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Traveling to far-off lands like any intrepid globetrotter is what many of us constantly fantasize about, but only few amongst us possess the determination or the resources to give full vent to our fanciful flights of wanderlust. Ibn Battuta, was one such intrepid traveler, who set off on his legendary journey more than 700 years ago, when the fastest means of transportation were the human feet, and only those that were blessed by fortune could hope for the luxury of traveling on a camel, horse or a ship. The account of his journey across many continents continues to be the inspiration for many books, movies, TV serials and now for the first time it is being glorified in the design and concept of a shopping mall.
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| It is possible for you to retrace Ibn Battuta’s famous journey without undergoing the hardships that the legendary traveler faced during his lifetime. You navigate in the cool and plush environs of a shopping mall and still manage to catch a glimpse of myriad cultures from all over the world. The place where you can experience such a sense of adventure happens to be the eponymous Ibn Battuta Mall, located in Dubai, where the possibilities tend to get limitless. Billed as world’s largest themed mall, this place is embellished by six elaborately designed courts that throw fanciful visions of places that Ibn Battuta visited and wrote about Tunisia, China, Egypt, India, Persia and Andalusia. |
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Don’ t be amazed if a visit to the Ibn Battuta mall evokes the
surreal feeling that you have been transported to the enchanted
world of 14th century. You will be wooed by the splendor of the
Arabic wind towers, and swept off your feet by the magnificence
of Indian domes. The lavish architecture of medieval China
will awe you and the picturesque beauty of Tunisia will
have a soothing effect. The Ibn Battuta mall is like a bridge
between the present and the past, a place where most modern
appliances, artifacts and entertainments get juxtaposed with
an environment that is decidedly from the 14th century world.
Located on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, the mall was
developed by Nakheel Properties Group in early 2005. You can guess its importance from the fact that this
place boasts of the only IMAX theatre in the
United Arab Emirates and it also offers a 21-
screen Cinema Megaplex, which is located in
the China Court area of the mall. So the next
time you are here don’t be surprised to find
your favorite Bollywood movie running on any
one of the screens at the Megaplex. In fact,
Bollywood movies are a huge draw at the mall
and so are flicks from Hollywood.
Spread across an area of 5.4 million square
feet, the place is larger than most malls in the
world. It includes 10
car parks that can
jointly accommodate
more than 5000 cars.
The retail area alone
is spread across an
astonishing 67,500
square meters and
it has 275 retail
outlets, while
the well-planned
Food Courts span
across 3,800 square
meters. Some of
the best brands
in the world are
represented here
- Betsey Johnson,
H&M, TopShop,
Forever 21, Ginger
& Lace, Lacoste,
Next, Pierrie Cardin, Gucci, Omega, Versace,
Banana Republic and many others. Then
there is the children’s play zone packed with
all sorts of amusements and thrills.
It is quite natural that walking up and down
this mega mall is going to stimulate your
appetite. But there is ample scope out here
to take care of that need. On both ends of the
mall two large food courts are located and
that is in addition to the several coffee shops,
scattered throughout its entire length. If you are an aficionado
for cuisine from all over the world then you are not going to be
disappointed. Along with the best concoctions from the world
of western food, here you will also find enough opportunities
to titillate your palate with relishing dishes of Chinese origin,
sumptuous Indian fare, Tunisian food, and lip smacking treats
from Egypt. |
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The most outstanding appeal of the mall lies in its
edutainment features, which combine features of education
and entertainment. There are numerous storytelling tours that
provide an exciting opportunity for visitors to better understand the historical perspectives that can be gleaned
from the life of Ibn Battuta. Then there are the
numerous exhibits of ancient technological
inventions, especially from the Middle East.
The modern full-size working reproduction of
an elephant clock is particularly interesting. It
is basically an invention of Islamic origin that
consists of a water-powered clock developed in
the form of an elephant. |
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Another piece of everlasting appeal is the recreation
of a 25-metre Chinese sea faring junk
that happens to be a replica of an ancient boat on
which Ibn Battuta is said to have sailed through
the Indian Ocean. The mirror maze located in
the Chinese court is great fun and many visitors
can’t have enough of it. Another interesting item
is the virtual aquarium that enables visitors to
observe many different types of marine life, including great
white sharks. There is also a sand sculpture, created by worldrenowned
artist Jenny Rossen, based on different mosques of
the Middle East.
For book lovers a tryst with the famous Magrudy’s bookstore
is a must. Located right next to it is a toy store. Even Géant, which
holds the distinction of being the largest French supermarket
chain, has a store here. When you tire of sightseeing and
shopping, then it is time for rest & relaxation. What can be a
better place for that than a luxurious spa or a state of the art
gym! Try it and chances are that you will be able to recharge
you batteries for another round of adventures at this mall.
If anything, the Ibn Battuta mall is certainly worth a visit, not
just for the shopping and entertainment experience, but also
for the fantastic design and concept. But before you venture
inside this place make sure you have a full wallet and a pair of
comfortable walking shoes on. It is really big, so big that you
have to become an explorer to fully appreciate its grandeur. |
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| Year-round sunshine and a culture that is eminently lavish
pose enough reasons to make Dubai an enormously popular
holiday and shopping destination. |
If there is any structure that succinctly epitomizes the
bustling, bright and cosmopolitan character of the city
of Dubai, it is the Burj Al Arab. The name translates
into english as “Tower of Arabs”. Since it’s opening
date in 1999, the Burj Al Arab quickly gained the
status of being Dubai’s iconic symbol. It is the
world’s most luxurious seven-star hotel, and its
opulence is unparalleled anywhere else on the
planet.
