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Summerlin Sizzles
By Mel and Ronnie Greenberg
Embracing the best of Las Vegas, Summerlin sits at the base of the Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountain Range is close to the energy and fantasy of The Strip- but not that close! The affluent master-planned community, 15 miles northwest of downtown Las Vegas, mingles the flavors and lifestyle of a welcome respite for those who want to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Nevada desert.
The elegant family-friendly JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, the proverbial private oasis in the middle of the desert, makes a great homebase. A destination in itself, the resort nestles among 22-acres of lush gardens, waterways, and towering palm trees. The 548 luxury guest rooms and suites (up to 2,000 square feet) in both the Spa Tower and the Palm Towers have oversized marble bathrooms equipped with whirlpool bathtubs and separate showers. They all offer stunning views of the Red Rock Canyon to the west, and the glittering lights of The Strip to the east. Be prepared to be indulged and your every whim catered to.
The ultimate in relaxation and pampering takes place in the resort's Aquae Sulis European Spa, modeled after the healing spas of ancient Greece. Soothing to the body, mind and spirit, are a myriad of body and facial treatments, massage techniques, aromatherapy, and loofah scrubs. The Spa's unique "Sampler" is a combination of body and massage techniques, for a little bit of everything. After your treatment there are whirlpools, cascading waterfall showers, and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, to top off your wonderful experience. Fitness enthusiasts can utilize the cardiovascular and weight training activities, and an aerobics studio.
Sun worshippers will love lounging by the grass -edged pool with a cascading tropical waterfall. Private poolside cabanas provide shelter from the desert sun and a relaxing retreat to enjoy a light lunch or sip tropical libations.
Golfing is available on one of the eleven championship golf courses located within a short drive of the resort. The reservation desk arranges tee times and golfing needs for the golf enthusiasts.
Eating well is always a favorite pastime on vacation, and the resort provides an epicurean adventure with a variety of dining options from a quick casual meal to an elegant dining experience. Ceres serving American fare, is the favorite restaurants of the guests and locals, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Traditional Celtic pub food, fish and chips and Irish beers and whiskey can be enjoyed at J.C.Wooloughan's along with weekend entertainment. The Rampart Buffet with popular dishes from around the world, including pizza baked in a wood-burning oven is another option easily indulged in. For dinner there's Shizen, one of the food outlets managed outside the resort but on property. The Sushi bar is an option but the Teppanyaki table will awe you with the choreography of the chefs that prepare your meal. Another restaurant managed outside the resort is Spiedini Ristorante, a romantic chic Italian eatery specializing in classic Milanese and urban Italian cuisine.
Bringing you "back to Vegas" the Rampart Casino offers all the pizzazz of a Las Vegas Strip casino with 1200 slot machines and 40 gaming tables to try your lock. If shopping "is your bag", stroll and shop the unique shops and boutiques at the resort's indoor promenade. For a wider range of shopping, complimentary buses are available to shuttle guests to and from the Fashion Show Mall on The Strip.
J.W. Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa is located at 221 North Rampart Boulevard in Summerlin, just 15 miles northwest of the Las Vegas Strip. For reservations phone (877/ 869-8777) or jwlasvegasresort.com
Venturing on to The Strip
If you love magic, you'll delight in the highly acclaimed family-friendly Lance Burton Show in the Victorian theatre at the Monte Carlo Hotel. In the midst of blazing neon lights and non-stop action, Burton opens his show with doves appearing and disappearing. His amazing fetes included a Solid Gold Lady that app-ears when $10 million worth of gold bars disappear from an open vault; Burton's red Corv-ette that flies around the stage; and
the "Magic Zone," a murder mystery romp of appearing and disappearing cast members. His special guest star comedic juggler Michael Gourdeau and the beautiful showgirls add much zest to the entertainment. To enter the world of Lance Burton call for ticket reservations at (702/ 730-7160) or got to Monte-Carlo.com or lancebur-ton.com
The great outdoors
At Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Park we drove the 13 mile scenic loop that others opt for hiking or biking through the landscape created from a complex history of marine and prehistoric dune deposits and subsequent erosion. The Canyon is also popular for rock climbing on some of the country's most challenging shallow peaks. For guided naturalist tours, as well as maps and brochures, be sure and stop at the Visitors Center. For information phone (702/ 515-5350) or desertusa.com/redrock
Attractions within an hour away
Hoover Dam and Lake Mead-hailed upon completion as "the Eight Wonder of the World." The highest concrete dam and engineering marvel stands 736 feet high, 1,244 feet wide at its crest and is 660 feet thick at its base. For information and tours of Hoover Dam visit usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam and for Lake Mead Nps.gov/lame
The Hoover Dam Museum housed in the historic Boulder Dam Hotel has artifacts preserved from the dam's construction. Featured are 3-D interactive hands-on exhibits telling the human story of history's greatest construction project, including a 20-minute film. For additional information phone (702 /360-8000) or bcmha.org
How to get there
Summerlin is just 20 minutes northwest of the Las Vegas Strip and 25 minutes from McCarran International Airport. From McCarran take Interstate 15 North to I-95 North. Exit Summerlin Parkway.
