something about the meandering layout of the hotel as a whole makes it enjoyable for strolling by one’s lonesome.

La Creperie

Paris Las Vegas,

3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South;

It’s been announced that The Guggenheim Hermitage Museum at The Venetian will close May 11, after a long 6-year run. This will bring to the end one of the most audacious experiments in the history of the arts.

From all accounts, the grand experiment did not work. But it wasn’t from a lack of effort from all that were involved and tried to make it a huge, Vegas success.

The museum exhibited some of the world’s greatest works of art in a beautiful space prominently situated within a big, bustling resort – The Venetian. By any conventional measure, it should have attracted longer lines than In-N-Out Burgers.  But it sadly didn’t.

Las Vegas is perhaps the last place on Earth where anyone should expect classical art to draw a crowd. That’s why the Guggenheim’s idea to open a museum here was so audacious. The respected arts organization aimed to prove perceptions wrong by enticing the masses to appreciate the world’s art treasures.  Read more…

A 450,000 square feet luxury shopping centre has opened on the Las Vegas Strip at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino. The shopping center, Shoppes at the Palazzo, houses more than 60 luxury brands such as Anya Hindmarch, Christian Louboutin, Fendi, Montblanc and Jimmy Choo, as well as department store Barneys New York. It is owned by General Growth Properties.

Daniel J. Sheridan, executive vice president of General Growth Properties, Inc., said that the center was setting the new standard on the Las Vegas Strip for luxury retail.

“Home to an 85,000-square-foot Barneys New York and more than 60 premier luxury brands, The Shoppes at The Palazzo comprises one of the city’s most comprehensive and luxurious retail offerings to date,” he said.

The Shoppes at the Palazzo also offers nearly a dozen dining venues such as a gourmet wine bar, a French steakhouse, an Italian café and a restaurant fusing Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine.   Read more…