“Las Vegas: Bright Lights, Big City!”

by A_F_R_O_W

“Vegas is not America… It’s Vegas!”…

…were the words with which my delightful Virgin Holidays Concierge advised me, in delicately-hushed, yet insistent, decibels…

The accuracy of that statement would soon become as crystal clear as the turquoise-blue Nevada sky, wrapped around our “Jersey Girl” aeroplane, floating above famed landmarks and lesser-known domesticity… and clusters of people, scattered like hundreds-and-thousands, upon Vegas icing! All of this would be greeting me, upon my approach into the enigma of this eccentric, yet intriguing, desert.

Idiosyncratic, as the bride sweeping through the casino, in full ballgown, having taken (some might say) the biggest gamble of her life, in tying-the-knot… vivid as the fuschia pink ostrich-feathers, proudly levitating in the gentle breeze, behind showgirls, owning the revered Strip… in an infinitessimal moment, it was obvious that, yes, Vegas was Vegas and could only, ever be, Vegas!

… But being there was fantastical, from beginning, to end…

…as, less than 14 days, prior, a window of opportunity within my schedule, had announced itself, as “open”… and, without further ado, I began my adventure… the unexpected nature, of which, would set the trend for my entire experience, both landside and airside! From the outset, I felt as if the Virgin representatives had taken me under their wings… guiding me, with supreme care and attention, through, what might otherwise be considered, as fast-track orientation, for all that was to come!

Whether telephonic, through the booking stage, or face-to-face at the check-in, every iota was more than a mere “process”… It was genuine excitement, for my taking a leap of faith into the “Beautiful Unknown” (as Mr. Matt Goss calls it), of a new, intercontinental domain. It brought to mind that I had, quite, forgotten how splendid travelling could and should be… and, as I boarded the flight, owing to such bonhomie, it was as if my adventure had already begun!

The crisply-coiffed, elegantly-attired cabin crew simply sparkled throughout the ten-thousand mile roundtrip… Delivering such a standard of service, which was second-to-none… with repasts so perfectly-portioned, as to leave enough room for a glass, or few, of festive fizz, with newfound flying companions! All adding to the jubilant ambience… before extensive legroom, in-flight entertainment (of which there was a vast selection) and power-naps, ensued!

Oh yes, this was holidaying, alright…

…and, in the blink of an (admittedly, waking) eye… geometric shapes began to reveal themselves beneath the cloud-curtain… hotels, in shapes of pyramids and skyscrapers, shining, like foiled ornaments adorning an extravagant Christmas tree, were choraling planes in, to land… and, in a surreal revelation, the wheels touching-down were my cue to breathe deeply and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime sojourn.

“Vegas, here I come” , became “Vegas, baby, here I am!!”

…My awaiting home-away-from-home, being “The Mirage”… was, to me, the “Queen of The Nevada Desert”.

Oh, my…. the expanse of it all, left me speechless…

…the marble, the waterfalls, the retail opportunities, the restaurants, the pool, the venues, the entertainment… The decadence that was daytime and night-time… and the courtesy, once again, led me to another Matt Goss motto, that being, “Civility Costs Nothing”…

…Neither did the most wonderful upgrade!

16th floor, room-with-a-myriad views… Close-ups of the cabana-lifestyle, panoramics of the, equally-soaring, neighbouring establishments and long-distance visions of the, impressively, picture-perfect, sand-capped landscape.

Each evening, I reclined… often with CNN, but always in my newfound happy place, of a King Bed, toasty-warm, with marshmallow duvets and huggable pillows… and always, at once, at total peace… simply, giving thanks…

…which was highly apt, given that my vacation auspiciously fell around Thanksgiving!

The duration of my visit remained one of ardent gratitiude, for time spent, fine-dining at “Stack”, which was a low-lit, open-plan restaurant, with lovely service, lovely food, a vibrant atmosphere, suited to families, and yet, sensitively-designed, with sumptuous banquettes, for those being romanced, on a first date…

Next was “Osteria Costa”, the Italian venue, of choice… Light and airy, in clever contrast to its aforementioned epicurean counterpart, the menu was a food-lovers dream, from which I did not wish to wake! For example, efficient and enthusiastic service, ensured that my simple, yet stunning tricolore crostini salad was at-table, in express time… in order that I could indulge in the luxury of my own, so as to savour every delicious morsel!

However, my go-to eatery, would turn out to be “The Pantry”… with a 24-hour breakfast menu, as well as a truly compendious selection of lunch and evening courses. I had an enduring affinity with pancakes and maple syrup, the white chocolate brioche with summer fruits… and, yes, maple syrup… the Chef’s breakfasts… without maple syrup… and the knock–out, “Backyard Burger”, with a tasty addition of caramelised red onions, for that little somethin’-somethin’!

It was all there… all of the time… and I couldn’t have been happier, than if I were able to party at a Matt Goss extravaganza.. or two, or three.. or, ahem, four! But, from my previous post, friends, you know I actually did that!

Excursions to the Grand Canyon, to the Neon Museum… and to so much more, were on my list of “best intentions” , but, for this time around, I was simply content to be embraced by the might of The Mirage… and to be given the final surprise, of a sleek, midnight-black, stretch limo, back to McCarran airport…

Besides… there’s always next time, right?!…

Heartfelt Afrow-appreciation and applause, to the entire Virgin Holidays Team, Flight Crew and Mirage Team… for making my experience one of unique splendour… and special mention to Jude, who walked me through every step, with endless amiability!

afrow