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Romance Vegas Style

We've found 10 divine ways to celebrate your love in sexy Sin City. Get massages, cruises and more.

by George Hobica
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article 72
It wasn’t long ago that Las Vegas was trying to sell itself as a family destination, complete with amusement-park rides, kid-friendly arcades and museums. Now, the city’s new slogan—“What happens here, stays here”—says it all: This is a playground for grown-ups. But while Sin City’s reputation may be a bit racy, there’s more to this town than skin-baring revues and all-you-can-eat buffets. In the past few years, Las Vegas has upped its class quotient with buzz-worthy, celebrity chef-helmed restaurants, luxurious spas and posh hotels. Today, the town is a truly sexy place for an adventure-filled honeymoon. Here, 10 romantic things to do, on the Strip and off.

1. Fly High

Whoever called Paris “the City of Light” never saw Vegas. There’s no better way to see the neon signs and megawatt lights than by getting a bird’s-eye view, and the Grand Canyon Tour Company’s 15-minute, nighttime helicopter ride over the city offers you just that. The trip includes pick-up and drop-off service from any Strip hotel, and complimentary champagne. Departure times vary, depending on when the sun sets. For more information call 800-222-6966 or visit grandcanyontourcompany.com.
Whirlybirds not for you? A hot-air balloon ride is the perfect way to greet the day together. Adventure Balloons’ tours take off in the early morning, and last between 45 and 60 minutes. Lift a glass of bubbly as you soar silently into the mountains, and you’ll agree: It’s a better wake-up than a cup of strong coffee. For more information call 702-241-6889 or visit smilerides.com.

2. See and Be Seen

For another bird’s-eye perspective of Las Vegas, reserve a table at Top of the World Restaurant, located in the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Towers, the tallest structure west of the Mississippi. The restaurant sits 800 feet above the ground (106 stories high), and revolves 360 degrees every 90 minutes, letting you enjoy ever-changing views of the world outside. After dinner (which is surprisingly good for a spot that’s more about the view), head up to the roof for a seat on the Big Shot ride, if you dare. You’ll be buckled into a chair and sent soaring into the air—just think of it as a bungee jump in reverse. For more information call 702-380-7711 or visit stratospherehotel.com.

3. Be Rubbed the Right Way

The couple’s massage at the Spa Bellagio, located in the opulent Bellagio Hotel and Casino, is a great way to spend an afternoon unwinding together. Choose from three different aromas: green tea, lemon-ginger and Oriental citrus. For an even more indulgent experience, get your massages side by side in a private cabana by the beautiful pool. You can hold hands and chat as your bodies are simultaneously kneaded and soothed. Some newlyweds swear it’s better than…chocolate. For more information call 888-987-3456 or visit bellagio.com.

4. Dine Down Under

For romantic dining, locals will tell you that no table at any of the new celebrity-chef joints can top a cozy booth for two at Hugo’s Cellar, in the Four Queens Casino Hotel. Here, female patrons are presented with a red rose, and the soft lighting and even softer music make for an intimate dinner. Crowd-pleasing menu selections include broiled Australian lobster tail, rack of lamb and roast duckling flambé. Or, order the favorite, “Hugo’s Hot Rock Specialty,” where you’ll cook your own tenderloin medallions, marinated swordfish or jumbo shrimp on a sizzling slab of granite that’s brought to your table. For more information call 800-634-6045 or visit hugoscellar.com.

5. Dress to Thrill

Located on the 51st floor of the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, the VooDoo Lounge is one of the hottest clubs in Las Vegas. The bar has a strict dress code (no sneakers or T-shirts allowed), so this is your chance to get all dolled up for a night on the town. Reserve a private booth, and order a couple of “Witch Doctor” cocktails. Blended with four kinds of rum and several tropical juices, they’re sure to put you in the mood for the evening. For more information call 702-247-7923 or visit www.riolv.com.

6. Take Up Needlework

You may know The Palms Hotel from its stint on MTV’s Real World Las Vegas, or from its role in the brief but well-noted marriage of Britney Spears. Now this trendsetter is offering an unforgettable souvenir: a tattoo. Yes, step right up to the Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company, located in the hotel’s lobby, and pick out a pair of tats that celebrate your undying love (702-942-7777; hartandhuntingtontattoo.com). Think the only thing that should last forever is your marriage? Stop by one of the fake-tattoo booths on the Strip and get a pair of decals. They’ll wear off in approximately five days—just in time for you to return to work.

7. Explore Europe

Even if you won’t make it to Venice or Paris until after your first anniversary, at least you can see a few of these romantic cities’ famous sites in Las Vegas—or, rather, some darn good replicas. Glide down a re-creation of the Grand Canal at The Venetian resort, cuddling in a gondola as the gondolier serenades you with a tune of your choice (702-414-4500; venetian.com).
Or, visit the Paris Las Vegas hotel and ride to the top of its half-scale replica of Paris’ most famous site, the Eiffel Tower. This otherwise exact reproduction offers a panoramic view of the city from 460 feet above the Strip. It’s open until 1 a.m., and it’s a great place to steal a kiss (877-796-2096; parislv.com).

8. Be Dam Fine

Once you’ve gone over your limit at the gaming tables, a quiet three-hour dinner cruise just may be what the love doctor ordered. Book a table on the Desert Princess, a Mississippi-style paddle wheeler that’ll take you right to the edge of the Hoover Dam. Later, sip cocktails on the open deck while watching the moon rise; if it’s a Saturday, join the crowd on the dance floor. Best of all, the spotlit dam is dazzling in the darkness. For more information call 702-293-6180 or visit lakemeadcruises.com.

9. Get Your Just Deserts

There’s more to Las Vegas than glitz and glamour—so head out into the desert together for a change of scenery and a chance to enjoy each other’s company in a different setting. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located 20 miles outside town, and it’s a great place to watch the sun set behind the cacti. An evening horseback ride with one of Sagebrush Ranch’s guides will treat you to unforgettable views of the red sandstone formations, and a steak dinner served around a campfire under the stars. For more information call 702-645-9422 or visit sagebrush-ranch.com.

10. Go to the Top of the World

What’s more romantic than a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, that oasis of calm 20 minutes from the Strip? A stay in a Ritz-Carlton club-level room. Located in a recreation of Florence’s Ponte Vecchio bridge, these rooms offer guests access to a private lounge serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails and evening hors d’oeuvres, as well as before-bed chocolates and digestifs. One evening, go for a stroll under the stars with the resident astronomer. Or, take a walk alone, and make up the names of constellations as you go. For more information call 800-241-3333 or visit ritzcarlton.com/resorts/lake_las_vegas.

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