FEATURED LUXURY HOTELS & RESORTS Las Vegas

Luxe City Guide: Las Vegas

Las Vegas Travel Guide: No matter where you live, chances are you have heard a thing or two about Las Vegas. Often referred to as "Sin City," Las Vegas takes entertainment to a whole new level and offers more to see and do than one could possibly fit in their day. With more casinos per square foot and a population teetering at 600,000, Las Vegas is internationally renowned for its gaming and adult entertainment. However, Las Vegas is not all about late-night debauchery, as the city exudes opulence around every corner. Luxury lovers from near and far heard to the city to partake in its rich culture and refined offerings. The city that never sleeps has reinvented itself time and time again and has proven to be a lasting landmark in American history.

When one thinks of Las Vegas it is usually "the strip," which first comes to mind. This three-mile stretch is home to some of Las Vegas' most extravagant hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants and fine boutiques. With themed hotels and casinos canvassing the boulevard, the strip draws swarms of tourists from around the world, making it one of the most traveled tourist destinations on the map. Some of the more famous hotels include the Bellagio Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Mandalay Bay, Wynn Las Vegas and its luxury suite resort, Encore. And while they may not be located directly on the strip, the Palms Casino Resort and the Hard Rock Las Vegas Hotel & Casino are unarguably favorites among the crowds.

Reminiscent of the '30s and '40s, downtown's Fremont Street is booming with business and crawling with tourists. Long before the strip, Downtown Las Vegas was the place to see and be seen. Today, the main attraction is the $70 million canopy that drapes above Fremont Street, projecting one of the most talked about light and sound shows worldwide.

Located just 13 miles from Las Vegas, the city of Henderson offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the strip. Henderson has come to be known as an upscale, suburban city and is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. Boasting eight championship golf courses, Henderson has earned the right to be called a golf lovers' paradise. In addition to golf, the city offers an array of top-notch boutiques, including the popular Galleria at Sunset. Hotels such as Sunset Station Casino and Green Valley Ranch Spa & Casino have helped put Henderson on the map.

As the world's most traveled hub for adult entertainment, Las Vegas offers something for everyone. With wild pool parties, spas and cabanas, jaw-dropping entertainment, championship golf, and a flourishing nightlife, Las Vegas is no doubt the world's largest adult playground.

Whether it's a night of disco balls and glitter at Studio 54 or it's the eclectic Asian flair of TAO that you're after, Las Vegas' nightlife scene is top-notch. Las Vegas is internationally acclaimed for its wide variety of shows and world renowned headliners. From the mesmerizing acrobatics of Cirque du Soliel to the playful antics of a deceitful magician, Las Vegas is truly an entertainment Mecca.

Famous for its championship greens, Nevada features five-star golf resorts such as Bali Hai, Badlands, Shadow Creek, The Legacy, The Falls, Reflection Bay, and the Tuscany Golf Club. Whether it's a Tom Fazio-designed golf course at the Wynn or if it's 35 miles south at Primm Valley, a day at the fairways is a nice alternative to spending a day at the tables.

With countless activities at your disposal, one thing is certain: there's never a dull moment in Las Vegas.

The menu in Las Vegas is as diverse as the city itself and with an array of celebrated chefs in the kitchen, it's no wonder these restaurants are booked nightly. Tempt your taste buds with some good ol' fashion American cuisine at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill or spice it up with some Cajun/Creole at Emeril's. Make it a formal affair and enjoy 16 courses of French gourmet at Joël Rubuchon's Mansion or nibble on California cuisine at Wolfgang Puck's Spago.

There are many oriental restaurants in Las Vegas, but a recent high-end find is Fin at The Mirage. The chef ensures the freshest fish, not unusual in this foodie city, but the way that each dish is prepared is sensational. If you're looking for an intimate, upscale dining experience, the Restaurant RM at Mandalay Bay offers a formal upstairs dining room reminiscent of a yacht club with rich wood and glass accents where you can be served elaborate entrees by an educated staff.

While some believe that any room will suffice, we know that you expect only the best, so we've searched high and low for the most luxurious suites in the city.

The Wynn's Fairway Villas offer 24-hour butler service, but also offer the added luxury of the only on-strip golf course. Whether you want to play 18 holes at the Tom Fazio-designed Wynn Golf Course or cruise the strip in one of Steve Wynn's custom Bentleys, the Fairway Villas cater to even the most discerning tastes.

The Venetian, known for its opulence, went above and beyond when designing their Chairman Suites. If you're fortunate enough to be invited or approved to stay at one of the Venetian's Chairman Suites (and can shell out $15,000) you're in for an experience of regal proportions.

For a real taste of the good life, why not rent a supped up, exotic sports car, or better yet, test your skills at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway?

Slow down and indulge in a day of pampering at some of the city's best spas. Book a treatment at Caesars' Qua Baths & Spas or the Westin's Hibiscus and then cool off from the warm Vegas sun in the privacy of your own VIP cabana.

Written by the staff writers of JustLuxé