Even those who are not staying here, flock
to this hotel because a trip to Dubai is never
complete unless your eyes have basked the beauty of Burj Al
Arab’s sail like shape soaring into the sky. At 321 meters,
this hotel is one of the tallest in the world. It even has its own
helipad. It is furnished throughout in opulent Arabic style, and
an astounding 8,600 pieces of 22-carat gold have been used
in its construction. |
| The Sheikh Zayed Road is a landmark by itself. This road
happens to be the home to some of the tallest buildings in
the world, including the magnificent 355m-high Emirates
Towers, which is the tallest building in all of Middle East and
Europe. Many tourists board the glass elevators that take you
to a viewing deck on the top which offers unforgettable views
of Jumeria coast. |
| Even though Dubai enjoys the reputation of being the city of
high-rises and beaches, it does have a fair number of parks
where you can chill out. the One such oasis is the Creekside
Park that lies in Umm Hurair area of Dubai. The park contains
over 280 botanical species, as well as a mass of green areas,
leafy paths for roller-skating and jogging, three jetties for
fishing, a mini-golf course and a 30m high cable car. |
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Attached to the bottom of Mainland China, on the banks of the picturesque Pearl River, there
lies a famous peninsula called Macau. Billed as a paradise seeped in history, culture and entertainment,
this place presents the unique facet of being traditional and yet so modern. For
many centuries Macau had been the prized jewel in the crown of Portuguese empire and to
this day its landscape continues to be dotted with buildings and churches built in inimitable Portuguese style
of architecture. Of these, the seventeenth-century Jesuit Church of Madre de Deus, better known as Sao
Paolo, is probably the finest Christian monument in the Far East.
It was only in 1999 that Mainland China regained control of Macau under previous treaty agreements with
the Portuguese establishment. Under Chinese tutelage there came growth at a scorching pace. In a matter
of few years, Macau transmogrified itself into orient’s answer to the fabled Las Vegas. Its casinos and resorts
attract thrill seekers in droves. The nights turn out to be brighter than the day, as animated billboards and
marquees advertising myriad gambling hotspots light up the streets. Limousines carry the rich for their tryst
with casinos of their choice. Beautiful women who can balance themselves precariously on their high-heels
offer tantalizing prospects for romance and seduction. |
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Amongst all the casinos of Macau, it is
the Mandarin Oriental that turns out to
be the most prestigious. If anything, the
hotel is built with a casino in mind and
that is just one of the reasons why it can
boast of such a fine playing environment
within its premises. Out here Baccarat
enjoys the distinction of being the most
popular table game. Even on the most
tranquil day it will be easy for you to
find baccarat tables surrounded with
gamblers cheering for a win. Everyone is
trying to get a touch of the sacred green
felt and strike it rich. It is a popular
saying in Macau that gamblers come to
Las Vegas solely to be entertained, but
over here, gamblers, especially those
of Chinese origin, step into casinos to
challenge their destiny. The casino is
open 24 hours a day, thus enabling its
patrons to challenge their destiny round
the clock.
Other than Baccarat, the sumptuous
spread of Mandarin Oriental’s casino
offers 11 types of table games and 59
types of slot machines. Roulette and
blackjack are hot favorites, and so are
games of local origin going by fanciful
names like Mahjong Baccarat, Mahjong
Paikao and Taiwan Paikao. As the casino
is part of a sprawling hotel, that makes it
a perfect place where you can fuel your
gambling fire, while still enjoying quality
time with your loved ones. In fact, the
Mandarin Oriental Casino & Hotel is
included in Forbes’ list of the best casinos
in the world. |
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| The magnificent structure of the hotel
exudes an aura that is a unique blend
of Portuguese heritage, the traditional
cultures of the Orient and the futuristic
spirit of Las Vegas. Once you walk into
its air-conditioned portal, you can’t
escape the feeling of being in a mythical
land, so luxurious and artistic that it
seems far removed from anything that
you have ever seen or experienced.
The immaculately proportioned lobby, |
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with its carved teak staircase and an
ecclesiastical window looking down upon
it, creates an impression of a Portuguese
Palacio. Wherever you look, your eyes
are greeted by incredible opulence - the
sitting arrangements, the elevators, the
bars, restaurants, landscaped swimming
pools and the casino.
Chandeliers, tapestries, and artwork
embellish every inch of the lobby.
Even the guest rooms are decorated in
Portuguese fabrics and natural teak.
Whether you choose to stay in a room
or a suite, you are bound to discover
that luxury comes standard at Mandarin
Oriental. If you yearn to indulge in some
sightseeing without going through the
rigmarole of stepping out of your plush
room, then you can go in for the Superior
City View Rooms and Deluxe City View
Rooms that offer magnificent views of
South China Sea or the historic Guia
Fortress. Even greater delight lies in the
Club Floor City View Rooms that offer
views of the city and the famous Macau
Grand Prix Race Track.
There are 388 rooms and 28 suites
waiting for you to take your pick from
and have the time of your life. The
truth is that the vibrant environment of
Mandarin Hotel is especially conducive
for romantic interludes. After all, where
else can love blossom if not in a setting
such as this. Just imagine the feeling
of you and your girlfriend enjoying a
champagne breakfast in your room even
as the city around you is still awakening
from the mists of the night. |
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From the broad range of fashionable restaurants located within
the Mandarin, it is easy to
choose one that suits your
needs and your tastes. The
most romantic restaurant is
Mezzaluna, located on the 2nd
floor; this elegant restaurant
offers Italian cuisine in stylish
surroundings. Inspired by a
renovated Tuscan villa, the
restaurant features a wine
room with a global collection
of vintage wine. The open
kitchen with wood-burning
oven only adds to the charm.
For aficionados of
Cantonese cuisine, there is
no alternative to Tunk Yee Heen which
offers Cantonese a-la-carte menus, as
well as stylish Chinese banquets. Then
there is the Naam Thai restaurant,
famous for its top class Thai menu in
Macau. Strategically located at a spot
where it overlooks a vibrant swimming
pool and luxuriant tropical gardens, this
intimate 60-seat restaurant is bright,
casual and contemporary. Out here you
can try some of the most delicious Thai
dishes cooked from the freshest produce
and the finest herbs and spices.