Romance Caribbean Style
By Rita Cook
There is never a bad time to enjoy the warm weather in the Caribbean and for romance; the feeling of the sun and the sound of the ocean waves just makes true love really come alive. While the Caribbean has a number of prime islands to visit, a few just seem to stand out above the competition. Islands like Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Aruba and even Belize are diverse, but tourists are always welcome.
Belize
Known for the immaculate diving, the inland of Belize is alive with Mayan history and full of surprises. For zip lining and tubing there is the one-stop shop at Jaguar Paw where you can sour through the trees in the morning and taking a refreshing excursion through Mayan caves atop a flight in the heat of the afternoon. The highest zip line cable is 80-feet above the ground so you will definitely feel like Tarzan. The tubing is on the Caves Branch River and there are five tunnel caves to be explored, once used by the Mayans.
Be sure and stop in at the Belize Zoo, all the money is donated to rehabilitating the animals and the animals are there after being rescued from dangerous situations. The black jaguar is especially beautiful and definitely not shy.
A tour of the Mayan ruin called Xunantunich (stone maiden) is a step back in town overlooking the Mopan River and once a Mayan ceremonial center. The most important temple at the site is the El Castillo standing 130-feet high. Overall the trip is about half a day of exploring before returning to the hotel for a rest.
Best Place to Stay:
Ka'ana Boutique Resort and Spa
Mile 69 Western Highway
San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize, C.A.
501-824-3350
www.Kaanabelize.com
Aruba
Dutch influence is everywhere and, while some guests might not get past the beach, do take the time to do some exploring. A half-day island tour will take you to some of the island's historical sights, a natural pool, Arikok National Park and even Bushiribana Gold Ruins. The best outfit for this excursion is Sensitive Hikers (www.sensitivehikers.com).
Snorkeling, of course, is a prerequisite in Aruba so enjoy a half day and make sure you get out to the Antilla shipwreck, Arashi Reef and the Malmok shallow reef. Most boats offer equipment and lunch on board so take your towel and sunscreen and have some fun.
Restaurants are pretty amazing in Aruba too, so don't just go for the local catch of the day.
Another must is windsurfing lessons at the Fisherman's Hut located next to the Aruba Marriott. With the constant 15-knot trade winds, Aruba is an excellent place to enjoy both windsurfing and kite surfing.
A TomCar Island Exploration is another way to see the island and really get an idea of the terrain. Traveling through the most rugged parts Aruba, this ATV meets Jeep is the best way to see the North Coast going through National Park Arikok and getting a glimpse of the beautiful Natural Pool.
Best place to stay:
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris
Casino
L.G. Smith Boulevard, #101
Palm Beach, Aruba
Dutch Caribbean
297-586-9000
www.arubamarriott.com
Puerto Rico
A real selling point, you don't need a passport to travel to this locale. With a vast array of things to do, real highlights are the bioluminescent bay kayak excursion, horseback riding and a tour of old San Juan. Of course, you will want to get some relaxation and spa time in as well.
The bioluminescent bay is synonymous with Puerto Rico and something not to be missed. Experienced in the evening, this natural phenomenon will take you through a mangrove archway canal and into what is known as Laguna Grande in two-man kayaks. During the trip the Pyrodium Bahamese organisms produce a natural light under water, which can easily be seen glowing blue when the water is disturbed.
A horseback riding excursion is yet another way to experience the magic of Puerto Rico.
A perfect beach ride or some time on one of the nature trails that abound on the island, the Hacienda Carabali requires no experience taking riders to the foot of the island's rain forest. The horses that are ridden are the Paso Fino horses, known for their fine gait and well-known throughout the island and the Caribbean.
Take a morning or an entire day and tour old San Juan, a 475 year-old neighborhood. The cobblestone streets are reminiscent of days gone by while the colorful colonial buildings and century-old fortresses that overlook the Atlantic Ocean will play with your imagination and fascinate you. El Morro Fort overlooks San Juan Bay and offers a fascinating look at the history of the island.
San Juan is also home to several wonderful museums and art galleries so keep your options open and money in your pocket and don't forget to stop in at the Bacardi Rum Distillery. You not only get a tour of the facility, but also a couple of samples as well.
Best place to stay:
San Juan Marriott Resort and
Stellaris Casino
1309 Ashford Avenue
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907
787-722-7000
www.marriott.com/sjupr
Not far from the airport, but right on Condado Beach, the San Juan Marriott offers not only a spa, but also two pools and a great part of the beach for lounging. The spa offers excellent amenities as well as a fitness room. Hungry? There's the bake shop, the La Visa Restaurant and Ocean Terrace, Ristorante Tuscany, Wan Chai Noodle Bar, the Lobby Lounge and the La Isla Beach Bar and Grill.