The Spa at Ravella

Ravella at Lake Las Vegas is a luxurious, 349-room-and-suite resort found on the shores of the largest privately owned man-made lake in the country, just 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

Ravella at Lake Las Vegas truly offers an escape from the chaotic energy from Las Vegas, featuring a white sandy beach and numerous outdoor activities such as: boating and fly fishing, kayaking, nearby Jack Nicklaus golf course, plus hiking and jogging trails.

For an incredible Mediterranean-inspired spa experience, The Spa at Ravella offers a custom aromatherapy bar, specialty children’s services and and even “Re-Treats” for your dog.

Similar to a colorful waterside village in Italy, The Spa at Ravella presents beautiful European architecture and a picturesque lake setting.

The Spa at Ravella offers guests a luxury 30-000-square-foot spa and wellness center that includes 24 treatment rooms, advanced fitness center, a full-service salon,, men’s and women’s vanities, relaxing healing waters and much more.

Treatments available at The Spa at Ravella will feature botanical essences from several Mediterranean regions complemented by indigenous plant and mineral ingredients from the Las Vegas area.

SPA ELEMENTS

* Embracing Italy. Guests are invited to enjoy treatments highlighting European ingredients such as the Ravella Rocks Massage, enhancing hot basalt stones with fresh rosemary from the Mediterranean shore; Napoli Espresso Body Ritual, using finely ground Italian espresso beans and volcanic pumice from Mount Vesuvius for exfoliation; or the detoxifying Vita de Mare Body Therapy, using Mediterranean clays scented with cocoa and pomegranate extracts.
* Locally Inspired Luxury. Locally sourced ingredients will be incorporated into treatments such as the Mediterranean Herbal Poultice massage, using desert chaparral to rejuvenate and detoxify; Muscle Relief Massage, taking advantage of the soothing powers of wild sage and mountain arnica; or Skin Quencher Organic Aloe Body Wrap, which calms sun-exposed skin with one of the desert’s natural healing plants. Jojoba oil will be used as a base in all oils and fossilized sea salt, gathered from southern Utah, will serve as an exfoliant.

* Essence of Ravella Custom Blending Bar. Ravella’s aroma artists will create blends of essential oils uniquely tailored to suit each guest’s mind, body and soul. Oils are incorporated into The Spa’s signature body butter, lotions, sugar scrub, massage or bath oil. Products can be purchased as gifts, used in treatments, applied by guests in vanity lounges or taken home to recreate the Ravella experience.
* Just for Men. Several treatments have been created with men in mind. Beyond the standard sports massage, The Spa will feature men’s facials such as the Solo Vento Skin Fitness treatment, designed to relax male guests while invigorating the skin. Using high-grade organically produced botanicals and 100 percent essential oils, therapists smooth stubble, clean, exfoliate, balance and moisturize while offering skin tips to use at home.
* Child’s Play. Children age 10 and up are invited to enjoy abbreviated spa services created specifically for young skin and growing bodies. For a special treat, they can enjoy the Migliori Amici treatment (translation: best friends) and experience side-by-side treatments with a friend. Teens also can learn tips on taking care of their skin or how to apply makeup.

* Don’t Forget Fido. During select weekend events, guests will be invited to bring the family pooch along to partake in special activities like doggie yoga and hiking, or simply to enjoy a selection of all-natural treats from The Spa’s retail area. Ravella is a pet-friendly hotel.
* Skin and Hair Care Partners. The Spa and Salon will debut its signature private label, complemented by natural skincare lines Naturopathica and H Maloha, which produce age-defying results and visible rejuvenation without harmful synthetics or parabens. For hair care, Moroccanoil styling, finishing and conditioning hair products make the hair feel and look healthier after just one use.
* Salon. The full-service salon will offer expert color, cuts and styling. For manicures and pedicures, nail technicians will use vegan Spa Ritual products, wildcrafted and naturally colored without synthetic dyes. Makeup artists will use only the purest makeup products.
* Fitness Center. The fitness center will offer a variety of activities including private and group exercise classes such as spin, boot camp and yoga; as well as personal training; swimming, hiking and outdoor excursions in and around Lake Las Vegas. Nutrition counseling and weekend health retreats will be offered in the coming months.
* Healthy Living Store. The Vita Sana Health Living Store will carry all-natural snacks; hair, nail and skin care lines used in The Spa and Salon; resort wear; an organic Italian baby-care line;

On the island of Kauai, there are many excellent beaches to explore from Poipu Beach.   Poipu Beach encompasses several beaches lining cloistral coves, gentle waves and clear, blue skies.

Brennecke’s Beach is an extension of Poipu Beach Park offering many things to do for everyone.  It has amazing sand and is fairly uncrowded.