Then there is the Café Bela Vista that
carries all the splendor and charm of the
historic Hotel Bela Vista and remains
open 24 hours a day. Breakfast, lunch
and dinner buffets - you can depend on
this charming restaurant to keep you
supplied with the tastiest morsels at
all times of the day. If cakes are your
weakness then The Cake Shop is the
place to hang out. Located on the 2nd
floor, this shop is famous for its extensive choice of cakes and pastries, all baked
freshly on the premises. |
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| The memory and the spirit of the
legendary Portuguese maritime explorer
Vasco Da Gama lives on in the restaurant
called Vasco. Out here irresistible local
tapa-style treats, exquisite high tea and
a vast repertoire of creative cocktails
await you. But the main attraction of
the Vasco lies in the live band that is
often billed as Macau’s best nightly
entertainment. Looking for a more laid
back type restaurant? Try The Veranda,
a poolside spot to enjoy al fresco dining,
where you can savor grilled seafood and
exotic cocktails. |
Other than the sprawling casino, the
Mandarin Hotel boasts of a host of other
facilities to let you have the time of your
life. If it is peace and relaxation you are
seeking, then check out the in-house spa.
Designed like a tropical garden, the spa
boasts of an outdoor swimming pool
and a picturesque waterfall. Teams of
highly trained professional therapists
pamper and rejuvenate every inch of
your body through their massages, body
treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures
and much else. An added plus are the
new therapies for relaxation like the
Comfort Zone treatments, which use the
marriage of science and nature to leave
your body and spirit in a state of bliss.
Mandarin Hotel makes it easy for you
to have a knockabout on a round of
energetic sports. There are three tennis
courts available for guests. No problem if
you don’t have your own racket and balls, you can get them from the Tennis
Pro Shop. If you need to polish
your playing style, an instructor
is also available. A squash court is
available on the third floor of the
hotel for those who really want to
sweat it out. You don’t even have
to go out looking for a mountain
in order to indulge in rock
climbing. The Mandarin has a 10-
metre high, 360-degree modular
rock tower, which is capable
of offering a truly adventurous
holiday experience.
For shopping addicts the
Mandarin Oriental Shopping
Arcade represents a vista of
unparalleled opportunities. Situated on
the lobby floor, the shopping arcade is
home to almost every major brand in
the world - Cartier, Emporio Armani,
Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna, Louis
Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo,
Dunhill, Hermes, Omega and Dior. One
thing is for sure, if you are staying at
Mandarin, you won’t have to travel far
in order to buy an appropriate gift for
your girlfriend or wife. But the world
of Mandarin is as enchanting outside
the building as it is inside it. Stepping
out of the hotel and taking peek at the
local culture can be an unforgettable
experience by itself.
You only need to take a five-minute
walk to reach the famous Macau
Fisherman’s Wharf that covers an area of
over 93,000 square metres and is home
to all kinds of entertainment and retail
facilities. The Nam Van Lake Cybernautic
Fountain is a man-made lake that gushes
with 86 waterspouts, some of which
are up to 80 meters high. At night the
waterspouts are a sight to behold when
288 colorful spotlights illuminate them.
The Taipa Houses and the Macau Tower
are important landmarks that showcase
the best aspects of local culture. Then
there is the Wine Museum where wine
aficionados can discover over 1,115
labels.
Mandarin Oriental Macau is a
microcosm of an unique paradise on
earth that every human being needs to
experience at least once. |
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It
is at Phuket that the
saga of Aman resorts
began, this is where the
group’s first resort Amanpuri opened
and instantly made a mark on the world’s
hospitality scene with its amazing
blend of modern design, classic luxury,
stunning settings and first-rate service.
Today Aman Resorts owns and operates
18 inimitably sculpted resorts around the
world, each one of them nestled within a
unique natural paradise, that subsume a
luxurious sense of a dventure. But it is the
resort at Phuket that continues to serve
as a flagship for the global hospitality
group.
Each Aman resort picks up its leitmotif
from the best aspects of the local culture
and that is why visitors find them so
attractive. Think of an oasis of luxury
that also carries the power of quenching
the lust for faraway cultures, as they are
replete with locally procured materials
reflecting local traditions.
When you spend time in an Aman
resort, you get to experience a whole
new world. The environmentally friendly
operation and the aesthetically pleasing
ambiance only add to the appeal. The resort at Phuket, for example,
has only 40 pavilions and 32 villas spread over 24 hectares of a hilly
headland on the northern side of Pansea beach. With abundance of
space between different villas, there is ample scope for guests to enjoy
the kind of privacy that is generally impossible in an ordinary resort.
Other than the famous resort at Phuket Island in Thailand, Aman
owns resorts at the following locales – Amankora Resort at Bhutan,
in Cambodia there is the famous Amansara Resort. France has its Le
Mélézin and in French Polynesia there is Hotel Bora Bora. Indonesia
boasts of maximum number of Aman resorts - the Amandari, Amanusa,
Amankila, Amanwana, and Amanjiwo. India has two Aman resorts,
Aman-i-Khás and Amanbagh. In Morocco there’s the Amanjena, in
Philippines there is Amanpulo. Sri Lanka is famous for its Amangalla
and Amanwella. In the Turks & Caicos Islands there is the Amanyara
and in the USA there exists the superlative Amangani. |
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| When you spend time in
an Aman resort, you get
to experience a whole new
world. The environmentally
friendly operation and
the aesthetically pleasing
ambiance only add to the
appeal. |
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| The resorts are located next
to some of the most gorgeous
beaches in the world, offering
ample opportunity to enjoy
the sea, surf and sun. Get
yourself a sexy new tan on the
tropical beaches of Amanpulo
on the private isle of
Pamalican in the Philippines.
How about sunning at the
powder-fine white-sand beach
of Amanyara in the Turks and
Caicos Islands, right next to
the surging turquoise waters
of the sea. Dine and wine in
your private cabana or watch The resorts are located next
to some of the most gorgeous
beaches in the world, offering
ample opportunity to enjoy
the sea, surf and sun. Get
yourself a sexy new tan on the
tropical beaches of Amanpulo
on the private isle of
Pamalican in the Philippines.
