Greetings from Las Vegas and Virtuoso Travel Week 2019 - the best travel conference in the world! At the opening ceremonies on Sunday night we learned this year's attendance shattered all records with 3,093 travel advisors and 2,714 preferred partner attendees represented by 107 countries with 72 journalists here from 6 countries. This week is incredibly valuable for networking and strengthening the business relationships that make all my trips so incredibly special, and there is practically NO LIMIT to what I can make happen for you, your family, your friends and your group.
Virtuoso Travel Week takes over three MGM Resorts in Las Vegas every year - ARIA, Bellagio and Vdara. They each have their own vibe, and while I stayed at ARIA, I headed over to Bellagio and Vdara a lot for meetings and events too. There's a quick and easy tram that connects the properties, and coming off the tram in ARIA one night I found a James Turrell light installation in the Crystal shops area - then a Henry Moore sculpture right outside the door. There are so many terrific restaurants and shops, and I would recommend any of these hotels as a great base to explore Las Vegas. Below are some ways to go "all in" with your own luxury experience at an MGM Resort!
Virtuoso.com article excerpt below by Susan Hanson is sponsored by MGM Resorts International.
Make a memorable entrance
Picture this: A private driver meets you at the airport and whisks you through baggage claim to a waiting Bentley or Cadillac limo for a head-turning ride to the Strip. Luxury airport transfers are just one of the posh perks for staying in one of ARIA’s Sky Suites or a bespoke, bi-level suite at MGM Grand’s SKYLOFTS.
Be blown out of the waters
Bellagio’s palatial suites overlook the hotel’s famous fountains. The music for the splashy display is synched with the in-room surround-sound entertainment system, so you can simply adjust the mood lighting, pour a glass of top-shelf liquor from your well-stocked bar, and watch the choreographed show through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Let the butler do it
The elegant two-story lofts at SKYLOFTS are designed for those who appreciate the finer details – from the curated, contemporary art pieces to the bathrooms’ infinity-edge spa tubs and immersion showers. Nothing is overlooked by the on-call butler, whose sole purpose is to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible.
Dine with a celebrity
When Bellagio opened its doors 20 years ago, Las Vegas transformed overnight from gambling mecca to gastronomic hot spot, with multiple James Beard Award-winning chefs at the center of the action. The seafood at Michael Mina’s eponymous restaurant is so fresh, you’ll forget you’re in the desert, while, at Yellowtail, Nobu Matsuhisa-trained Akira Back pairs innovative Japanese cuisine with an ample sake selection and awesome fountain views. Julian Serrano helms Lago, featuring small-plate Italian cuisine, as well as Picasso, where creative Euro fare is plated beneath the namesake master artist’s original paintings. Other Bellagio powerhouses: Prime Steakhouse from star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Wolfgang Puck’s Spago (the signature smoked salmon pizza makes the perfect lunch).Las Vegas’ culinary extravaganza extends to Delano Las Vegas, with Rivea by Alain Ducasse; Harris says the stunning design, combined with jaw-dropping views, makes it one of the most sought-after tables in town. A pre-dinner cocktail at the rooftop Skyfall Lounge is a must, as is the French fare at three-Michelin-starred restaurant Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand. The secret behind dining at any of these amazing eateries: reservations. It’s nearly impossible to walk in on a whim (thank goodness for those VIP concierges and personal butlers).
Make a suite escape
One of the biggest advantages of smaller hotels like Delano and The Signature is easy access to all that Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand have to offer. Besides the dizzying dining options (three dozen, at last count), some of the biggest stars in the world take the stage at the new Park MGM’s Park Theater, T-Mobile Arena, and Mandalay Bay Events Center. So, after catching a high-powered performance by George Strait (August 23 and 24, 2019), or Lady Gaga (in residence this year with two distinct shows and multiple dates), guests can quickly slip away to these all-suite sleeps.
Contact me when you're ready to try your luck in Las Vegas!
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