Brennecke’s Beach on Kauai is famous for their boogie boarding and is known as the “body surfing Capital of Hawaii.”

Another activity to enjoy is watching the locals, who shore fish here.

TAG Heuer

This year, luxury Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, proudly celebrates “150 years of Motor Racing.”

In 1860, TAG Heuer was first founded in Saint-Imier, Switzerland by Edouard Heuer. TAG Heuer has set many major milestones of high-end watchmaking, especially in the field of chronographs and ultimate precision.

Swiss brand TAG Heuer is well known and respected as one of the largest and most desired brands in the luxury watch industry.

With a long industry involved in the world of sports, luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer opens  a new contemporary boutique in Sin City.

TAG Heuer

Nikki Beach Club Las Vegas

Now at the Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel Resort & Casino, you can enjoy Nikki Beach –  the Ultimate International Beach.

Back in 1998, Nikki Beach introduced the world to the ultimate beach club concept. Nikki Beach brought together a combination of Las Vegas music, entertainment, fashion, dining and art. Nikki Beach locations include trendy hotspots like Miami, St. Tropez, Marbella and Cabo San Lucas.

Over a decade later, Nikki Beach continues to be one the world’s hottest addresses and trendsetting locales. Nikki Beach was recently awarded the #1 spot in Travel Channel’s World’s Sexiest Beach Bars.

Now you can enjoy Nikki Beach at the world famous Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel Resort & Casino.

Las Vegas’ Nikki Beach Club is located on over four acres of Tropicana Las Vegas’ lush natural pool landscape.

Nikki Beach Club Las Vegas

Nikki Beach brings the ultimate global beach club experience to Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Strip comes alive with the opening of Nikki Beach, combining one of the world’s most stylish brands with a truly, legendary Las Vegas hotel & casino.

As we reported, the Tropicana Las Vegas just completed an amazing $180 million transformation and with the opening of the new Nikki Beach, solidifies this popular hotel casino as the place to be.

Tom McCartney is the president & COO of Tropicana Las Vegas and was quoted, “As we continue to transform the hotel resort with South Beach-inspired changes, we are excited to partner with Nikki Beach to ensure that it is as authentic and compelling as possible.”

Nikki Beach Club Las Vegas

Nikki Beach Las Vegas is the first on the U.S. west coast and will become the largest Nikki Beach property in the world. Locals and visitors will now flock to a Nikki Beach to party in style, with a sizzling blend of beautiful design, hot fashion, haute cuisine, exotic cocktails and sexy entertainment.

Nikki Beach at the Tropicana Las Vegas features three key elements: Nikki Beach Club, Club Nikki, as well as Café Nikki.

Club Nikki and Nikki Beach Club were designed to offer its guests with 24 hour entertainment, ranging from an enchanting afternoon at the pool to a dazzling evening or an all-night party.

Club Nikki is 16,500-sq. ft. in size providing Las Vegas club-goers with a never-before-seen nightlife experience.

Club Nikki – Nikki Beach Club Las Vegas

Club Nikki features a glamorous ultra-lounge where guests can sip signature cocktails and mingle before moving on to the thumping beats of the dance floor.

Nikki Beach features a restaurant, outdoor cafe and bar, swim-up blackjack, in addition to a private island in the center of the tropical pool.

Café Nikki is a European-style café, offering 24/7 dining in the trademark Nikki Beach atmosphere. The menu at Café Nikki provides an exquisite blend of American cuisine and flavors inspired by international dishes.

To get additional information on Nikki Beach Las Vegas, please visit www.nikkibeachlasvegas.com.

Courtesy of: MGM Resorts International

There is no better place on earth to celebrate an event. Las Vegas is the place to be this week to celebrate 200 years of Mexican independence.

The MGM Resorts International is proud to introduce VIVA, an extended weekend spectacular, September 15-19.

The red, white and green blowout takes place across all Las Vegas MGM Resorts properties and welcomes Latino travelers, and anyone wishing to join the party, to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of Mexican Independence Day from one end of The Strip to the other.

“Our resorts have historically offered a great variety of entertainment, dining and activities for guests celebrating the ‘fiestas patrias,’” said Bill Hornbuckle, Chief Marketing Officer for MGM Resorts International.  “Now with VIVA we are able to pull it all together and expand our offerings to make this weekend a can’t-miss destination event weekend.”

Hotel packages, including VIVA wristbands, now are available for ARIA, Vdara, MGM Grand, The Signature at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York – New York, Luxor, Excalibur and Circus Circus and can be found at VIVAVegasFiesta.com.

Individual VIVA wristbands also will be available for purchase at all MGM Resorts box offices throughout the event weekend.