How about sunning at the
powder-fine white-sand beach
of Amanyara in the Turks and
Caicos Islands, right next to
the surging turquoise waters
of the sea. Dine and wine in
your private cabana or watch
the sunset paint the sky and
water in delicious hues. |
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| The Amanwella in Sri
Lanka is set beside an 800m
golden-sand beach that looks
magnificent in its palm-lined,
crescent-shaped avatar. |
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If you support an
adventurous mindset then
the resort will provide you
complimentary water sports
equipment such as snorkeling
gear, sea kayaks, boogie
boards, windsurfers, Hobie
cats and Laser sailboats. The
Amanwella in Sri Lanka is set
beside an 800m golden-sand
beach that looks magnificent
in its palm-lined, crescentshaped
avatar. Just think
of the pleasures that you
can enjoy on this patch of
paradise. The Hotel Bora
Bora is surrounded by one of
the world’s most spectacular
lagoons, and offers three
white-sand beaches.
Snorkeling reef fish is a
pleasure that guests like to
indulge in at Bali’s Amanwana
resort. The Amankila located
at East Bali is set within a
groove of coconut palms and
is famous for its 41-meter
swimming pool. Barbecues and
Balinese dance performances
on the volcanic sand beaches
are experiences that you
don’t want to miss. But it is
the Amanusa that commands
a garden hillside in southern
Bali with panoramic views of
the Indian Ocean. Out here
there exists a fringing coral
reef that makes it especially
conducive for swimming and
water sports.
The beach at Aman resort
on Phuket Island in Thailand
is especially persuasive in
turning you into a die-hard
Aman fan for life. It has
a 20m lap-pool, cocktail
lounge and an array of water
sports, as well as sun beds
and towels, and a seaside
gym with remarkable views
through full-length windows.
Of course, it has its famous
swimming pool too — one
that measures 27-meters
from end to end. The pool is
tiled in midnight blue, and
it exudes an aura that many
find irresistible. |
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| If you want to enjoy a really
lavish cruise then Amanpuri
at Phuket is the place to go.
This resort is well known
for its gargantuan fleet of
vessels, in sizes ranging
between 20 to 110 feet.
Every vessel in Amanpuri’s
fleet is professionally crewed
and they are equipped with
a variety of recreational
material to let their guests
enjoy sports like water-skiing
and wakeboarding. Amanpuri
also operates overnight
charters that provide access
to some of the Andaman Sea’s
best dive sites. |
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Then there is the Amanwana
resort on Moyo Island that
maintains a fleet of 10
boats, which can be used for
cruising, fishing or diving. The sea around
Amanwana is
littered with sm all islands, and
that offers guests ample opportunities to
explore nearby coral coves and beaches,
indulge in shell collecting, beachcombing,
sunbathing and snorkeling. The cerulean
sea that skirts the Amanpulo resort packs
all the ingredients for superb cruising.
The resort keeps a variety of boats for
island hopping, fishing, diving and lazyday
sailing.
If you yearn for a tryst with traditional
Balinese fishing craft then you have to
head to Amankila resort that overlooks
the Lombok Strait in East Bali. This resort
offers two outriggers designed after the
traditional jukung boats. In addition to these outriggers,
the resort also offers Aman XII,
a 50ft vessel with a large sundeck and
shaded area, and the Aman XVI, a 36ft
vessel with sundeck and some shaded
area. But it is the Hotel Bora Bora that
is all geared to offer full-day or half-day
trips to neighboring islands in a 50ft,
sport-fishing catamaran. Diving trips
to the neighboring lagoons are quite
popular with the hotel’s guests. |
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There is definitely an extra pleasure
involved in swinging those golf clubs
when you are lodging at Aman resorts.
And that extra pleasure comes from the
immaculate settings of each golf course.
Morocco’s famed Amanjena Resort boasts
of a golf course that offers splendid views
of the High Atlas Mountains from its
vibrant fairways. When you are at Bali’s
Amanusa Resort, the luxury of playing
at the Bali Golf and Country Club, which
ranks amongst Asia’s five best courses,
is all yours.
The Amanjiwo resort, in Central
Java, at an hour’s drive from 18-
hole Mount Merapi Golf Course is
a picturesque haven for golfers and
sightseers alike. But if you wish to enjoy
your pick of five international standard
golf courses you have to be at Amanpuri
on the tropical island of Phuket where
some of the choicest courses lie within
a 30 to 40-minute drive of the resort.
In the balmy Turks and Caicos Islands,
the Providenciales Golf club is at a 40-
minute drive from Amanyara Resort.
Golfing amidst the mountainous valleys
and passes of Bhutan has a pleasure of
its own. To experience that pleasure you
have to be at Amankora Resort located
at Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Out here
you will find a well-maintained nine-hole
course set at 2,800m above sea level,
where the panorama of nature is at its
vibrant best.
The Aman-I-Khas located in Rajasthan’s
Ranthambhore National Park is famous
for its safaris that allow you to see
leopards, tigers, crocodiles, sloth bears
and other animals in their natural habit.
The safaris at Aman Resorts located on
the island of Bali are also quite popular.
The island is full of wilderness areas that
are havens for wildlife and are home to
some of the world’s most endangered
species. At Amangani in Jackson Hole,
Wyoming, wildlife safaris are conducted
year round. Imagine the joy of being part of a full day excursion in a plush fourwheel
drive luxury SUV that is equipped
with binoculars, window-mounted scopes
and experienced field guides. |
At Aman resorts the art of pampering
guests is practiced to perfection with
a range of spas that offer world-class
treatment through judicious use of
cultural and natural environments. The
use of completely natural ingredients,
including essential oils derived from
organically grown wild plants and herbs,
makes the experience at any Aman Spa
most intimate and discreet. Guests can
pamper their body with therapeutic
massages, body wraps, scrubs and baths.
At the end of each treatment your sense
of well being is enhanced and your mind,
body and spirit feel rejuvenated.
The resorts employ in-house yoga
and Ayurveda experts who can gently
guide you into the ancient art of healing
and good health. Just as Aman Resorts
provides you enough opportunities
for partying, sporting, and all kinds of
adventures, it also packs the system to
help you balance your energies through
a process of holistic healing. |
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| may not sound like a place
you’d expect hot casino
action, but don’t let the name
fool you. This casino located
on the Gulf Coast has plenty
of gaming opportunities.
