Onda Wine Lounge at Mirage

Las Vegas has long been a popular tourist mecca.  More than 37 million visitors annually travel to Sin City and enjoy this desert oasis filled with bright lights and non-stop gaming and entertainment action.

Today’s lightning fast media often reports the latest trendsetting spots in Las Vegas but many want to uncover the true hidden gems can sometimes be hard to come by.

We’ve put together a list of some of best, little known treasures that Las Vegas offers.  Discerning Vegas guests can enjoy tucked-away lounges as well as many complimentary experiences to make their Las Vegas visit a memorable one.

Pianist to the Presidents at Bellagio

Indulge in a splendid evening at Bellagio’s Petrossian Bar with live music from the pianist to Presidents of the United States . David Osborn has performed at the White House for many politicians including recent Presidents Carter, Bush, Clinton, Bush and Obama. Guests at Petrossian Bar can relax on one of the velvet couches overlooking the casino while enjoying beautiful music played by Osborn on the one-of-a-kind Steinway Grand. Osborn plays evenings Thursday-Sunday at the elegant lounge that gently sets the mood for sophisticated tastes and discerning palates. Talk about a hidden gem.

Wind Down at the Cigar & Cognac Lounge

Upstairs from Andre’s Restaurant inside Monte Carlo is the warm and welcoming Cigar & Cognac Lounge, a world of intimacy where guests can settle in by the fire with a drink and enjoy the seductive aroma of fine cigars. For the ultimate experience, let experts recommend a professional cognac and cigar pairing. It’s the perfect way to cap off a dinner at Andre’s, a show in the Monte Carlo Theatre or to simply wind down before turning in for the evening.

Complimentary Art Tours at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Las Vegas’ premier fine art exhibition venue, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, offers daily docent tours beginning promptly at 2 p.m. Each tour is complimentary with the purchase of admission. The 45-minute tour takes guests through exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and works on paper by the world’s most influential artists. These museum-caliber displays offer visitors a rare opportunity to view legendary works of art carefully selected from prestigious international collections.

Swan-side Dining at Swan Court at Aureole

The exclusive Swan Court at Aureole offers private outdoor dining next to a lagoon where beautiful white swans glide gracefully. Guests can enjoy a menu of seasonal dishes including artisan dry-aged beef and fresh seafood that reflect Chef Charlie Palmer’s signature progressive American cuisine. Along with dinner, rare wines from around the world can be sampled. Aureole’s visual trademark is a four-story wine tower with its very own Wine Angel Stewards, who stylishly ascend the tower to retrieve bottles.

Gaming in Style on the Beach

Directly on the sand and just feet from the crashing waves, the three-story, climate-controlled, glass-fronted Beachside Casino at Mandalay Bay offers fabulous amenities for guests. At the top sits the Villas Soleil with spectacular views of the entire Mandalay Bay Beach. Ranging in size from 250 to 500 square feet, these five villas are unlike any standard cabana in Las Vegas . Each of the contemporarily designed villas accommodates up to 16 guests and comes with cabana service and access to the private third-level pool. Each features cozy modular seating and day beds in crisp colors, a restroom, wet bar, 50-inch flat-screen television, MP3 player, safe, ceiling fan and a private deck overlooking The Beach.

Wine Tasting on the House at Onda

Onda Wine Lounge at The Mirage is an Italian-inspired lounge where guests can enjoy a selection of wines available to taste by purchasing a tasting flight or individually. Every Friday afternoon, the lounge offers free wine tastings to guests. A selection of artisan cheeses and meats is also offered. All wines will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle and also by the case which can be shipped to an address of choice.

Bulgari Carbon Gold Limited Edition Watch

Maybe the Tooth Fairy really does exist. Well at least the legend lives on at the ultra plush hotel – The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas.

The AAA Five-Diamond-rated Ritz-Carlton, Dallas is conveniently located in uptown Dallas, and was ranked the #1 hotel in the United States in the 2009 Zagat Survey of North American Hotels, Resorts and Spas.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas has teamed with the newly-unveiled Bulgari boutique at NorthPark Center in Dallas on an exciting new promotion.