VIVA wristbands will provide guests daily happy hours at participating bars and restaurants, admission and VIP line passes to Studio 54, access to concerts at Diablo’s Cantina, daily fashion experiences at Crystals – Las Vegas’ newest and most extravagant shopping district – and much more.

The new Ignite Lounge at Monte Carlo will serve as the central VIVA Lounge from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, offering concierge services and a spot to relax and rejuvenate from all of the excitement.  In addition to these inclusions, VIVA guests are able to pick and choose from a buffet of entertainment and activities to personalize their weekend fiesta.

The VIVA celebration begins Wednesday, Sept. 15 with a sold-out concert by Mexican sensation Alejandro Fernandez and the traditional “grito” – a ceremonial late-night declaration of independence – at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Latin Grammy Award-winners Marco Antonio Solis and Pedro Fernandez continue the Latin music extravaganza Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center .  A hilarious mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects by Gabriel Iglesias will bring the Monte Carlo Theatre to life Thursday through Saturday.

Guests can keep the party rolling late into the night with a variety of nightlife options with a unique Latin flavor.  Diego at MGM Grand will feature top tequilas and high-energy dancing at Agave Jueves on Thursday and Vida! Latin Late Nights Friday and Saturday.  Meanwhile, Reventon at Gonzalez y Gonzalez at New York – New York heats up The Strip with pop and rock en Español Friday and Saturday.

An integral part of Mexican culture is food and VIVA will not disappoint.  Some of the best Mexican cuisine can be found at Diego, Hussong’s Cantina, Border Grill and T&T: Tacos & Tequila – home of the Sunday Mariachi Brunch.

For guests clamoring for a taste of the old country, Chef Julian Serrano will provide a cooking demonstration of delectable dishes from his native Spain at Tuscany Kitchen at Bellagio Thursday, Sept. 16.

This year, celebrate Mexican Independence Day Vegas-style – full of the best in Mexican music, comedy, food and drinks in a neon paradise.  Start following @VIVAVegasFiesta on Twitter and Facebook or visit VIVAVegasFiesta.com for more information, updates and to book your VIVA package.

The luxurious Kahala Hotel & Resort features a magnificent 26,000 square foot lagoon that is home to a variety of Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin, turtles, and colorful tropical fish.

If you ever get a chance, you definitely need to swim with dolphins and doing it in Hawaii as part of Kahala’s Dolphin Quest is truly an unforgettable experience.

The Dolphin Quest program is provides guests with the opportunity to get up close, swim with and learn about Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort is stunning property on Oahu, east of Honolulu and Diamond Head. The lagoon area at Kahala is gorgeous and the ideal location to observe these incredible sea creatures.

The experienced trainers at Dolphin Quest provide daily education programs for guests to experience the dolphins up-close, and fully understand the uniqueness and intelligence of these wonderful creatures.

What I appreciate about the Dolphin Quest program, is the awareness of over-commercialization and not over stressing the dolphins. The trainers limit the number of private sessions to only a few each day.

Dolphin Quest features five beautiful dolphins:

• Hoku – (Name means ‘Star’ in Hawaiian) Hoku was born at The Kahala in 1991. A very good-natured animal, Hoku loves tactile attention and learning new behaviors.
• Kolohe – (‘Rascal’) He is from Dolphin Quest Hawaii, where his mother, Shaka, currently lives. Kolohe is usually one of the first to try new things and is not shy. Kolohe is 13 years old.
• Liho – (‘Rare and Precious’) He is a terrific animal and loves any and all guest interactions. Liho is 13 years old.
• Lono – (An ancient Hawaiian god of fertility and farming) He is the largest and oldest of our Dolphin Quest Oahu animal family. At 500 pounds, he ranks among the larger of the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin species. He has sired several calves at Dolphin Quest Hawaii where he resided for most of his life.
• Nainoa – (‘The Wanderer’) You will be able to differentiate him from the others because of his chocolate-colored topside. Nainoa was born at Dolphin Quest Hawaii on October 31st, 1997.

Class participants will become educated on how dolphins live and survive in the ocean. In addition, learn several hand signals and actually get the dolphins to perform a few tricks.

In case you are not able to take photos of your dolphin experience, a professional photographer shoots photos during the session. You can purchase the pics and capture the wonderful memories to later share with friends and family.

Whether you are guest at the the Kahala Hotel & Resort or just visiting, you can always just wander down to the lagoon at anytime and watch the dolphins.

For additional information, please visit http://www.kahalaresort.com/swim-with-dolphins-hawaii.cfm

or  http://www.kahalaresort.com/activities/dolphin-quest-encounter.cfm

Courtesy of: Honolulu Magazine

Hy’s Steak House has long been one of the best-known steakhouses in all of Hawaii. The restaurant has been a tradition in Waikiki for over a quarter century.

