The Regent Las Vegas...The Ultimate Oasis
By Bonnie
Carroll
What
I feel compelled to say about Las Vegas is Who Moved My Cheese?
If Bugsy Siegal made a return trip today he would probably be
saying the same thing. From the 1970's to present day, Las Vegas
is almost unrecognizable. The panoramic view atop the Stratosphere
moves from the Tour Eiffel in Paris to Luxor on the Nile to the
Empire State Building in New York. But, the big pay-off for all
this change is the exciting services and conventions being offered
at the many new hotel properties arriving on the scene, as well
as the milieu of distinctive gastronimique variations prepared
and presented by culinary stars on and off the strip.
The
Regent Las Vegas is one of a number of luxurious new
hotels that now grace the Las Vegas community. The Regent property
offers guests casino, spa, golf, and complete privacy in an elegant
tranquil setting. Located just a short shuttle or limo ride from
the action on the strip, the sprawling resort is surrounded by
some of the best golf courses in the nation. The rooms are beautifully
and thoughtfully appointed with every amenity. The hotel room
service staff are efficient and courteous. The room service menu
is brimming with delectable late night goodies to enjoy in bed
over the lates hot new movie release.
The
resort restaurants are many, and include an authentic Irish Pub
named J.C. Wooloughan, that features real Irish fare, including
salmon and scallops boxty and Auntie Mauraís sticky toffee
pudding. There is also a wonderful Hamada of Japan with a great
sushi bar, and a huge restaurant that seats 600 people called
The Upstairs Market, where an astonishing brunch is served. Literally,
all the fresh seafood you can eat is attractively displayed, along
with everything else edible under the sun!
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Executive
Chef David Sacco |
The
new restaurant PARIAN is a resplendent formal
dining room, beautifully appointed in rich wood and European fabrics;
a venue of understated elegance where nothing was left to chance.
Executive Chef David Sacco worked closely with
the designer on every facet of the room, and flew to Italy and
France to hand select the china and stemware for use in the spectacular
room.
Dining
at Parian is a very pleasurable culinary experience. The food,
ambiance and service are unrivaled, due to Chef Saccoís
specialized training with Chef Jean Banchet and his extensive
experience with various outstanding hotels. He is astute in his
knowledge of worldwide dining traditions. Menu items include Duck,
Duck...Goose, trio of Hudson Valley foie gras; lobster BBQ duck
chow mein; potato tots; casolette of lemon thyme chicken with
vegetable spatzel and garlic confit and creamed Yukon potato broth.
(See Parian recipes on fbworld.com).
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Duck,
Duck . . . Goose at Parian |
The
hotel features a full gym, with state-of-the-art equipment, and
a relaxing outdoor pool where cabanas are available for use daily.
What an unexpected treat it was to spend an entire morning being
pampered in Aquae Sulis, the ultimate oasis in
Las Vegas. The Spa is renowned for treatments such as Siddha Abhyanga,
an ancient ritual enjoyed by royalty in India, and color therapy,
they were both quite amazing. First a photo was taken of my aura
(energy colors that encircle the body), and then the therapist
selected to put the color blue in my hydro-therapy tub (blue iscredited
with increasing concentration and spiritualism).
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At
Aquae Sulis being tranformed |
Music
is piped into a cavitosonic relaxation room, transforming it into
a temple dedicated to the art of relieving stress. Following my
treatment, another photo taken showed a much lighter energy flow
and brighter colors. The culmination of this enlightening adventure
is a superb hot oil and herb massage. The spa staff serve wonderful
Elixir tea and tonic drinks. These healthy cocktails are individually
prepared for guests waiting in the lounge between treatments.
Aquae Sulis is a magical spot to escape and recover from too much
late night excitement.
The
Casino at the hotel is a Swiss Casino and although
it is attached to the resort, it is completely non-intrusive.
This is a hotel with a casino. . . not a casino with a hotel,
which I personally enjoyed very much. I also found a restaurant
located near the hotel called Nevada Nickís that was a
scrumptious culinary diversion. It is one of the Nickís
Restaurant chain, where the steaks are perfect and the lobster
is sweet.
Like
everything else in Las Vegas, the airport has also changed for
the better. Traveling in and out on the Star Wars style
trains is a lot smoother, but I must admit that I miss the taped
welcome messages from Sammy Davis and Ol' Blue Eyes that I used
to hear on my way to the baggage claim. This is a city that has
grown up to accommodate the needs and varied taste of visitors,
large and small, from around the world. Viva Las Vegas...especially
the ultimate oasis at the Regent Las Vegas!
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