Starting this month through Labor Day 2011, one lucky guest staying at the luxury The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas hotel, will wake up one morning and find a complimentary Bulgari watch under their pillow!

This promotion is part of The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas hotel’s new “Suite Dreams Shopping package.”

The Suite Dreams Shopping Experience features a one-night stay in a Deluxe Suite plus transportation to the Bulgari boutique located just a few minutes from The Ritz-Carlton.

Guests will then receive a Bulgari gift during their visit to the trendy, new Bulgari boutique – either a selection from the iconic brand’s celebrated international fragrance collection, or a stunning Bulgari coffee-table book written by Sotheby jewelry experts Daniela Mascetti and Amanda Triossi.

Each month, the lucky hotel guest will find a luxurious Bulgari Carbon Gold Limited Edition Watch!

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas “Sweet Dreams” package is priced from $399 per night and includes the following.

* One night in a Deluxe Suite
• Breakfast for two in-room or at Fearing’s Restaurant
• Transportation between The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas and Bulgari NorthPark Center
• Special gift from Bulgari NorthPark Center
• Personal concierge assistance at Bulgari NorthPark Center
• Opportunity to discover a Bulgari Carbon Gold Limited Edition watch placed under a pillow in the guest’s Suite (one guest per month will receive this special surprise)
• Valet parking at hotel
• 2 p.m. check-out

To book a “Suite Dreams” package reservation at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, please visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/dallas or call 800-241-3333.

The Mexican Riviera is a beautiful, tropical destination with endless miles of white sand beach and abundant sunshine.

Set amidst a stunning tropical beachfront the distinguished Select Clubs resorts are an all-inclusive “hotel within a hotel” offering discerning travelers exclusive VIP services and amenities, that includes 24-hour food and beverage service at our Sandos Resorts.

For ultimate luxury, the Select Clubs at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa and Sandos Playacar Resort & Spa, on the Riviera Maya, Mexico provide you piece of mind without the glamorous price tag with all-inclusive rates starting at $98 per night.

Visitors are greeted by a friendly staff  upon arrival at the resort. Enjoy the private check-in services at the Sandos Select Club desk. Once at their room, guests will find a complimentary welcome fruit basket and bottle of wine.

From there, skies the limit at these ultra-luxury resorts. There area a myriad of activities that await you, including sporting events and activities program as well as the most popular vacation pastime – relaxing poolside.

The Sandos Select Club private pool area features an adult-only swimming pool, a children’s pool, a snack bar and terrace, showers and changing rooms, and cushioned chaise lounges for optimal comfort.

Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort & Spa offers a wide variety of eateries and bars, including buffet restaurants with International, Mexican and Italian specialties, À La Carte dining with Oriental, Brazilian and Mediterranean cuisine , steakhouses, sports and beach bars, swim-up pool bar and snack bars.

Visitors of both properties can enjoy a day at Spa Sandos, featuring an extensive menu of services and a gymnasium. Hotel guests can use all facilities located on the first section of the spa free-of-charge including the fitness center, hydro massage pool and Jacuzzis, solarium, saunas, steam bath, showers and lockers.

For those looking to be pampered and indulge, Spa Sandos also offers various luxury treatments ranging from body wraps and massages to organic treatments and facials (rates vary by service).

ARIA Resort & Casino

Las Vegas is well known for quick get-away weddings. But this luxury mecca in the desert has also grown to become one of the leading honeymoon destinations in the world.

New brides have dreamed for years of their fantasy wedding and honeymoon. If your perfect honeymoon includes wearing a frisky lingerie shopping experience in a “Couples Dressing Room” followed by  the ultimate sweet treat – a three-inch miniature recreation of her wedding cake, then the magnificent ARIA Resort & Casino at Las Vegas’ CityCenter is your choice.

The luxurious CityCenter in Las Vegas truly offers unique opportunities to extend your dream wedding into an effortless dream honeymoon.

