ince its birth in 1905, Las
Vegas has been a beacon for high-stakes
fun and frivolity, even if you never roll
a dice. The mere mention of this American
city conjures colourful history, poolside
glamour, parties for you and your 3000
closest friends, Hollywood stars and,
these days, celebrity chefs.
But not everything this city has to
offer revolves around full-tilt glitz and the
frenetic energy of Las Vegas Boulevard
(the Strip). If you want to fully appreciate
the subtlety as well as the spectacle that
makes Vegas such a grand town, step
away from the glare of the bright lights
and get out there and explore.
S TAY
Where you stay in Vegas will colour your
experience significantly. This really is
a town where there’s something for
everyone – and we mean everyone.
Well-heeled travellers who want to be in
the thick of things should consider The
Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (3708 S Las
Vegas Blvd; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com) or
Mandarin Oriental (3752 S Las Vegas Blvd;
mandarinoriental.com) for a sleek, modern
interpretation of the Vegas experience.
The former also happens to house some
of the more exciting eating options in
town, including Momofuku and sister
establishment Milk Bar, as well as LA
exports Eggslut and Scarpetta. For when
virtue is necessary, The Juice Standard
serves up superfood smoothies, nut milks
and cold-pressed juices infused with
the likes of bee pollen, turmeric and
spirulina (to atone for one’s sins). The
Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Tower also
offers some of the best views of the Strip,
including many of its gleaming neon signs
and the legendary Fountains of Bellagio
shows, for that Ocean’s Eleven moment.
If you want a little space between you
and the masses, Mandalay Bay (3950
S Las Vegas Blvd; mandalaybay.com) is
about as iconic as resorts in Vegas come.
Commanding prime position next to the
Luxor hotel and its giant sphinx at
the south end of the Strip, Mandalay Bay
is home to one of the most impressive
pool complexes in town, and also happens
to be within walking distance of that‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign,
for pole photo positioning.EAT & DRINK
The past decade or so has seen the Vegas
dining scene transform from prime-rib
central to one of the most high-calibre
offerings you’ll find in this part of the
world. Whether you’re feeling like a high
roller or are down to your last chips,
there is plenty to sate your appetite.
The mega resorts and casinos in this
town have the pulling power to create
world-class eating experiences, and
in venues such as The Cosmopolitan,
Bellagio, The Venetian, Caesars Palace
and MGM Grand, you’ll find particularly
strong dining options at every level- many with a celebrity chef’s name
attached. Try Thomas Keller’s casually
elegant Bouchon (The Venetian,
inc
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