The 32 story, 3.2 million
square foot edifice is all
geared to pamper you with
every luxury that
money can buy. It
boasts of impeccably
designed guests
rooms and suites, a plethora
of fancy restaurants, lavish
entertainment programs,
seductive shopping arcade
and of course an exciting
casino that unleashes the
inner gambler in you. |
AT Beau Rivage the atmosphere is infectiously electric and the variety of games
available is simply unbelievable. In this vast oasis of unmitigated thrill, it is easy
for you to forget the clock and lose yourself in selfish joys of gambling. The 85,000-
square-foot casino features 93 table games, 2,100 slot machines, and 230 video poker
games. But if you are a poker aficionado then you will find Beau Rivage’s two-tiered
poker room the place to be. If you are a high stakes gambler then
you can wager your bets away from the madding crowd in a special
area within the poker room.
But it is the slots that are the favorites with most gamblers.
Dotted by as many as 2100 hot slot games, which include classic
reels, stirring video slots and the ever-popular video poker machines, the casino floor
is a sight to behold. The machines out here will eat any amount ranging from 1¢ to
$500, so whatever be your gambling budget, you are sure to find the slot that you can
afford. If you are looking for a machine that is actually famous for producing many
millionaires, then you have to go in for the all time favorite Wheel of Fortune.
Then there are games with names like Monte Carlo Cash Wheel, Blazing7s, Double
Diamonds, Hot Shots, Cleopatra II, etc, all of which promise their own brand of thrill
and wins. The best thing about the slots at Beau Rivage is that the machines are
100% coin free, as they are fitted with electronic payment system, which is especially
conducive for faster and easier transactions. But there are those for whom nothing
matches the thrill of table games. When you get cloyed by the perennial favorites like
Craps and Roulette, then you can try your luck in intriguing games like Mini & Midi
Baccarat, Single Deck Blackjack, Crazy 4 Poker, 3 Card Poker, and Pai Gow. |
| On the prowl for quality poker, Beau Rivage’s smoke free poker
room holds a rare delight. Immaculately designed with vaulted
ceilings and an open floor plan, the poker room turns out to be
an epitome of spaciousness and luxury. No matter what your
favorite game is, you are sure to find a table that meets your
requirements perfectly. Go ahead and try your hand at games
such as Texas Hold’em, 7-Card Stud and Omaha High Low Split.
Or you can walk into the ultra luxurious high stakes lounge,
where action gets even bigger with no-limit Texas Hold’em and
Pot-Limit Omaha. If hunger strikes in the middle of a game you
can bet that a beautiful waitress will be at your beck and call to
take your orders. |
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THE rooms are not just living spaces; they are designed with the intent
of pampering the guests with every luxury imaginable. The aesthetics of each
room turns out to be a fascinating blend of the modern and traditional. An
immaculate choice of colors contrives a feeling of warmth and
gaiety, and every bit of furnishing is plush and comfortable.
But the icing on the cake may lie in the spacious bathrooms
with marble surfaces and whirlpool tubs (in suites only). A
perfect place to relax and soak, when you return back to
your room. If your girlfriend joins you, you may never want
to leave the tub.
There are times when you need a lot more space than
any room can provide. For such occasions Beau Rivage has
suites that get big or even bigger, every inch of their space
laced with choicest decorations and amenities. There is the Jasmine suite,
which spreads across 900 square feet and features separate living area that
can prove especially conducive for times when you are planning to entertain
guests. When you want to live in truly royal style, then you have to try the
gorgeous 1,200 square foot spread of the Cypress suite. This suite comes
with an exclusive powder room and a delightful dining area. A great place to
stay when you want to impress a female companion! |
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BEAURivage Theatre turns
out to be the mecca of every type of
entertainment that you may possibly
dream of. It is easy to get star struck with
the bevy of stars, from
the world of music
to that of acting, who
are always making an
appearance to regale
their audiences with
dazzling performances.
Hollywood’s best comedians, the Blue
Man Group, and Julio Iglesias are just a
few of the all star line up that plays at
Beau Rivage.
How great it would be feel, if life could
turn out to be a living, moving fantasy!
Reality may not be like that, but an
entertaining show can be. At Beau
Rivage Theatre you can have the chance
to experience the living, moving fantasy
that is Y! This is a show in which Russian
dancers and Chinese acrobats team up
to create a unique cross-cultural fusion
that is totally unmatched and totally
nonpareil. Since the middle of February
this show has been enchanting visitors
to the hotel, and such is its popularity
that the performances are scheduled to
go on till the middle of June. That leaves
enough time for you to book a ticket if you
haven’t witnessed Y’s mesmerizing world
of fantasy already.
Once the sun disappears beneath a veil
of darkness the heat really gets turned
up at the famous Coast Nightclub. During
the day, it is a mild mannered sports bar,
but as soon as the sun sets the music
blasts, the liquor pours, and the dancing
and flirting goes on all night long. This
is a place where anything can happen,
so it is always better to discard your
inhibitions before you enter the portals
of this nightclub. For golfing aficionados
there is the Fallen Oak Golf, an 18-hole
golf course spread across 510 acres of
pure heaven. |
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ATBeau Rivage the art of fine dining
gets practiced to perfection allowing you to an impeccable setting to seduce someone
at an intimate dinner for two. The restaurant called Olives is quite famous for its
succulent dishes that subsume the tempting Mediterranean flavor of Tuscany. Hearty
homemade pastas, flatbread pizzas, succulent rotisserie and flame-kissed meats and
seafood – the prefect menu to make romance blossom. The open kitchen at Olives,
with its wood ovens and wood fire, is always a sight to behold.
Then there is BR Prime, a quintessential American steakhouse, famous for its
modern decor, immaculate service and amazing food. For those who are in love
with Asian cuisine, Jia is the place to be. This is where the best culinary traditions
of Japan, Thailand, China, Korea and Vietnam come together within the boundaries
of a modern and sophisticated space. But there are opportunities galore even if
you happen to be interested in a more casual kind of dining. Take your pick from
restaurants with memorable names such as The Buffet, Terrace Café, Memphis Q
and Coast Restaurant.
