Haute Getaway: Viva Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas indeed! For those who want the ultimate luxurious getaway, a little bit of gambling, and some of the best shows, clubs and restaurants in the U.S., hit the open road in a Rolls-Royce and make your way to Sin City. Here is a guide for where to stay, play, eat, drink and be merry if you have 48 hours in Las Vegas.

STAY

True VIPs check into the MGM Skylofts. If you’ve flown (check out Virgin’s new LAX to Las Vegas service if so), you’ll be picked up in a Rolls Royce Phantom and whisked to the MGM, where you’ll check in at a private entrance separate from the rest of the resort. From there you’ll be treated to a welcome bar which includes rare cognacs and whiskies and taken to your room. Of the suites, which comprise the two top floors of the MGM, we suggest you book the 3-bedroom unit, which includes a butler pantry and billiards room or the two-bedroom with plunge pool, which includes your own personal fitness area and a billiards table. Regardless of which you choose, the experience is superb. You’ll have an environment remote so you can control the lighting, temperature and music at any given time, use of laptops, iPods and thousands of CDs and DVDs, Bvlgari bath products and the use of “Dream” and “Spa” butlers, who turn your room into the ultimate den of relaxation. You will also have the ability to dine at the MGM Mansion, which is only accessible otherwise by high-rolling invited members. If you should neither further proof that this is the hautest place in town to stay, know that this is where the Lakers slept while in town during their recent game against the Kings.

EAT

Those seeking the utmost in luxurious experiences only have one option, and that is “Chef of the Century” Joel Robuchon’s eatery at the MGM. Robuchon’s restaurant is the only three-star Michelin Guide winner in Las Vegas. The French chef came out of retirement to open his only eatery in the U.S. Specialties include Le Caviar, a trio dish of thin couscous and Oscetra caviar, smooth cauliflower cream, and delicate gelée of green asparagus.

If a fancy dinner isn’t what you’re on the mood for, then you’re in luck, as Robuchon also has a less formal eatery right next door in L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon.  Executive Chef Steve Benjamin cooks up fabulous fare right before your eyes at this one-star Michelin eatery. We recommend you let Benjamin work his magic with a tasting menu, of which might include delicacies like Pommes Purée, La Caille au Foie Gras and Le Rumsteack en Tartare et ses Frites à L’ancienne. Opt for a wine pairing as well, as exquisite varietals are offered at both restaurants.

Other more low-key daytime options include Michael Mina’s new Pub 1842, James Beard winner Shawn McClain‘s Five50 restaurant at Aria and upscale Japanese eatery Shibuya. 

RELAX

For the ultimate in relaxation, indulge in a beauty treatment at Spa Bellagio. Whether you’re receiving a facial, a massage or treating yourself to a salon day, you’re bound to be happy. The spa offers everything from body bronzing, to cellulite reduction to seaweed wraps. There are treatments available for men as well, which include the Men’s Classic Facial and Men’s Age-Defying Facial. We advise you try a limited-time only option, like the Autumnal Slumber Massage: you might literally float away after the Chamomile Tea and a Lavender Salt Scrub.

PLAY

You’re in Las Vegas, after all, so certainly won’t be hurting for options. This is the city to play from night until day, after all. There are five – count em – five floors at new super-club Hakkasan at the MGM, which has some serious competition in the form of Mandalay Bay’s new The Light nightclub. You’ve also got the option of XS at Encore, Tao at The Venetian, Marquee in the Cosmopolitan, 1 OAK at The Mirage and Hyde at the Bellagio.

Photo Credit: Cirque du Soleil

If nightclubs aren’t your thing, take in a show. Cirque du Soleil has eight shows on at the moment, including the all-new Michael Jackson One at Mandalay Bay—a fusion of acrobatics, dance and visuals that reflects the dynamic showmanship of the King of Pop with his music as a soundtrack (think “Dirty Diana” and “Beat It” Cirque-style)—and longtime favorite The Beatles Love at The Mirage.

You can also catch a live show, as marquee names like Celine Dion, Elton John, Shania Twain and Rod Stewart all have residencies here; Britney Spears will be making her Vegas residency debut on Dec. 27 at Planet Hollywood.

TRAVEL

Trust us, for the 4.5 hour drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and back, there is no sweeter way to ride in style than in a Rolls-Royce Ghost. The double wishbone suspension and new air suspension system make driving this beauty feel like riding in a bed made of air. The Ghost is powered by a brand new, 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, which propels its speed from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. There are also cameras located around the car which give drivers the ability to navigate around those pesky blind spots and offer reverse path prediction; there are also special features including a night vision camera, a lane departure warning function   Backseat passengers will love the TVs behind both front seats, as well as the chair heating and massage functions, ‘picnic tables’ and plush Lambswool floor mats. 

The Ghost has an MSR of $256,650.00.

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