www.citycenter.com

Scheduled to open this December, the CityCenter has been in the news all year. But what is it, and where will it be located?  Inquiring minds want to know right!  Well here is a little something for you to digest and get excited about.

The CityCenter sits on 67 acres between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo. Who knows where they found this space, but they are definitley using every bit of it. What we know is that the project is a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Infinity World Developement Corp., a subsidiary of Dubai World….go figure right.

There are three hotels: Vdara, Mandarin Oriental, and Aria.

Vdara (www.vdara.com) will be the first hotel to open on December 1. 1500 rooms with a large spa at 18,000 square feet with 11 treatment rooms!  Vdara will be signed as a non-gaming condo-hotel, which means all rooms will have kitchens. Rates will range from $159-$2000, not too shabby.

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas (www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas) will open on December 4. This will be the brands first move to the Las Vegas market, and will be considered an ultra-luxe property. It will be a non-gaming hotel with 392 guest rooms and 227 residences with the lobby sitting on the 23rd floor (47 stories in all). Opening rates are running $545 per night.

Aria (www.arialasvegas) will be opening on December 16. This mega hotel resort will have more than 4,000 rooms and a huge casino. Aria will be considred the core of CityCenter.  Cirque du Soleil will have a musical production based on Elvis Presley’s life at the resort. Expect the technology at Aria to be nothing but the best. The hotel will also have a two-level spa with 62…..yes 62 treatment rooms!

Shopping at the CityCenter will have high-end brands such as Luis Vuitton, Hermes, Prada, Christian Dior and Bulgari. The retail complex Crystals will have more than 500,000 square feet of shopping and dining venues.

So that’s your little sneak peek into the Las Vegas CityCenter. To find out more, just come out to Vegas in December and experience it yourself, it should be swell!

Overview

If only this one had been open in January when millions rushing to D.C. to witness President Obama’s Inauguration were faced with sold-out hotels left and right. In what marks another milestone in the global expansion of the W Hotel brand, the W Hotel in Washington, D.C opened this past Thursday with a giant bash. It was a jam-packed party full of the town’s political elite, including Presidential Aide Reggie Love and the President’s personal secretary Katie Johnson, as well as celebs like Emmy Rossum who flocked to hear an intimate performance by John Legend. In an event that brought Versailles to Washington, the party was full of Marie Antoinettemodels sporting powdered wigs and opera glasses while guests sipped on pink cocktails and munched on cotton candy.

The new W Hotel, the 25th to open in North America, takes over the historic Hotel Washington, which opened in 1917. The new design incorporates the 1920s Beaux Arts architecture of the original building with the edgy designs of Diana Wong whose, L.A.-based firm transformed all of the interiors. Wong gathered artwork symbolizing “old Washington,” which she sprinkled among her more modern designs including a digital fireplace, crackled paint, deconstructed fixtures, and new chandeliers complimenting the original 1920s light fixtures. Her theme throughout the hotel is “pinstripes and lace,” to appeal to both the masculine and feminine powers of Washington.

As the city’s closest hotel to the White House, the location features unparalleled views of our nation’s monuments, and can expect to attract an abundance of stately guests from around the world, and perhaps a national scandal or two.

Dining

W turned the famed rooftop, where for decades politicos have converged to drink and deliberate, into a modern cocktail lounge, with a menu provided by cocktail king Sasha Petraske of Milk & Honey and Little Branch. The cocktails can also be ordered in the Living Room, W’s design of the traditional hotel lobby. Dining options include the J&G Steakhouse and Wine Bar from Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

WOW Suite

The W Washington D.C. has 317 guestrooms in total, including 23 Marvelous suites. The W’s interpretation of the traditional Presidential Suite, the “pinstripes and lace” Extreme WOW suite, is an exact symbol of the new design influence quickly arriving in our nation’s capital.

This is what makes the coolest W to ever reside in the capital city: Virtual fireplace so the heat is on, signature W cocktail candy to cool it off, so much space you can roam like it was the land of the free.

The oval-shaped dining table for four is the hot spot for a power meal, with violet leather-upholstered chair subordinates. Before you slip into that food coma, slide onto the diamond-tufted sofa and settle among grape accent pillows—now take that power nap. As drapes of blue, violet and gold frame white accents, stretch out on the grape velveteen sofa where state-of-the-art entertainment is presented through the 46″ flat screen TV and iPod docking station—there’s no end to the spectacular selections in our culturally aware media library. You’re the host with the most seats of power, from the bronze bench with mother of pearl leather seat to the pumpkin-shaped stool with silver leaf legs and pink leather to the black oak sled chair with white crocodile seat – the only thing you’d have to stand for is your right to neat treats from the delightful Munchie Box. Need some libation liberation? Wheel and deal at the signature W cocktail caddy, where colorful cocktails are created in seconds. Make it official at the curved white lacquer desk with silver tassels—with High Speed Internet Access and a cordless phone with voicemail and speakerphone capabilities, you can kick back in the comfy plum chair. Take heart with the art by Andy Taylor adorning the walls, featuring luminous and vibrant pieces from this “Diamond Dust on Glass” collection.