Here’s a wonderful list of what to do in Las Vegas after the “I DOS”:

SLEEP
* High above the Las Vegas Strip in ARIA Resort & Casino, couples can retreat to their own “love loft” with panoramic views of the city and mountains. ARIA’s Sky Suites offer an incredible experience that includes personalized concierge services such as romantic in-room candlelit dinners, customized balloons and flowers covering every inch of the suite, a three-inch replica of their wedding cake created by world-renowned pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury, or turn-down service including a drawn bath filling their room with sensual aromatherapy-infused steam. And when couples decide it’s time for “lights off,” the Goodnight feature on the one-touch, in-room technology control turns lights and TV off, and turns lovers on.

SPA
* The Spa & Salon at ARIA provides a relaxing escape from in-laws’ nagging about baby plans and residual wedding stress. Lovebirds can “heat things up” with a Hot Stone Couples massage and plunge into the even warmer infinity-edge therapy pool on Las Vegas’ only Co-ed Balcony. For truly special treatment, couples can ask for one of the The Spa at ARIA’s exclusive spa suites—providing hours of ecstasy in a blissfully private spa-within-a-spa environment.

SAVOR
* Lovers can find the way to each other’s hearts—through the stomach—nestled in an intimate booth inside Sage’s romantic atmosphere. Enjoy Chef Shawn McClain’s selection of aphrodisiac cuisine like Market Oysters served with piquillo pepper and Tabasco sorbet and seductive spirits such as Sage’s extensive absinthe selection, which will stimulate more than the conversation.

* Another romantic venue at ARIA is Blossom; a dining area designed to channel an enchanted garden that serves authentic Chinese cuisine like Pan-Fried Beef with sweet ginger and pineapple. Enjoy a spicy dish now to enjoy an even spicier “dish” in the bedroom later.

SHOP
* They might already have the ring, but who’s to say they can’t have more jewels to go along with it? Tiffany & Co. inside Crystals at CityCenter, adjacent to ARIA, is the largest Tiffany’s boutique in Las Vegas and offers a jaw-dropping jewelry shopping experience. Tiffany’s features an exclusive Las Vegas line including bracelets with sterling silver dice and card suit charms, and card motif pendants that will be cherished forever as a timeless reminder of the honeymoon.

* Make sure she looks chic between the sheets with Kiki de Montparnasse in Crystals at CityCenter. The only location in Las Vegas, Kiki inspires the romantic imagination and offers a fanciful collection of luxury lingerie, 24K gold-plated restraints and other cheeky intimacy products that range from darling to quite daring! The Kiki Boutique at Crystals is the first and only location to feature an exclusive Couples Dressing Room and Portrait Booth – a frisky space for lovers to put a new spin on the phrase “Half-Off” merchandise.

SHOW
* There is nothing cliché about seeing Elvis in Las Vegas when experiencing ARIA’s resident Cirque du Soleil production, Viva ELVIS. The show chronicles the icon’s legacy, life, and love story with wife Priscilla and will get couples “All Shook Up” in a really good way.

SIGHTSEE
* “Adventurous” couples who don’t want to spend all day in their luxurious Sky Suites bed (although who would blame them if they did?) can visit ARIA’s Tour Desk for personalized explorations to the outskirts of Southern Nevada including Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. The sky’s the limit in designing these day trips—literally—with options like sipping champagne and enjoying hors d’oeuvres on a thrilling flight to the Grand Canyon’s see-through, 4,000-feet in-the-air, Skywalk.

“Carnival in the Garden” – Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden

From now until May 8th, visitors to Las Vegas can enjoy the “Carnival in the Garden” exhibit at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden.

Spring has arrived but many places around the world are still battling cold and wintery conditions.

Come to Las Vegas, that luxury destination of bright lights and non-stop action and experience Spring at its very best.

The amazing “Carnival in the Garden” at the Bellagio features a wonderful carousel, ferris wheel and even live butterflies.