What about the times when all you need is a break from your dining, wining or
gambling activities? At Beau Rivage you will find activities that promise just the
kind of relaxation remedy that you may be in need of. The spa has perfected the
art of pampering your body. Specialist treatments like cutting edge massage, wrap
and scrub therapies will heal and rejuvenate you inside and out. The salons are for
occasions when you want to be looking your best. But shopping too can be a great
rejuvenating experience. Take a breather as you walk down the magnificently
designed showrooms, where the atmosphere is trendy and chic. In its essence, Beau
Rivage is one attractive, lively place that you want to keep coming back to. It’s one of
the best places to indulge in your many passions! |
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Viva Las Vegas! There can be no better way to rejoice Las
Vegas than to walk into a luxury resort exemplifying a solid
fusion of European refinement, American dazzle and a truly
royal hospitality. That’s Monte Carlo Resort & Casino for you,
one of the classiest themed resorts celebrating the vibrant
zeitgeist of life in the Sin City. Embellished with Renaissance
statues and cascading fountains, the entrance to this resort is
as awe-inspiring as the interior.
But it is what lies beyond that fascinating portal that is
designed to give you a time of your life – an array of luxurious
and spacious suites, beautiful swimming pools, excellent spa
facilities, lavish shows, wedding chapel, a pricey array of
boutiques, restaurants and bars, and a truly world class casino
spread over an area of 90,000 square feet. It’s the kind of
trendy elegance that is the hallmark of a place all geared to
offer an effortless blend of possibilities. |
Every room at Monte Carlo has a
mini-bar, luxurious bathrooms
with separate showers and tubs, and
the interior design and furnishing is
absolutely immaculate. There are many
types of suites that you can choose from
depending on your budget. But if you are
inclined towards really pampering your
wife or girlfriend, then you must try the
super luxury Spa Suites or the Diamond
Suites.
Once you emerge from your room at
Monte Carlo you are greeted with myriad
options that offer experiences as varied,
as they are novel. You can have a tryst
with tranquility at Monte Carlo’s spa or
walk into a saloon where highly innovative
stylists can help you look your best.
Experience paradise in Monte Carlo’s
21,000 square-feet of tropical bliss with
not one, but four pools.
Go in for the cool shade of your own
private cabana and soothe yourself with
a refreshing drink. Looking forward to
a game of golf, you can bet on the golf
concierge to take care all your golfing
needs. Plus there are the shopping
arcades lined with stylish boutiques and
tons of panache. |
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Even if you are not a food junkie you
will learn to develop the taste of
being one, once you have stayed in Monte
Carlo. Here you will find a wide range of
restaurants, offering a delicious array of
foods, from fast foods for quick eaters, to
more elaborate cuisine for the epicurean
types.
There is the sinfully seductive Diablo’s
Cantina, a 13,000-square-foot hangout
that is famous for its specialty food, airy
center bar and hip lounge. If your palate
yearns for the finest wines then Andre’s
French Restaurant, managed by none
other than the renowned chef Andre
Rochat, is the place to go. The Buffet and
Café restaurants are meant for more
casual dining.
But the most casual dining spot has to
be the Monte Carlo Brew Pub. Out here |
the menu gets really varied - consisting of brick-oven pizzas, salads and sandwiches on one hand, to juicy steak served with a 16-ounce draft on the other hand. Even as you munch and drink you can catch all the sports action on one of 40 flat-screen TVs, including a giant 10 x 10 projection screen. On weekends the atmosphere at Brew Pub gets hot with a DJ spinning all your favorite tunes. Then there are the Dragon Noodle and the Market City Cafe – the former is all about authentic Asian cuisine, and the latter is quite popular for its Italian recipes.
When it comes to entertainment, Robert Schimmel’s comedic style is truly unique. He will have you roaring with laughter with jokes and anecdotes |
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 A resort that takes its name from
Europe’s legendary Monte Carlo has
to be really superlative in the gambling
facilities it offers. For a thrilling ride to
the wild side all you got to do is walk
into the resort’s casino area. Here
your senses will be treated with every
conceivable type of gambling known to
modern man.
There are table games galore. You
can try your hand at Midi-Baccarat and
Mini-Baccarat games. For Blackjack
aficionados there awaits a plethora of
action to regale them with an edge of the
seat excitement. Texas Hold’em and 3-
Card Poker are played with great gusto.
Then there are the vastly entertaining
games like Casino4Poker and Craps.
Hey nothing beats the thrill of betting on
a roulette wheel in the company of likeminded
gamers, when there is a beautiful
waitress around to fill everyone’s drink
and keep the atmosphere charged up.
Monte Carlo also offers Pai Gow Poker,
a unique game that combines elements
from Pai Gow and Poker.
If it is the slots that usually drive your
adrenalin flow to a new high, then you
have no dearth of choices to feed your
desire. The casino at Monte Carlo offers
slot players a little of everything. From
traditional slot machines to the latest
video reel machines, it is possible for you
to play at games that offer multi-million
dollar awards.
The Race & Sports book betting section
at Monte Carlo happens to be one of the
most sophisticated in all of Nevada. You
can sit back in comfort and enjoy your
drink as massive projection screens
broadcast live from major sporting or
horse racing events. You have many
different options to participate in the
action – you can place straight bets,
parlays, totals, money lines teasers, etc.
So what are you waiting for? Now is the
time to enjoy Monte Carlo’s legendary
cool and vibrant spirit that subsumes the
best of both Las Vegas and Europe. |
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| Clean, pollution-free streets are a major |
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draw for visitors. |
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| Pondicherry - with grand boulevards and quiet promenades, its well-laid,
wide streets that still carry quaint sounding French names, its vista of
neatly cut fields lush with greenery, historical monuments that narrate
marvelous stories from a bygone era - is a photographers delight. The
city was the capital of French colonies in India and it came back to the Indian union
only in 1954.
The drive from Bangalore, where I live, to Pondicherry is about 280 Kilometers,
and the road is quite decent but not without the omnipresent potholes India is
known for. I found Pondicherry an exceedingly peaceful, easygoing city; it makes
you yearn to focus your camera and capture the essence of every passing moment.
