Las Vegas Smart Splurges

The resort that redefined “Vegas class” has the world’s largest Dale Chihuly glass installation in its lobby, cypress trees imported from Tuscany, and a sophisticated casino with leather chairs and cushy poker rooms. Though newer hotels keep raising the stakes, Bellagio is still a major player.

Wynn Las Vegas debuted to much fanfare in April 2005 as the latest in a string of successful hotel concepts brought on by iconic hotelier Steve Wynn, (responsible for such Vegas landmarks as The Mirage and Bellagio). The Wynn’s sleek, curved, and bronze-tinted glass tower reaches some 50 stories into the Las Vegas sky and ranks as the most-expensive-ever addition to the Strip. But don’t expect to find Mardi Gras beads, pirate battles, or exotic fantasia here – aside from some stylish oriental touches that reoccur throughout, the Wynn’s only tangible “theme” is one of elegance and refinement, which, in turn, attracts a successful, smart set. Among its chichi touches, the Wynn counts several soft waterfalls, which cascade down a 140-foot-high man-made mountain; and a high-ceilinged lounge embellished with oversized hanging parasols. Sun-lovers relish the elongated main outdoor pool and its artfully landscaped grounds, while trendier patrons flock to the “European” pool where topless sunbathing is allowed, DJ music blares, and tropical drinks are lapped up on circular “island” lounging areas. The main resort tower itself boasts some 2700 rooms; an additional 317 suite luxury tower has its own separate entrance, check-in, and amenities. The resort rooms (averaging 640 square feet) are tastefully decorated with either soothing corals and Andy Warhol prints, or city-smart, burnt-sienna and brown hues.

Don’t miss this legendary Canadian group’s acrobatics and pyrotechnics as they unfold to the beat of the Vegas stage. Choose from any of their five shows – from old-favorite Mystère at Treasure Island to the new Beatles-fueled marvel Love at the Mirage.

Take a flight to the rim of the Grand Canyon for a champagne and BBQ lunch (3.5 hours round trip) or a twilight city tour showcasing the glittering lights of the Strip (2 hours round trip). Sundance Helicopter Tours will escort you from your hotel to the heliport in a limo for the ride of your life.

Get away from the glitz with a 10-hour journey to Death Valley, checking out historic ghost towns en route to the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Other trips explore Hoover Dam and the petroglyphs and petrified sand dunes of the Valley of Fire.

Vegas is chock-a-block with grade-A steakhouses, but Charlie Palmer, with its...more

Though many Vegas hotels offer spa services, the Spa at Red Rock is one of the few places that truly understands the art of letting go, with treatments that range from the usual (shiatsu massage) to the unique (try the Thai massage, where the therapist relaxes sore muscles by nudging limbs into yoga-like postures). "Adventure Spa" options include rock-climbing excursions.