Slip through sliding doors from the living room to bedroom, where the signature W bed with pillow-top mattress, 350-thread-count sheets and goose down comforter and pillows awaits. This one’s a gem with mother of pearl leather headboards and bed frame, complemented by a Bohemian glass lamp on the nightstand and bedside furnishings dressed in gray oak veneers. Go ahead and sleep soundly after some late night 37″ flat screen TV—the Tivoli clock radio gets you up in time for that meeting with Bliss® Spa amenities. Will it be a bubbly (double?) dip in the marble-topped bathtub with or a refresher under the waterfall shower behind frosted glass doors? A luxurious double vanity makes room for everyone, while the white Caesar stone vanity top and check out the silver leaf mirror to make that all-important first impression before you step out. (805 – 851 square feet)

by Ariston Anderson – Luxist

Los angeles | chinese checkers.

Dining is all about the chow; Philippe Chow, that is.

This 5,000-square-foot chinese eatery is decked out in candy red furnishings with bamboo accents. imagine sleek, theatrical flair with room for 175 of your nearest and dearest. start by dipping some satay (chicken, beef, maine lobster, or shrimp) into chow’s famous cream sauce. then, try the glazed and crispy peking duck with house made pancakes. if you’re game for peking turkey, make sure to allow 45 minutes, or call ahead. fish out the sig nine seasons spicy prawns in sweet and sour sauce or, the pan crispy salmon. you won’t get tipsy on the drunken sea bass, but a sinful twist on the martini, the white chocolate bliss (navan vanilla and white godiva liqueur), is another story. dining tete a tete? philippe’s surf and turf (mignon and south african lobster tails) is made for two. an intimate wine cellar seats 14 for private events, but for an everyday kind of taste stop in for the three course lunch special; at $20.10, it’s a tribute to the fast approaching new year. sure, you can order take out, but with obama, clinton, clooney, diddy, lebron, and denzel as loyal clients, you’re not going to want to miss the celeb fest.

8284 melrose avenue. at sweetzer. west hollywood. 323.951.1100. www.philippechow.com
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Overview

Amangiri, ‘peaceful mountain’ (Opening in October 2009), is located in the southwest region of the USA also known as the Four Corners, where the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona meet. Boasting one of the most dramatic landscapes in the USA with deep canyons and towering plateaus, the region has been home for centuries to the native Navajo and Hopi tribes yet is sparsely populated and presents the raw landscape for which the American Southwest has become famous.

Experience unparalleled comfort in 34 exquisite hotel guest rooms or 31 spectacular villas, available for purchase. With an extraordinary sense of entry, stylish indoor and outdoor dining and picturesque public courtyards, a tranquil atmosphere pervades, creating a quintessential Aman resort.

Spa

Catering to the fitness and well being of its guests in some of the world’s most compelling natural environments has always been a cornerstone of the Aman approach. Amangiri’s Spa sanctuary artfully blends Eastern therapy with Western hospitality for a singularly unique experience. The Spa offers a myriad of exotic treatments from ancient Thai and Indian traditions created for revitalization and renewal.

Activities

There are many diversions to entertain and exhilarate at Amangiri; from whitewater rafting down the Colorado River to heliskiing adventures at nearby Dunton Hot Springs. Explore this amazing landscape on private hikes guided by the latest in GPS technologies or a personal guide. Those desiring less rugged pursuits will delight in championship golf, private flights to Las Vegas and our Aman-designed event boats located on Lake Powell.

In the wilderness near Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Remote — Refined — Remarkable

An enclave of 20 luxurious great white canvas family and suite tents located in the Clayoquot Sound World Biosphere Reserve, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is renowned for its soft adventure and soft beds. Its sumptuous interiors transform Clayoquot into one of the most exclusive and unique vacation offerings in the world.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort offers five-star food and beverage service, world-class amenities and adventure opportunities that are limited by imagination alone.

About the Resort

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort promises discriminating travelers an ultra-luxurious eco-destination, four-star accommodations, other- worldly coastal cuisine, super natural adventure, and some of the most breathtakingly beautiful wilderness frontier left on the planet. Inspired by late 19th century Great Camps, the Wilderness Outpost at Bedwell River is where childhood wishes and grown-up dreams come true.

