Las Vegas
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Where to Stay
There are countless buzz-worthy hotels in Vegas, but for a hotel that comes with hype minus the cheese factor head straight to the Wynn Encore, a resort hotel whose only theme is luxury (case in point Jeff Koons' giant steel "Tulips" sculpture, which decorates one of its walkways).
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Where to Shop
The shopping options in Vegas are endless. Most of the major hotels are set up like veritable malls. Caesars Palace (375,000 square feet of shopping!), Wynn, Encore, The Palazzo, The Cosmopolitan, MGM, The Venetian and Aria (Tom Ford!), are standouts, lined with everything from Neiman Marcus and H&M, to Christian Dior and Cartier. Better yet, most of the hotels are interconnected so you can easily get from one to the other.
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Where to Spa
Las Vegas has some of the country's most impressive spas. The Canyon Ranch SpaClub in the Venetian Hotel offers 134,000 square feet of luxury spa and fitness space; Qua Baths & Spa in Caesars Palace boasts hot and cold water therapy featuring Roman baths, a steam room, a cedar wood sauna and a whirlpool, along with 50-plus treatment rooms (including ones for couples). Similarly lush offerings are available at the Wynn, the MGM and the Bellagio, but a standout is the Aria's spa. Boasting eucalyptus steam rooms, thermal baths, shaded outdoor private pools, cedar saunas and some of the most experienced therapists, this is a perfect go-to for a relaxing day of pampering.
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Daytime Beach Party
Located in the recently revamped Tropicana Hotel, Bagatelle Beach & Supper Club is the swankiest spot in Vegas for daytime revelry. Boasting a slew of private cabanas, lavish chandeliers, a faux beach, a glistening pool and volleyball courts, the gorgeously designed expansive space also has a Mediterranean-inspired menu that offers a wide range of dishes included lobster omelets, fruit plates, ceviches, salads, a variety of sandwiches and plenty of cocktail options. Better yet, they put as much effort into their food as they do their ambiance.
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Cirque du Soleil
It's imperative to see at least one Cirque du Soleil show when you're in Vegas. People will argue as to which is best, but the usual favorite is "O", where acrobatics contort themselves in and out of a 1.5 million gallon pool of water.
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Cirque du Soleil
Aside from O, the musically themed Cirque du Soleil shows are deservingly popular and to that end the Beatles Love show is nothing short of incredible. Unlike most Cirque productions, this one uses prerecorded Beatles material including "Help," "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "Hey Jude" and a number of other classics.
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Where to Eat
Don't let the dancing on the banquettes fool you, the food at TAO is nothing short of spectacular — the Sake Soaked Mushrooms and Buddha’s Harmonized Vegetable Feast for the Minor Gods with Udon Noodles are a must. Also make sure to ask for the oversized fortune cookie for dessert.
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Where to Eat
Hakkasan a restaurant/nightclub with locations in London, Miami, New York City and more, hasn't even been open two months and it's already attracted the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Pharrell.
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Where to Eat
The Palms was recently renovated and among the new additions is Heraea. From the One Group, the same team behind perennially popular spots like STK, Heraea is Las Vegas' take on a female-friendly sports bar, so expect state-of-the-art sports viewing, a DJ, a swanky space and food that over-delivers from anything you might associate with a sports bar.
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Where to Eat
If you're going to splurge on one gourmet meal, let it be Tetsu. A hot spot for serious power players, the serene space is famed Chef Masa Takayama first teppanyaki grill restaurant. This is the ultimate experience in fine Japanese dining and everything is cooked directly in front of you, making for a uniquely interactive experience. Produce are fresher than fresh and delivered daily (think lobster from Scotland, Wagyu beef from Australia) and everything comes immaculately presented. Just make sure to reserve in advance as the restaurant only seats 40.
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Where to Eat
Tetsu aside, there are countless sophisticated foodie destinations in Vegas. If you've got time (and budget) for more, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Picasso (outfitted with $30 million worth of Picassos), Rao's, Payard, Nobu, Aureole and Craftsteak are among the most popular.
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Where to Go Out
Not for nothing is TAO Nightclub one of the country's biggest money makers...
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Where to Go Out
Expect posh VIP tables, indoor and outdoor dance spaces and high-energy vibes on packed dance floors at XS.
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Where to Go Out
The only place VIP tables come with their very own private hot tubs, Marquee.
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Where to Go Out
With select staffers wearing shirts saying "save water spray chamagne," how could you not be tempted to check out Hyde?