The food, fashion, and scenery make this city worth visiting for photographers and
non-photographers alike. |
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| A farmer lost in contemplating the vista of |
| his greenery. |
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| Gingi Fort, located about 60 kms from |
| Pondicherry, subsumes a zeitgeist |
| drenched in glory days of Indian kings. |
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| This is a lighthouse rising like a finger |
| against the backdrop of a painted sky. |
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| The Kailash Beach Resort appears |
| sublime as it basks under the glow of |
| lights. |
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| Vysyal Street, one of the oldest surviving |
| streets, is well known for its French |
| architecture influence. |
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| With remarkably low smog, sunsets in |
| Pondicherry are a war of colors. |
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You can explore
the ocean by
maneuvering a
1000-foot personal
Triton submarine.
For transporting
guests to the
underwater hotel
there is an elevator
that goes down to
a depth of 40 feet
under the sea. |
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Either you live a life rollicking
in adventure or you don’tlive at all. And what can be a
greater adventure than the
one that allows you to spend
few halcyon days in an environment as
mythical as the one described in Jules
Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
In 2009 your lust for adventure will find
yet another avenue for fulfillment. That
is the year when Poseidon Undersea
Resort is set to start receiving guests.
The dazzling ocean floor becomes your
luxurious home for as many days as you
like; you live in an underwater habitat
crafted out of transparent walls. In any
direction you look, there spreads the
vista of a magnificent marine life rocking
to the beat of ocean currents. The
best thing is that you get to enjoy the
breathtaking experience without having
to compromise on any of the comforts
that you are used to. |
To reach Poseidon’s underwater
paradise you have to take a flight to
Fiji’s Nadi International Airport. The
adventure begins as soon as you arrive.
A pilot will be there at the airport
to whisk you aboard a twin-engine
turbine aircraft. A short flight from Nadi
International Airport will bring you to
Poseidon Mystery Island, where you will
receive a tour of the fantastic resort that
will be your escape during the duration
of your vacation. |
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The Poseidon Mystery
Island is as mythical as it can possibly
get. It sprawls across approximately 225
acres of land, and is about a mile long.
The 5000-acre lagoon, that encircles the
island, gushes with clear blue seawater,
at places up to 90 feet deep, and it is
home to a great variety of marine life. For transporting guests to the
underwater hotel there is an elevator
that goes down to a depth of 40 feet (12
meters) under the sea, where the resort
has twenty-four spectacular suites and
one luxury apartment. |
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Use of highest
quality marble, leather and fine fabrics
in all the floors and walls goes a long
way in imparting a particularly unique
sort of splendor to this underwater
world. Approximately 70% of each room
is made out of 4-inch thick clear acrylic
sheets, which offer spectacular sights of coral gardens and other vistas of the
ocean. A wild array of fish that populate
these waters will gladly interact when
they are fed with the push of a button
from the control consoles that are there
in every room.
And you don’t have to worry about
your privacy either. |
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If you want more
privacy than the glass walls of your suite
provide, then it is possible for you to
actuate a special interior window film,
which darkens the acrylic walls. In any
case, during daylight hours it is nearly
impossible to look into the individual
suites from underwater. Though staying
in Poseidon is an adventure by itself,
still there are other high-octane exploits
that you can indulge in while you are
here. You can explore the ocean by
maneuvering a 1000-foot personal
Triton submarine. For exploring the
deepest parts of the ocean, Poseidon’s
16-seat luxury submersible comes
quite handy. Plus there are facilities for
excellent scuba diving.
If you prefer relaxation to adventure
then Poseidon offers you the chance to
indulge in marine-focused spa treatments.
And just in case you find yourself
getting nostalgic about your overland
garden, there is also provision for you
to swing on a hammock built for two. |
What about meditating under the gaze
of only the moon and stars! Try many
of the relaxation techniques that can do
wonders for the ultimate revitalization
for body, mind and spirit. Of if you are in
a mood to treat yourself to some elegant
seafood, an array of dishes await you
at Poseidon’s six restaurants and seven
bars. Plus there is a theater area, and a
conference room that can also double as
a wedding chapel.
Surely there is something magical,
mystical and uniquely captivating about
the prospect of living under the sea. That
is what Poseidon is all about - it is more
than a resort, it is about a life changing
experience, and a celebration of nature’s
wonders. It holds a unique promise to
turn the ocean into your playground.
www.poseidonresorts.com |
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If you look
forward to
experiencing
a New York
lifestyle on the West
Coast then there is
no other place to go
except the New York
New York Hotel &
Casino in Las Vegas,
Nevada. Out here
the hustle, bustle to
make money is ever
present, but instead
of working you’re
gambling and having
a time of your life.
This place may not
have Central Park but who needs a park
when you got a palace. A palatial casino
with revelers squeezing around fast moving
roulette wheels. On stage nearby dancers
show off their moves and late summer
tans. Pretty waitresses in skimpy
dresses hover around to serve
drinks and to flirt.
Located on the northwest corner of
the Tropicana - Las Vegas Boulevard
intersection, New York New York thrives
by setting new standards for hospitality,
luxury and excitement, but much of its popular appeal lies
in its stylish and flashy approximations of Gen X lifestyle.
Just in case you are on the lookout for this property, keep
your eyes peeled for a skyline that includes several towers
configured to resemble New York City skyscrapers, such as
the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. |
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In front of the property is a pool representing New York
Harbor, with a 150 ft (46 m) tall (half-scale) replica of the
Statue of Liberty, Liberty, and
fascinating replicas
of other landmarks
like the Brooklyn
Bridge, Soldiers and
Sailors Monument,
and the Grand
Central Terminal.
What is a roller
coaster doing in a
plush hotel? Wait till
you have experienced
the Manhattan
Express, the famed
roller coaster at New
York New York. This
roller coaster zips
and zaps through
the property’s interior and exterior, and has cars painted to
resemble a traditional Checker Cab. It is 203 ft (62 m) tall,
has a maximum drop of 144 ft (44 m), and reaches speeds
up to 67 mph (108 km/h). The roller coaster is all geared to
give you a time of your life.
It will enact a jet fighter’s barrel
roll, turning by 180 degrees, hang 86 feet in the air, take the
famous “heartline” twist and dive, and get your negative g’s
on! This really is highoctane
entertainment.