Renowned for its soft adventure and soft beds’ program, it is one the most exclusive and unique vacation offerings in the world. National Geographic Traveler magazine calls the resort “rusticating luxury”.

An enclave of 20 great white canvas guest tents and 3 additional tents for massage and treatment, dining and lounge are set in a pristine environment. A massive timber cookhouse offers a delicious paradox of indulgent luxury and remote, untamed wilderness. Featuring world-class amenities, sumptuous interiors, and supernatural adventure, the resort leaves nothing wanting, no detail undone.

Location

Designated a Biosphere Reserve, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is situated at the mouth of the Bedwell River, where it spills into a nine-mile-long fjord.

It is located near the seaside village of Tofino, British Columbia and was founded in 1997 by Clayoquot Wilderness Resort Ltd.

Accommodations

Guest tents, like the lounge and spa tents, are roomy, great white canvas prospector-style quarters built on discreetly-situated raised wooden platforms, connected by cedar boardwalks. Placed under canopy of the rainforest and along the water’s edge, beautifully designed Adirondack-style beds are outfitted with luxuriant down duvets for warmth and comfort. Remote-controlled propane woodstoves, antique dressers and tea tables, opulent rugs, oil lamps, heirloom china and silver accessories, and an abundance of candles, complete the offering.

Off-site generators provide hot water to private showers and washrooms, and provide power for essential comforts like electric light, hairdryers and wireless internet.

Dining

Offering a five-star food and beverage service, guests will be served critically-acclaimed, trademark “modern natural cuisine” under direction of Chef Tim May.

Breakfast is prepared by pastry chefs and breakfast cooks who create a banquet of fresh sweet and savory favorites like wild blueberry and cornmeal griddle cakes, rosemary scones, and pacific smoked salmon eggs benedict with pea-meal Canadian bacon.

Wilderness adventurers take ultra-gourmet backpack lunches along for the ride — or the hike, while loungers can visit Chef May in the cookhouse. Guests can settle in at the bistro or family dining tent, in the cookhouse dining room, or at Chef’s open-kitchen bar.

Chef May tempers classical training and sophisticated technique with a firm belief in letting ingredients speak for themselves. His legendary table d’hote tradition, where guests are served a four-course dinner featuring Chef’s choices, began at the Quait Bay resort in 1997 and evolved to include remarkable B.C. wine pairings.

Activities

Clayoquot’s guided activities and self-guided exploration transports you to a true wilderness playground where the opportunities for adventure are limited by imagination alone.

Adventure begins in the thousands of pristine acres, hundreds of miles of abandoned roads and old-growth forest trails, volcanic beach scapes, alpine valleys, lush fern gardens, and inter-tidal waterways. Horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, whale and bear watching, hiking and fresh and salt water fishing are a few of the activities at your disposal.

Zen in the Wilderness

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is home to the Healing Grounds, an eco-safari style massage and therapeutic treatment centre. Four massage and treatment tents, three wood-fired cedar hot tubs, a wood-fired cedar sauna, outdoor showers, seawater baths and wrap-around sun decks artfully compose a rest and relaxation destination of intimate proportions.

Near to the Healing Grounds is a small fitness facility complete with stair machine, rowing machine and free weights. Next “door” is the yoga studio complete with heated floors and scheduled morning classes.

Vermont

A celebrated destination for travelers, Twin Farms has been recognized for simply creating a paradise in the lush, rolling hills of Vermont. Offering 20 remarkably designed accommodations, the resort oozes the vibe of an idyllic country inn, but provides guests with impeccable service and amazing cuisine, all in the heart of the picturesque countryside.

Twin Farms is an all inclusive resort, where breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, beverages and wine are part of an experience named by the Zagat Survey as the # 1 best small hotel in the U.S. Step onto Twin Farms soil and enjoy a resort recognized yearly by top travel guides for providing “premier service and convivial elegance.”

About Twin Farms

Twin Farm’s simplicity and understated elegance are evident when you enter any of its 20 individually designed accommodations. Every detail, from plush furnishings, to intricate woodwork surrounds you. Set on 300 acres of rolling hills, woodlands, groves and meadows, the possibilities are endless for active as well as passive pursuits.

The original 1795 era farmhouse and lodge anchor the property and have been converted into a spectacular living area, with dining rooms and six elegant guest suites. An additional ten guest cottages were added, as well as The Farmhouse at Copper Hill, which includes four suites. Each building has been painstakingly designed to meet guest’s needs, while providing them with the utmost in luxury.