9,620 total flowers will be on display per week int eh Conservatory & Botanical Garden and during the entire length of the exhibit, a whopping total of 86,580 flowers will be used!

Filled with bright blooms and a playful carnival, the spectacular “Carnival in the Garden” floral exhibition at the Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is stunningly beautiful.

Guests can enjoy four different enchanting gardens that will lure you a variety of scents from tulips, hydrangeas and daisies.

The colorful Ferris wheel, along with a moving carousel and greenhouse full of beautiful butterflies will bring smiles to people’s faces and leave all the worries of the outside world forgotten.

The amazing moving carousel is 11 feet tall and is making its Conservatory debut.  This carnival favorite weighs more than 8,600 pounds, and covered with 330 clear bulbs, in addition to colorful acrylic balloons and a cedar ticket booth.

The stunning focal point of the “Carnival in the Garden” has to be the stone-based rustic greenhouse, housing more than 500 live butterflies from around the world.

Nearby, view a “fantasy” tree that has been decorated with cherry blossoms that easily soar 25 feet overhead, reaching for the spring sky revealed by the venue’s all-glass ceiling.

The artistic tree was initially formed with a metal skeleton and then covered with more than 420,000 feet of tightly woven willow branches.

The spring exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will be open for viewing until May 8th.

The exhibit is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

LAS8 Paris

Based in Paris, France – LAS8 Paris is a trendy fashion house that  features only rare and luxurious leathers.

The stunning leather collection featured at LAS8 Paris Fashion House is grounded in French fashion know-how.

LAS8 Paris was founded by Philippe Anton and Fabien Paludetto and their leather collection truly represents both a prestigious and high quality fashion for exotic leathers and fur lovers.

LAS8 Paris Fashion House is backed by specialist workshops that work tirelessly to locate and select the best skins.

The goal of LAS8 Paris is to provide each customer with his/her own jacket, and each unique piece is tailored to their taste and personal wishes.

LAS8 Paris

During an interview with Founder and Partner Fabien Paludetto, we had the chance to ask him several questions about LAS8 Paris.

– What is the inspiration for your fashion designs?
Our main source of inspiration is the “material” that we use. Furs and exotic skins are a true passion for my partner and I. We are fascinated by the animal world. We love working with interplay of 2 or 3 different leathers and colors on each model, and we manage to create assortments are innovating on the market, for example with our stingray collar.

The use and the work of skin is a valuable learning constantly. That’s what we love. Able to work the skins and furs is a treasure for us. Currently fewer craftsmen have the knowledge to work on these skins. France is recognized for years as an expert in this market. What makes each model unique and valuable. The work of skin and fur requires a true expertise.

There is also the historical aspect in connection with exotic skins and their origins. This precious link that brings human closer to its origins.

Each time when we create a model, we want develop a timeless creation. What is important for us Is that our customer always find the same pleasure to wear the model he or she has selected, year after year. Our models are designed like precious jewels. What is important for us is to respect our commitments, rigor, and provide the highest quality to our customers. Be as exigent as could be your clients. And above all always be in a dynamic of creation and discovery in order to preserve the excellence of each model.

– What is your vision of the luxury leather industry and the drive behind your “customer-first” mission?
We are animated by the desire to create and provide exclusive models and services to our customers, by the permanent expectations that we have regarding our creations. We select and use the best skins, work with high skilled specialist workshops in France, look for exclusive leathers… This is the “spirit” of our work – this is how we consider “luxe”.

Our customers are people who have high expectations, in terms of style (they know exactly what they like), in terms of quality (they are sensitive to refined items), in terms of services (they appreciate to be considered as exclusive people, since we can personalized our models to their taste in terms of colors and type of skins).

We receive our customers on our showroom by appointment, so they can count on our full attention. We want our showroom to be a “secret” place, where our customers can discover our luxurious and exclusive creations and imagine with our help and advice a personalized model. We are very reactive to an appointment request, and we are able to arrange the meeting very quickly, according to the availability of our customers.