You also have the option
to go in for premier rides
that are packed with even
more excitement.
If death-defying roller
coasters aren’t your kind of
thing, then perhaps you’ll
relish the immaculate
finesse of Zumanity, a
show that subsumes the
blunt sexuality and the instinctive artistry that Las Vegas has
come to portray. The show from Cirque
du Soleil conjures an invigorating
sense of appeal and is directed
primarily toward adult audiences, with
admission restricted to those over 18
years of age. The theatre is arranged
as a cabaret, with sofas and bar stools
complementing the standard theatre
seats. The Master of Ceremonies for
the show is Joey Arias, the famous drag
queen hailing from New York City. Once
you enter the portals of the show, all
inhibitions get cast away as this adultthemed
production takes you on a sexy
thrill ride full of sensational acrobatics
and naughty fun.
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Ladies wearing small
skirts and flimsy tank tops show off their
immaculate moves and their enticing
curves. As they start to strip, they leave
little to the imagination and you get the
chance to unravel every secret of their
firmly toned bodies. You may term it
burlesque or take it as an artistically
choreographed cabaret routine, but it is
Vegas so no show is done haphazardly.
Can there ever be a Las Vegas hotel
without its own brand of hyper casino
action? You know the works. Dazzling
slots. Tempting table games. A race
book and sports book betting that
compares with the best in the world. If
lady luck smiles on you, you could win
a truckload of big bucks. But that is to
be taken for granted, after all, a hotel
that borrows its spirit from the Big
Apple, has to be exceedingly liberal in
the entertainment and adventures that
it offers.
For those devoted to high stakes
gambling, the Gaming on the Green
concept from New York New York holds
an irresistible allure.
These are ultimate
high-limit salons, where you can place your bets in immaculate style while
receiving sincere personal attention,
as well as the enhanced benefits of a
private cashier, private bathrooms and
a plush lounge where you can indulge
in room service or simply savor from a
fine selection of gourmet snacks.
The main casino floor at the hotel will
awe you by its sheer size. It is massive,
spreading over 84,000 square feet.
Mesmerizing sights and sounds of the
Big Apple provide a fitting backdrop.
There is an ambiance that conjures
visions of a flashy lifestyle where cash
is so easily available that it literally
flows into thin rivulets going in and
out of every pocket. It is as if you
have arrived in an oasis dotted with
stimulating table games, in fact, there
are 80 gaming tables. So much to play.
So much to win!
No matter what your gaming fancy,
you are sure to find fulfillment at New
York. Try your hand at the world’s
favorite poker game,
Texas Hold’em. If not
that then you could go in for Crazy 4 Poker,
Blackjack, Craps,
Roulette, Mini Baccarat,
Caribbean Stud Poker,
Let it Ride, Big Six,
Three Card Poker, and
more. In this casino the
party never ends. You
could play through
the night and maybe
through the day too. |
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It is impossible to escape the
overpowering allure of some of the
sleekest slots on the Strip. For some
easy fun, you could try your luck at
the ever popular Wheel of Fortune.
The other slot games available are
Megabucks, Jackpot Party, Blazing
7s, Reel’em In, Empire Slots, Elvis and
Play the Feud. There are 1800 slots of
varying denominations available.
Sports and Race book gaming are offered
at the ESPN Zone. Full of dynamic energy
and action, this lustrous and expansive
betting arena is tailor-made for real
sports fans. Pace
your bets and make
yourself comfortable in
this exhilarating epicenter of
adrenaline featuring 28 state-of-theart
TVs for the ultimate in precision
viewing. |
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| Within the hotel itself there are plenty
of bars to ensure you never have to see
daylight. The Bar at Times Square and
the Big Apple Bar are just two places
you can drink, flirt, and maybe get
lucky in a different way. But the bar that
hogs all the limelight is the absolutely
fabulous Coyote Ugly bar. Enter into its
portals and have hot female bartenders
entertaining you with their cool artistic
pouring techniques. As drinks are
poured, passion soars and there are
sensual smiles galore. If you can’t catch
it here at least catch the movie version.
New York New York Hotel & Casino
definitely takes a leaf out of the Big
Apple, when it offers restaurants that
are an absolute gastronomic delight.
There is Gallagher’s Steakhouse, which
is famous for its prime, dry-aged beef
and fresh seafood. In fact, the restaurant
happens to be a New York
original since 1927. There is
absolutely no blarney about Nine Fine
Irishmen, which serves authentic Irish
food served with stouts, lagers, ales and
fine Irish liquors. The II Fornaio is best
known for its imported pasta, pizza,
steaks, chops, fish and more. But if you
are looking forward to a chance to tickle
your palate with some Chinese food
then you must venture into the Chin
Chin Café. The Gonzalez Y Gonzalez is
an authentic Mexican café and tequila
bar. The ESPN Zone offers some good
fast food. At restaurant America, you
get to savor the true taste of the land
of the free.
New York New York Hotel & Casino
is the quintessential mecca of a lavish
and liberal lifestyle. It invites you to flirt
with your favorite vices, inspires you to
be profligate as if there is going to be no
tomorrow, and in its cool environs there
is absolutely no whim or fancy that you
cannot fulfill. When New York comes
to Las Vegas anything and everything
becomes possible. |
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| Bellagio Hotel & Casino |
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Vibrant Bellagio! The brainchild of Steve Wynn, world’s leading real estate tycoon and the gaming industry's most brilliant designer. Dance, party, enjoy an enchanting opera, revel in a mesmerizing sense of luxury, gamble till your heart’s content – at Bellagio each pleasure is refreshingly exclusive; every experience is subsumed with electrifying possibilities. Located on Las Vegas Boulevard, the plush world of Bellagio sits amidst settings of great natural beauty and material opulence – peer out of the window in any room to get an exhilarating view of Las Vegas Strip, the pristine waters of Lake Bellagio or the picture perfect surrounding mountains.
Entice your appetite with choice fare from a superior gourmet collection of fine restaurants that go by the fanciful names of Circo, Jas | | | | | |
