| JWMarriott Las Vegas: The Best Bet off the Strip |
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I always look
forward to any trip to a spa. But I was especially excited about visiting the
new JWMarriott Las Vegas because I had actually attended the topping off party
when the property was originally built as the first Regent property in the
United States.
The structure
is even more spectacular than I expected and Marriott has certainly come through
with a sharp staff to run the hotel.
The hotel is
unique because it was built as the first deluxe property off the strip—a
refugee for those who came to Las Vegas for something more than gambling. There
is the expected casino on property, but it is not the focal point of the resort.
To me the outstanding feature is the spa, Aqua Solis, with every state of the
art piece of equipment and a soothing stable of therapists.
There is also
an executive chef, French-born, Arnauld Brian, who inspires truly unique gourmet
meals in each of the hotel’s restaurants and meeting venues. He must have fire
in his blood because he does some very unique things on the grill, including
barbequed Romaine Lettuce.
And while you may want to go down to the strip, you won’t do it just to eat—because there are a variety of tempting restaurants on property.
Restaurants
Ceres
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this casual eatery located in the Spa
Tower features American-style fare, served amid waterfalls and garden views. One
night my traveling companion Ben and I had a romantic dessert on the terrace at
dusk—and it was named Trio of Sin. I am not talking about anything we did,
just a delicious combination of Tiramisu, chocolate decadence and Ming pear
tart. If you call licking the plate misbehaving, we were very bad.
WARNING: If
you are calorie-conscious and inspired by the spa, do not look at the dessert
menu. It was designed by a sensual Frenchman who knows the way to a woman’s
heart is always chocolate. Chef Armand also knows a lot about cooking.
A good low
calorie choice is the grilled salmon and eggplant, a rendition that reflects
Chef Arnaud’s skill on the grill.
J.C.Wooloughan
Irish Pub
Traditional fare and Irish beers and whiskeys are on the menu at this
authentic Irish pub. It is so authentic, in fact, that it was actually shipped
from Ireland and reassembled on site.
A fun place to
gather with friends, there is always a crowd here. Don’t miss the thatched
salad (sounds weird, tastes great) and the sticky toffee pudding
Spiedini 702-869-8500
Overlooking the beautiful Red Rock Mountains from the hotel, this Italian
restaurant is a favorite with locals, many of who drive FROM the strip to dine
here. Legendary chef Gustav Mauler’s menu features robust Italian dishes using
the very best seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is modern Milanese; the décor
is rich and warm. Be sure to try the Buffalo Mozzarella.
Hamada of Japan (702-363-5531 or call the resort at 702-869-7777)
This Japanese-style steakhouse and sushi bar is open for dinner only. You can enjoy a friendly sushi bar in front with several sushi chefs. The portions are large-- each roll has 8 slices. Be sure to try the pot stickers and the Teriyaki beef. I loved the fried Tofu.
WHAT
TO DO BETWEEN MEALS
Aquae Sulis
If you manage
to try of few of these great restaurants, you will not doubt want to visit the
spa. In addition to 40,000 square feet of luxurious pampering facilities with 36
treatment rooms, Aquae Sulis also features a state-of-the-art health studio
where guests can work out, take a yoga class or participate in individual
exercise programs. Nutritional and stress management consultations are also
available.
You will love
the up-to-the-minute exercise facilities at the spa, Aquae Sulis. In the midst
of a stressful world, Aquae Sulis Spa serves as a special retreat for healing
and renewal. Discover this oasis of health and rejuvenation far above the noise
and excitement of the Las Vegas Strip. Here you will find a haven to relax,
refresh and regroup. Work out, have a massage or a rejuvenating body treatment,
beautify yourself or just repose in this serene retreat.
The spa at the JW Marriott Las Vegas takes its name from a spa popular during two historical epochs. The first Aquae Sulis was the ancient Roman town and temple bath that later became Bath, England. For three hundred years prior to the fifth century, it was a center of recreation and healing for Romans believing in the power of its waters to purify.
Water and its
healing power are at the heart of the modern Aquae Sulis. The
hydrotherapy circuit, the Aquae Sulis Ritual, echoes a European-style “taking
the waters,” first performed in the baths of ancient Greece and Rome. Massage
and hydrotherapy meet in the outdoor Aquae-Flow Shiatsu tub.
A luxury
center for beauty and wellness built on the foundations of ancient therapeutic
wisdom and water’s healing power. With the best of modern science and
human touch, the therapists at JWMarriott Aquae Sulis soothe your body, mind and
spirit.
And don’t
leave without experiencing the water circuit with five stations in the outdoor
pool. It is the only one like it in the United States. Spend a relaxing hour in
preparation for your treatment with the Aquae Sulis Ritual, included with all
treatments excluding waxes. You will begin in either the men’s or
women’s Ritual Room with calming hot and stimulating cold plunges followed by
a soak in the warm whirlpool. Surrounded by garden waterfalls, you will
next move through the six invigorating chambers of the outdoor therapy pool.
Your body’s “third kidney,” the skin, expels toxins in the steam and
sauna. A waterfall shower provides a massaging cleanse. Relax and
the end with your choice of Aquae Sulis teas, infused water, juices, and fresh
fruit.
It is hard to
choose between the terrific treatments to pamper your body. My favorite was the
Color Therapy where an aura was taken of me before and after the treatment. My
aura was big and creative and colorful before, after a green bath soak with
skilled therapist Kate massaging my neck and back, I was white energy and
spiritual color.
HOW TO LOOK LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS EVEN IF YOU DID NOT WIN AT THE SLOTS
Roland K
This trendy store located in the JWMarriott Promenade has upbeat, colorful
fashions for young slender bodies. If you can wear their clothes, you will find
some great deals. The pices are reasonable, and when I visited that had many
rounders offering deals of 30 to 40 per cent off.
Twice as
Nice
A friendly resale store owned by Threresa Gregg and Carla Glenn makes you
feel like a winner from the moment you approach the store. The day I was there,
a five-dollar rack greeted you at the door. There were some terrific choices; I
saw an outfit that they had originally priced at $39.95. Inside there was a good
selection of half-the-marked-price selections in the back. Some of the things
appeared to be new, all were in good condition. My purchases included a
gold-plated ring with an amber stone ($15), a Vera yellow and orange scarf ($2),
and a wooden flower necklace ($6) that matched an outfit I had with me. West
Renaissance Shopping Center, 4001 S. Decatur Suite 16, Las Vegas, 89103.
702-220-5410
Catholic
Charities
The in thing is recycling and knowing how and where to find the look the
second time around is a contemporary skill. I lucked into a Catholic Charities
shop on a day when all the clothing was half price. After finding an apricot
linen Anne Klein blazer for four dollars, I was hooked. I bought an armload at
the first store, and then quickly drove to the next nearest Catholic Charities
store. I would have done them all if I had the time. Labels I noticed at both
were Chaus, Carole Little (bought a dramatic black and white surplice top for
two dollars), Cedars, The Limited, Gap, Casual Corner and Lane Bryant Designs. Just
remember, ever dollar you save could win the jackpot. 808
South Main Street, 382-8472. 2256 Nellis Blvd, 431-8175.
3430 E. Tropicana Avenue, 450-3966. 1767 N. Rancho Drive, 646-2150. 4921 W.
Vegas Drive, 647-6729.
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