Viva Las Vegas

Amid a myriad of catchphrases, Quotables, and slogans, Vegas is undoubtedly a longstanding staple within American pop culture. With the [fairly recent] addition of the all-inclusive City Center, however, the glamor, and gaming of the desert oasis have experienced a rebirth of sorts.

Spanning 1,200 feet of Strip frontage with a footprint of 67 acres between Bellagio and the Monte Carlo, City Center is by far the largest sustainable development in the world holding six Gold LEED certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council. Home to the Aria Resort and Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, Crystals retail and entertainment district, the Mandarin Oriental, and residences at the Veer Towers, this ‘city within a city has upped the ante – a spectacle only suitable for the avant-garde of Las Vegas.

"CityCenter bridges the vitality of Las Vegas with the experiences travelers seek when they visit great cities around the world, whether London, Hong Kong or San Francisco – spectacular architecture, culturally significant art, great public spaces, sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants, and incredible amenities," states Bobby Baldwin, president, and CEO of CityCenter. "It is an evolutionary destination that aims to transform Las Vegas as a new symbol at its core, like the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Pompidou in Paris, or the Sony Center in Berlin."

More than a resort or even the sum of its parts, City Center offers a host of amenities and fine living accommodations; from shopping and dining to entertainment and spa indulgences, the experience is a sure refuge from The Strip, an urban metropolis with a community-centric design and personality.

FINE DINING

Designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind and David Rockwell, Crystals extends more than 500,000 square feet of sophisticated retail, dining, and entertainment; not to mention more than a dozen lounge bars scattered throughout the campus. And with a wide array of flavors, guests enjoy unlimited opportunities to savor the craftsmanship of world-class chefs and their menus. Notable mentions include:

"Elio", which is a contemporary Mexican restaurant.

Elio is located in the same building as old Beso Steakhouse, which is at the entrance to the Crystals shopping center at CityCenter. The restaurant features an upscale dining experience with a menu that combines traditional Mexican cuisine with modern culinary techniques. The menu includes dishes such as tacos, ceviche, enchiladas, and grilled meats, as well as a selection of specialty cocktails.

The restaurant is owned and operated by Enrique Olvera, who is a renowned Mexican chef and restaurateur. Elio features modern and elegant decor with a vibrant atmosphere, and it's open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. If you're looking for a new dining experience in Las Vegas, Elio is definitely worth checking out.

Mastro’s Ocean Club [Pictured Below]: As Crystals’ featured architectural element – an 80-foot-tall sculptural Tree House, Mastro’s combines world-class service, live entertainment, and exquisite cuisine for an unforgettable experience. Menu selections offer a signature three-tiered iced Seafood Tower, bone-in filet, lobster mashed potatoes, and a one-of-kind warm butter cake. Live music and dining at the grand bar and piano is also available seven days a week.

ENTERTAINMENT

Home to the Aria Resort and Casino, ‘Viva Elvis’ by Cirque du Soleil [pictured below] celebrates the life and music of Elvis Presley. Unveiling the humanity of an American icon, the show – written and directed by Vincent Paterson – is described as "a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music," a tribute that accurately captures the nostalgia, modernity and raw emotion of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

"It makes perfect sense that Elvis should live on in Las Vegas, where his iconic status was cemented," said Robert F.X. Sillerman, chairman and CEO of CKX, Inc. "When we teamed with Cirque du Soleil, we knew that any show they created would match Elvis’ larger-than-life presence. So we were pleased to open the vaults at Graceland and make available to Cirque du Soleil historic archival materials, recordings, and concert footage that would help them create a show that will carry Elvis’ legacy into the future."

The show runs Friday through Tuesday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

RETAIL THERAPY

Crystals retail district offers an unprecedented collection of elite and luxury brands mingled among one-of-a-kind art galleries and signature restaurants; with a shopping portfolio that affords Louis Vuitton and Prada, to Gucci, Versace, Tiffany & Co., Ermenegildo Zegna, Tom Ford, Roberto Cavalli, along with Miu Miu and Yves Saint Laurent.

Settled in an abstract 21st-century park – featuring changeable artwork and hanging gardens, the retail district is home to 38 distinct retailers; the overall experience challenges the traditional shopping experience, redefining for guests the art of leisure and shopping.

ART Collections

Allocated and commissioned for the sheer delight and inspiration of guests, the City Center Fine Art Collection displays artists such as Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer and Frank Stella, as well as Henry Moore and Claes Oldenburg. As a living museum of sorts, the collection spans the footprint of the City Center campus, integrating the beauty and harmony of the architecture inside and out. Notable galleries include:

The Gallery: A dramatic venue spanning 4,300-plus square feet, The Gallery at City Center currently features world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, with a diverse representation of dynamic sculptures, drawings, and prints. Chihuly is internationally recognized for his use of color, fluid glass forms, and large-scale architectural installations.

Centerpiece Gallery: Showcasing selections from more than 80 artists across varied mediums, Centerpiece Gallery presents a space for art aficionados and enthusiasts alike; the space focuses not only on the traditional mediums of contemporary art, such as photography and works on paper but also hosts unique and functional design objects and furniture.

SPA THERAPIES & TREATMENTS

Spa & Salon Vdara [pictured below]: Holistic health supported by the healing power of nature is the focus of the Vdara Spa menu. With a thoughtfully orchestrated collection of massages, body treatments, and skin care services, the boutique spa customizes and personalizes its offerings to individual needs. Spa Cabanas are a true delight, as is the trademarked Peter Thomas Roth Custom Facial.

Spa at Aria [pictured below]: Known for its Shio Salt Room and Japanese ‘Ganbanyoku’ heated stone beds, the Spa at Aria offers a full complement of treatments and therapeutic benefits. Well designed, the 62-room spa seamlessly combines Aji stone and water gardens with an abundance of natural lighting.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental: Reflecting the style and exotic luxury of 1930s Shanghai, The Spa provides a completely holistic experience based on the union of modern techniques and Eastern traditional therapies – a philosophy based upon all aspects of lifestyle wellness. The Spa is one of only 20 in the world to receive the esteemed Forbes Five-Star award.