Twin Farms, an all season getaway, is renowned for its storied past as the country retreat of two famous American writers. Named after these “twin spirits,” Twin Farms stands in tribute to Harry Sinclair Lewis, the very first American writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. His wife, Dorothy Thompson, was also quite popular in the late 1930s and was one of our foremost journalists. This artistic legacy is truly felt throughout the lovingly designed living areas and accommodations.

Since opening in 1993, Twin Farms has upheld its tradition of graceful hospitality and is renowned for being a romantic sanctuary. With a two-to-one staff to guest ratio, an elite culinary team and endless recreational opportunities, you will discover why travelers truly appreciate the Twin Farms experience.

Location

Located in the small town of Barnard, Vermont, Twin Farms is a forty-five minute drive from the Lebanon, New Hampshire airport; a five hour drive from New York and a three and a half hour drive from Boston’s Logan Airport. Situated on three hundred sprawling acres, Twin Farms is a private sanctuary, where cozy fireplaces, enchanting views and the quiet beauty of your surroundings blend together to create a peaceful retreat.

Accommodations

To mention the design elements of each of the Twin Farms accommodations does not do it justice, the attention to detail in each cottage, lodge or room is striking. The classic New England style building of Twin Farms is apparent as you explore its uniquely distinct decor.

Choosing your accommodation will be the only difficult decision you will make on your visit to the resort. The 300 square foot Chalet is modeled after a lavishly furnished Alpine retreat. The Studio offers cathedral ceilings and contemporary furnishings, with a sleek fireplace. The Aviary is a two story cottage, architecturally stunning with rich wooden walls and a sunken stone tub. The Orchard offers two hand-carved granite fireplaces and sumptuous Japanese inspired furnishings. The Log Cabin is a fully restored 19th century Appalachian homestead with a river rock fireplace and a bark-clad maple king-sized bed. The Treehouse Cottage has an Adirondack twig work design in its vaulted ceilings and the Perch cottage features antique fish decoys and carvings and a large copper tub.

Copper Hill’s rooms, the Birch, Lilac, Maple or Willow, are all remarkably designed, with classic elements such as exposed timber, wood tones and screened porches. The Lodge, which is next to the main house, was originally an art studio and has been transformed into a large, luxurious private accommodation for up to two couples. It features a stone fireplace in the living area and two bedrooms, the Hillside and Grotto, each offering their own cozy comforts to travelers.

Finally, the Main House has four intriguing rooms, Red’s Room, Dorothy’s Room, Guest Room and Washington Room, each featuring design features such as a sleigh bed, claw foot tub or decor with a Russian flair. Each accommodation has its own artistic, as well as aesthetic appeal.

Dining

While Twin Farms accommodations offer guests simplicity and understated elegance, the culinary team will indulge guests with their fresh perspective on dining. There are no menus at Twin Farms, Chef Ted and his team will ensure that each meal, based on your preferences, exceed your imagination.

A cocktail hour precedes the evening meal, where you can choose from satays and Pimms or tapas in the pub. Dining is a whole new experience, with Chef-inspired meals using the highest quality ingredients from local providers. Guests gather at eight o’clock in the intimately designed dining room of the Main House. Choose from the 26,000 bottle wine collection, including the best French and California reds and whites, or from other regions, such as Italy, Spain and Germany.

Services

Cross the footbridge and step into the Twin Farms haven for those seeking to abandon the stresses of the outside world. Out of the Woods, its renowned spa provides specially developed treatments and products to the clientele for a therapeutic release from outside tensions.

Choose from a selection of body treatments, facials, and massage therapy, sure to wipe out any worries not yet abandoned during your stay. The Out of the Woods collection of spa products is 100% vegetarian, and was inspired from Twin Farms’ rural setting.

Further your spa experience by taking a dip in the 104 degree Japanese-style furo. This giant sunken stone tub takes steamy to a whole new level. Men’s side, women’s side or communal area – its one large, glorious pool that brings relaxation up a notch.

Activities

Winter, spring, summer or fall brings endless choices of activities for guests. Exploring the three hundred acres of property by hiking, biking, fly-fishing or canoeing will provide travelers with bountiful opportunity for outdoor pursuits. For those visiting during the warmer months, you can choose from tennis, swimming and various lawn sports. Winter brings activities expected from Vermont visitors, such as Nordic and Alpine skiing, snowshoe hikes, sleigh rides and ice skating.

Twin Farms has an eye for detail and will provide you with ample opportunities to picnic, grill lunches at the cabana or even have a bonfire under the stars. Beautiful Woodstock is nearby, feel free to roam the galleries, shop or just sit down and enjoy the scenery.

