Or
book yourselves into the Bellagio,
a Tuscan-style uber-villa. Resting on an eight-acre
version of Italy's Lake Como, this theme hotel boasts
what is rightly considered one of the most romantic
sights in Vegas - the “dancing” Bellagio
fountains which deliver free and unforgettable nightly
performances every 15 minutes.
The fountains look ultra-spectacular from atop The
Eiffel Tower at Paris.
For an even more heart-stopping view of Las Vegas'
almost surreal glitter take a night flight over the
entire strip.
Once you are visually satiated it's time to stimulate
the other senses. In other words spa, sweethearts,
spa. Another happy surprise: This city offers some
of the most premier treatments available anywhere.
At Spa Bellagio indulge in a couple's watsu. The name
comes from a combination of “water” and
“shiatsu” and takes place in a special watsu
pool. Treat yourself to Golden Manicures/Pedicures
(don't forget the paraffin) at Wet, the spa at TI.
Your tootsies have never been sexier. At MGM
Grand bliss awaits in the form of the Dreaming
Ritual (to be enjoyed solo or au deux), a 120 minute
tribal-inspired service that includes a scalp treatment
(heaven on earth), Australian Aboriginal Massage and
indigenous healing elements from Down Under.
MGM Grand is also home to a branch of Beverly Hills'
famed Cristophe
Salon. Cristophe has cut everyone's hair from
President Clinton to Nicole Kidman. Yet he and his
internationally-trained stylists, colorists and makeup
artists offer not just excellence but unpretentiousness.
Both of you will emerge looking hot, hot, hot.
Now for your taste buds. Those who still consider
Vegas home of the $8.99 buffet will eat their words
once they enter Mix,
French master chef Alain Ducasse's exquisite $14 million
restaurant/lounge located on the top floor of THE
Hotel of Mandalay Bay. The view, décor
(i.e.: half-million dollar Champagne bubble chandelier)
and food are five star. Other superstar chefs decorating
the Vegas scene include Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck,
Tom Collichio and Joel
Robuchon at The Mansion offering a $275, 16-course
tastings menu. A more casual (re: less expensive but
still superb) sampling of Robuchon's fare is at next-door
L'Atelier.
The city's makeover certainly didn't include downscaling
the shows. Zumanity,
at New York-New York epitomizes the sexy side of Cirque
du Soleil. Ribald, over the top, non-stop salacious,
it's a must-see nightcap for couples. So is The Beatles
Love at The Mirage. Paul, Ringo and Yoko were at the
June 30th opening of this latest and perhaps most
satisfying Cirque du Soleil incarnation. Warning:
Seeing it once won't be enough.
Another activity that you can't do just once is shop.
Las Vegas is home to all the greats of retail from
Gucci to The Gap. A must visit are the Forum
Shops at Caesars Palace. In the unlikely event
you go home empty-handed you will long recall the
560,000-square-foot mall's ancient Roman architecture,
sky colored ceiling and Festival Fountain which depicts
the feast of Bacchus (God of wine and intoxication).
If you're not yet married, or even if you are, Vegas
is of course the place to exchange or renew vows.
The choices are limitless - anything from a cheapo
drive-through wedding at the Little White Chapel Tunnel
of Love to a $2695 premium package at Mandalay Bay
replete with ambiance, video, pianist, honeymoon suite
and more.
With all these options the two of you can have a romance-soaked
time in Vegas without hitting a casino! www.visitlasvegas.com