– Where would you like to see your company grow to in the next several years?
That is a interesting question. Actually, our fashion house is today at the beginning of its story, we are based in Paris and have a permanent showroom in this fashion capital. We would like to develop this Parisian address with customers from all around the world.

Regarding our development abroad, it is a bit early to say exactly where we will develop. Our collection receives very encouraging feedback from the Middle East, Germany and the United States market. We are therefore particularly careful to these areas.

All the states around France (Italy, England, Germany, Switzerland…) are also important for us. The fashion industry is deeply rooted in Europe and Paris is one of the heart of the fashion dynamic. As we also love to work furs, we are also necessarily sensitive to the northern Europe market and Asia.

We also plan to develop our distribution channels worldwide with collaborations with exclusive and luxury boutiques around the world.

To view all of their leather fashion collection, please visit LAS8 Paris at at: www.las8-paris.com

THEhotel – Mandalay Bay

People have long flocked to Las Vegas to experience a luxury lifestyle and all the wealth that Sin City offers.

Well it’s Fido’s turn as dogs apparently also want to live it in lap of luxury.

The luxury THEhotel at Mandalay Bay has now truly become “dog friendly” and just introduced dog-friendly Suites.

Mandalay Bay is a AAA Four Diamond award-winning destination resort, featuring 4,752 rooms and suites and THEhotel, which is a stand-alone all-suite hotel offering 1,117 luxurious one-bedroom suites.

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay is known as one of only several dog-friendly properties on the entire Las Vegas Strip, and now introduces amenities catering to our pampered canines.

As soon as your beloved pet dog steps paws into THEhotel, a greeting awaits with a special welcome letter, tasty treats and doggy relief bags.

Dogs will then be escorted by their owners to their own elegantly appointed suite on the luxury hotel’s 22nd floor, equipped with eco-friendly food and water bowls.

In addition, THEhotel’s dog-friendly amenities include special meal options for your pet dog’s in-room dining menu. One dish guaranteed to make Fido’s tail wag is the “Backyard Delight,” which consists of hamburger, potatoes, zucchini, carrots, apples, parsley and ground turmeric. Meals range from just $9 – $17 so your pampered pooch is guaranteed a tasty and healthy feast.

If your dog needs to get some fresh air and stretch a little, try the “Barking Lot Lane.” Dog owners can either walk their dogs themselves or contact the concierge who will gladly help, for an additional fee.

THEhotel allows guests to travel with up to two dogs – together weighing no more than 100 pounds – for a daily fee of $50 per canine.

THEhotel is well equipped to cater to the most discerning dogs, and provides a separate valet, along with elevators just steps away from the resort’s entrance and a designated walking area.

For more information and reservations, visit www.mandalaybay.com or call toll free at (877) 632-7800.

Jeanette Doeze launched Soul Suites in Antwerp, Belgium. Soul Suites features ultra comfortable suites and is conveniently located in the South of Antwerp, which is known for it’s vibrancy, highly recommended restaurants and cocktail bars, galleries and a diverse range of shops.

Jeanette Doeze previously owned and managed the delightful B&B Slapen Enzo, which she expanded and renovated into the current Maison Delaneau.

Soul Suites are bright serene spaces decorated by Jeanne van de Meulengraaf. Each suite comprises a sperate, sumptuous bedroom, large bathroom, living room and open style kitchen with a mix of elegant, modern and vintage furniture.

All apartments are approximately 70m2, which makes them extremely spacious. Wireless internet is provided at no charge.

When the weather is nice, you can relax on your own private terrace.

Suite guests can find numerous restaurants, cafés and galleries, located nearby.

Soul Suites is located a 10-minute walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Geuzenstraat tram stop is a 2-minute walk away and brings you to the Groenplaats in 2 stops.

The room rate is 150 per night.

For additional information, please visit: www.soulsuites.com

SOUL SUITES
Marnixplaats 14
2000 Antwerp, Belguim
info@soulsuites.com
+32 (0)471285716

“The Universal Whisky Experience” – Mahesh Patel

In October of last year, Atlanta entrepreneur and whisky collector Mahesh Patel purchased the most expensive Scotch whisky in history.