The Resort

At the crossroads of incomparable luxury and unspoiled wilderness lies The Resort at Paws Up®. Distinguishing itself from all other Montana luxury resorts, the Resort at Paws Up® offers an enchanting escape into the tranquility and magnificence of Montana’s pastoral countryside. This authentic Montana resort is discretely nestled among some of the most breathtaking country in the world. Spend a day on horseback, cast a fly in sparkling waters to eager cutthroats, explore the land Lewis and Clark swooned over, or indulge in sumptuous spa treatments. Choose from 28 luxury vacation homes or 12 impeccably appointed tents – all featuring an interior landscape rich in rustic elegance. It’s first-class adventure in a wilderness sanctuary
Request Brochure you’ll never forget. The Resort at Paws Up – truly The Last Best Place.

Accommodations

Escape to a wonderland of rustic elegance at The Wilderness Estates at Paws Up, a collection of new, stately domains nestled a world away from the everyday at our breathtaking Montana resort. Whatever you can imagine is at your fingertips. Total indulgence. Complete relaxation. A secluded wilderness sanctuary, all discretely hidden behind gated chaparrals. Your expansive estate comes complete with panoramic vistas, uber-privacy and an extensive list of features including a great room with a soaring vaulted ceiling, a cook’s kitchen, a loft game room, and three huge master suites featuring luxurious master bathrooms outfitted with a spacious slate shower, a jetted spa tub, sumptuous spa products and seriously plush towels.

When you’re ready to fully disconnect, saunter out to your sprawling private deck for a soak in your rejuvenating, six-person hot tub. Or head out on a family wildlife safari in your personal, eco-friendly electric car that’s so silent, the animals won’t hear you coming. If and when you’re ready to reconnect, high-speed wireless Internet access, surround-sound entertainment systems and 42″ flat-screen TVs are at your beck and call. The Wilderness Estates at Paws Up – the wilds of Montana have never been so civilized.

Wilderness Adventures

No matter the time of year, adventure is abundant in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. Whether it’s in the saddle of a horse, on a mountain bike, behind the wheel of an ATV, or breaking in a new pair of hiking boots, The Resort at Paws Up will take you places few have ever been. Here in the Paws Up wilderness nirvana, nestled near Seeley Lake and Blackfoot River, every day brings new beauty and adventure. Since the warm summer days in Montana seem to get never dark, you can fill your adventure vacation with hundreds of moments you’ll never forget. These everlasting times can be shared with others when you tell them about your spectacular Montana fly fishing trip, upland bird hunting trip, or how you spent the morning golfing in Montana. When you combine America’s most beautiful lakes and rivers in the majestic Rocky Mountains with a one-of-a-kind luxury resort, you truly have the ultimate outdoor playground. Our vast array of wilderness adventure activities is limited only by your imagination.

This summer, enjoy Montana’s luxury resort, and all the exciting adventures waiting for you!

Dining & Entertainment

Drawing from the agricultural wealth of Montana and the West, the Chef at Paws Up creates world-class, five-star cuisine that articulately blends the most sophisticated culinary techniques with the freshest meats, produce and ingredients available. Huckleberries picked from the slopes of surrounding mountains might complement a breakfast of French toast and hand-made sausage. Fresh Rocky Mountain trout, sauteed with herbs, may be paired with an exquisite Napa Valley Chardonnay. Soak up the rustic luxury of Paws Up at a lavish barbeque where guests may indulge in a flight of vintage Pinot Noirs as dinner sizzles nearby. Every sense is excited. Every meal brings new adventure.

Note: Paws Up will accommodate any special dietary requests you may have. Please let us know in advance.

The Spa

The serene, yet majestic location of Spa Town® could have easily inspired the Meriwether Lewis quote “Much pleased at having arrived at this long wished for spot.”

Discretely nestled on the edge of an expansive meadow, in the waving shade of soaring pines—sits Spa Town® at Paws Up. Made up of eleven oversized, impeccably appointed tents, Spa Town® is one of the most unique spas ever to be built. This haven of relaxation offers natural light, soothing sounds and indigenous aromas—and that’s just the Reception Tent. A winding boardwalk takes you to the privacy of your own treatment tent where one of our talented massage therapists will provide healing treatment for mind, body and spirit. Every moment at this unique sanctuary brings treasured relaxation and refreshment. We give new meaning to the term “getting lost” in the woods.

We wish for you a similar heritage of discovery and adventure native to the history of our western mountain region so when you leave our inspiring resort, you go forth with a sense of strength and renewal.