Hy’s Steak House restaurant has won awards from both local and national critics, and is a big favorite of Honolulu natives, as well as visitors.

Hy’s offers its patrons superb cuisine offering a mixture of American, European, Hawaiian and Pacific influences.

The specialties of Hy’s Steak House are the USDA Prime grade cuts of beef offered, including, New York Strip, Porterhouse T-Bone, Delmonico and Filet Mignon. In addition to the world-class steaks, Hy’s also offers a wide selection of specialty salads and seafood dishes.

Appetizers at Hy’s include Oysters Rockefeller and Beluga Caviar. Signature entrees include Hy’s Garlic Steak, Hy’s Grilled Vegetable Platter and Lamb Chops a la Hy’s .

Hy’s Steak House offers an extensive wine list that over the years, has earned the prestigious Award of Excellence from, “Wine Spectator Magazine”.

The interior of Hy’s has been described as “charming” and the dining area resembles an old English mansion and possesses all the ambiance of a private gentlemen’s club.

The restaurant’s booths and table seating are covered in tapestry or leather-like upholstery. Much like the dining room itself, guest seating is both ample and comfortable.

Hy’s Steak House
2440 Kuhio Ave
Honolulu, Oahu Hawaii 96815
(808) 922-5555

High up on the 55th floor sits Ghost, the icing on George Maloof’s 450ft high Palms Casino resort.

The floor to ceiling windows and ever popular balcony provide jaw-dropping 360 degree views of the Vegas strip but the accompanying cocktails will calm the nerves of the worst vertigo sufferer!

The interior isn’t slap-dash either. After reaching the entrance via high-speed lifts,  you enter the large lounge strewn with contemporary seating in muted tones of silver, greens and grays.

There is an entrance fee of $10-20 depending on whether you pop by during the week or at the weekend.

The overall service can be excellent or possibly patchy, as can the quality of the clientele! But for a long drink, looking down on Las Vegas’ amazing neon collection without any tourists.

Ghost Bar in the Palms is definitely worth a visit, providing a unique view of the Las Vegas strip you can not get anywhere else.

Wai’oli Hui’ia Church – Kauai

The beautiful Wai’oli Hui’ia Church & Mission House Museum in Hanalei, is one of the most popular photographic subjects for visitors to Kauai.

Wai’oli Mission Hall and picturesque Wai’oli Hui’ia Church (founded in 1834) are nearby.

The original Waioli Mission Hall building was first established by American Christian missionaries back in the mid 1830′s and is currently the oldest surviving church building on the lush island of Kauai.

Wai’oli Hui’ia Church is a United Church of Christ, and is most commonly known as the “Green Church” due to it painted an emerald green color.

Wai’oli Mission House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is definitely one of the best values on the Las Vegas Strip. From exciting casino action and luxury accommodations, to fine dining and fun entertainment, to the world’s most insane thrill rides, Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is the one place that you can’t miss – literally.

The 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower is a true Las Vegas landmark and home to some of the world’s most original attractions. The Stratosphere thrill rides are the world’s three tallest: the Big Shot, X-Scream, and the new Insanity – our scariest yet!

If a culinary adventure is more your style, try the 360 degree rotating Top of the World Restaurant & Lounge. And for you lovebirds, The Chapel in the Clouds, over 100 stories above Las Vegas, is an ideal place to tie the knot or renew your vows.

As for entertainment on the ground level, we’ve got two outstanding shows: American Superstars celebrity tribute and Bite, the vampire-themed adult revue. Take a stroll through our Tower Shops retail mall or spend the day at Roni Josef International Salon & Spa.

At night, check out the variety of live music and entertainment all over the property. Then relax in one of our newly refurbished rooms or suites.

It’s excitement the way you want it! Great games, great odds and great promotions really make your play pay off. Experience non-stop action on our fun table games, hot slot and video poker machines, or get swept up in the excitement of the race & sports book. All of this is at the Stratosphere.

The Stratosphere boasts an 80,000-square-foot casino featuring over 50 table games and more than 1,500 of the hottest slot and video poker machines. At the Stratosphere, amenities such as the race & sports book and keno ensure that there is something for every gaming preference.

It won’t take you long to discover why Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is the best value on the Las Vegas Strip!

Tabu Ultra Lounge is a chic, cosmopolitan ultra lounge offering the finest in beauty, sophistication, service, drink and design.

Tabú’s models/hosts, whose fashion evolves as the evening progresses, provide tableside mixology, fine bottle service and signature cocktails.

Tabú, located in the MGM Grand Hotel Casino, offers a unique twist on classic lounge tunes and European-influenced vocal house blends.

From dynamic images bouncing on every surface, to tables with living, breathing imagery, Tabú strokes each of the senses but leaves everything to the imagination. Table reservations complete with fine bottle service are available.