Patel paid an incredible $160,000 for the “Dalmore 64 Trinitas” bottle of Scotch whisky. Mahesh Patel now has a very large collection of more than 1,000 bottles. The Dalmore Trinitas Scotch whisky has become his crown jewel.

It has been estimated that Patel’s collection is valued at about $2.5 million. You can meet Mahesh Patel in person as he’s producing “The Universal Whisky Experience” in Las Vegas.

This weekend-long tasting event debuts in “Sin City” at the luxury Encore at Wynn Las Vegas on March 18. The Universal Whisky Experience event showcases super-premium whiskies.

400 connoisseurs and enthusiasts will savor whisky from more than 25 distilleries, and mingle with whisky aficionados, high-end connoisseurs.

This amazing  two day show will bring together the best whisky master blenders and distillers along with the rarest of expressions for an intimate weekend focusing on tasting, pairing, cocktails and meeting today’s whisky legends.

Mahesh Patel was quoted, “The purpose of this weekend is to gather the country’s most passionate whisky lovers for tasting experiences they would not normally have access to.”

Whisky collectors can engage in Master Classes led by brand leaders, and sample the rarest and finest premium whiskies from top-tier brands.

WHEN: Friday, March 18, 2011: Registration 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Friday, March 18, 2011: Special event 5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 19, 2011: Master Classes, selection of Master Classes conducted by world-renowned whisky connoisseurs, and brand leaders. 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

For additional information about the “The Universal Whisky Experience”, please visit: http://www.universalwhiskyexperience.com/.

The Kalaupapa National Park resides on the northern shoreline of Molokai and is known for its exceptional scenery and natural attractions.

However, during the winter months, from usually November to April, tourists from around the world will flock to Molokai to try to catch a glimpse of the migrating whales.

Large numbers of North Pacific humpback or kohola whales are often clearly visible from the elevated areas of Kalaupapa National Park. Humpback whales will migrate in the channel between Molokai, Maui, and Lanai. Whale watchers can also spot dolphins, which swim around the island throughout the year.

The gentle giants of the Pacific Ocean come to the warm Hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new whale calfs. It’s best to schedule a tour or charter a boat to spot these magnificent creatures up close.

There are several, seasonal whale watching tours that regularly depart from Kaunakakai Harbor. Those excursions provided by the Molokai Princess are particularly notable because they allow passengers to get much closer to this gentle giants.

Bringing your camera is an absolute must to catch unbelievable images of nature.

Anyone who visits the U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine museum at Pearl Harbor in Oahu, will likely be surprised at the profound effect it can have on you. Whether you’re a history buff, enjoy large naval vessels, or just want to pay respect to the brave men and women who serve in the military, this exhibit has something for everybody.

During a visit to Pearl Harbor, one can’t miss the first sight of the Bowfin submarine, sitting just off the dock in the harbor.

Once you arrive at Pearl Harbor, upon first glance the area was unremarkable. It has a large parking lot with two buildings in the immediate vicinity. After you park, if you are facing the water, the submarine museum will be on your right.

The first thing you see as you walk up is torpedoes. Yep, actual torpedoes, with the good stuff taken out line the entrance to the museum. One of the big ones, standing up on its end has the impressive stats of: 32 feet long, 30,000 pounds heavy, 4.5 feet in diameter, and a 2,880 mile range!

As you walk through the torpedoes, the museum will be the building on the right and there will be a gift shop on your left. You can walk through to the submarine or go to the museum.  Neither was anywhere near as crowded as the Arizona Memorial, making it a viable alternative during peak hours.

The museum is in a large air conditioned building with cool lighting and static electricity inducing carpet. You will walk down a circular path through the room between exhibits on both sides. Initially there are lots of pictures of the submarines in World War II and their crews. As you walk, the glass covered displays get more and more fascinating.