Before I begin taking you around the world sharing some of my favorite “discoveries” from Virtuoso Travel Week, I wanted to tell you a bit more about my actual trip to Las Vegas for the conference…
I should have known it was going to be a good trip when our flight to Vegas was entirely full, with the exception of just one seat – the one between me and my husband!
Everyone has their own opinion about Vegas…most fall firmly into either the “love it” or “hate it” camp. It is truly like Disney World for adults. I especially enjoy going to Vegas if I am fortunate enough to stay at the Bellagio. Lucky for me, the entire conference took place at the Bellagio…and for the most part, I never left the grounds of property the whole time I was there!
Even better…this was the view from our room:
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| (Taken with my iPhone) |
Most of my days began as the sun was rising…and by the time the day’s events were over, I didn’t want to do much other than lay in bed and watch those glorious fountains “dance” every 15 minutes.
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| (taken with my iPhone) |
The staff at Bellagio went above and beyond…it is mind boggling to me that they served breakfast and lunch every day to over 4,000 people and nailed it every time. Additionally, there were hundreds of smaller events at every venue throughout the Bellagio all week long – each one more luxurious than the last. AND, they hosted three gala dinners and an over the top kick off reception – all while maintaining five star service. Well done, Bellagio!!
Several highlights of my week:
Dinner at Giada’s new restaurant at The Cromwell…It is hard to go wrong when you start with a cocktail called “The Destroyer” and lobster arancini. We had a perfect table by the window, the service was fantastic and so was the food! (If you happened to see the negative review in the NY Times last week, it makes no sense to me…it sounded like they were talking about a completely different restaurant.)
Hearing the esteemed travel writer Pico Iyer speak on “Why We Travel”, and world renowned oceanographer, Jean Michel Cousteau, share his love of the oceans (look for posts on both of these remarkable men in the future.)
Learning the latest trends in luxury travel…it doesn’t surprise me in the least that Italy is the #1 most popular destination!
Being a guest of Trump Hotel Chicago and Trump Soho for the “Best of the Best” Dinner…Congratulations to this year’s winners, including Rosewood London for winning “Hotel of the Year”!
Getting to know several of my colleagues at Singer Travel better – thank you to Barbara, Lynn and Helene for helping me navigate my first Travel Week!
And most of all, immersing myself daily in the finest hotel properties and tour providers in the world – I was like a child opening gifts on Christmas morning, falling in love with each one more than the last – I must have said “I want to go there!” fifty times a day!
Fasten your seat belts…Over the next week or so, I am going to take you on a virtual trip around the world showcasing a few places that really had that extra “wow” factor…The first stop on our world tour will be Africa!!
Sandy…. first of all – GREAT photos on your iPhone!!! Sounds like such a great trip! Can't wait to read your posts this week. Have never been to Vegas but it looks great through your eyes!
How glorious is this post!!!
I haven't been to Vegas since I was a teenager. Most of my friends stay at the Mirage. I have always wanted to stay at the Bellagio!
Being a PacNWest girl, who's children went to the same high school as Dale Chihuly,(yes, they have some of his first pieces of glass art on display in the library), I would love to see his Fiori di Cuomo.
The fountains are amazing! It was 45 years ago that I toured the fountains of Tivoli…(also as a teen).
One of the doc's that I work for always talks of the beautiful botanical gardens at the Bellagio. She always says, "Lynne, you have to stay there!"
I am so ready for this journey around the world with you, Sandy.
I'll be seated in Mr D's cozy chair with my morning coffee for the ride!
Thanks for stopping in to visit 34th Street during your recent travels!
~Lynne
w/L
Sounds like you had a wonderful time, Sandy. The Bellagio looks fantastic. I have to admit, it's been years since I've been to Vegas and then it was for work and I spent most days in the Nordstrom store there, getting it ready to open. Looking forward to hearing what caught your interest in the wide world of travel. Africa sounds like the perfect place to start! XO
Sandy,
Welcome home wanderer! I guess what happened in Vegas is all about sharing posh properties and tour providers. I was in Vegas years ago…..maybe it is time for a trip and a tour~
Africa…..cannot wait for your wow factor! My son went a few years ago on a CULP Program and loved it.
pve
Sounds like quite a trip Sandy…when we were last there we stayed at The Bellagio and it operated like a well oiled machine….and for so many people, pretty amazing!
I bet Giadas restaurant was good, just reading about it made me hungry, cannot wait to hear all about what you learned! Hope you are getting some much needed downtime!
The Bellagio is stunning! And hats off to them for the fine service and fine food enjoyed by your group! I can't wait to read about all the fabulous places you are going to send us!! My notepad is ready!
It looks like you had a most fabulous time Sandy!! We always feel so spoiled at a luxury hotel. I can't wait to see more. I would love to eat at Giada's new hot spot. Delish!!
xx
Good morning dear friend! I am back at school for meetings and I have to run off, but I wanted to come by to say hi! VEGAS….WOOOO HOOOO! Anita
What a wonderful week and it is truly amazing that the Bellagio can cater for 4000 people. Quite a challenge to do it so well. I'm looking forward to travelling around the world with you.
PS Thank you so much for your comment on my Singapore post. I'm sure your son will enjoy his visit (and I know you will too!) It's so rewarding to know that my travel guides are helpful!
Ah, the Bellagio–
makes my heart sing!
I haven't been to LV
for a few years, but
last time, we stayed
at the Bellagio and,
like you, I loved it : )
Your wonderful time
makes me want to go
back, SOON. My hubby
loves LV, too….
xo Suzanne
what a fun conference Sandy! I am dying to go to Vegas. I have never been and just need to see this for myself. I'm totally not a gambler but would love to go to the restaurants and shows and maybe some shopping…I think three nights would be perfect, no? Wonderful recap.
I have been to Vegas once, and luckily we chose the right hotel too, the Bellagio was truly wonderful and hence, I am one of those who LOVE Vegas. Have to check out Giada next time, we dined mostly at the hotel so have to do more gustatory exploration next time. Glad you had an early "Christmas" Sandy!
Your trip looked amazing and how wonderful to learn about the best that travel has to offer! Ive never been to Vegas but I'd love to someday. Glad Italy is #1 on the list, at least Ive been there! xo Nancy
I have never been to Vegas, but I think that I will have to tag along the next time my husband is there for work. It looks beautiful!
Your week sounds amazing!