I hadn?t been to Las Vegas in 5 years so it was time to make a return visit. After all, Vegas is like a kaleidoscope ? turn the wheel of time and you have a whole new view to look at. New resorts built, old resorts torn down; the city is constantly reinventing itself.
So when you go to Vegas you?ve got to gamble some, right? Of course, but there’s so much more to do! At Caesars Palace, the new swimming pools and the Qua Baths and Spa were high on my list. (We can all use a day by the pool and a trip to the spa once in a while.)
I must say, Caesars’ is an impressive sight, ?eighth wonder of the world? sort of material, almost. It?s huge and continues to grow; it?s an awesome combination of Romanesque architecture on modern buildings. Work continues on the Octavius Tower and the Forum Tower has recently been redesigned.
We were booked in Augustus, one of the newer towers. Our suite sported a king sized bed, two flat screen TVs, a large whirlpool bath, couch and all the extras needed to make a person feel comfortable after a day of gambling, partying and dining.
Topping our short list at Caesars’ was an appointment to experience Qua, the ultra-luxurious baths and spa and to see their Garden of the Gods pool complex. (Say ?spa? to me and I?m there.)
When Caesars’ say ?pool complex? they mean complex. The Garden of the Gods has expanded to 5 acres and features 5 all-new swimming pools with an 18-foot waterfall, a group of 5 swim-up blackjack tables, forty-five luxury cabanas, 6 private shallow, sun chaise pools, and an expanded outdoor whirlpool spa retreat.
Talk about delightful “decadence”! I felt as if I were on the set of some period movie ? all we needed were Roman Centurions and slave girls. When you view the pool complex from the balcony of yet another pool (this one for private parties) the grandeur is really impressive.
After my great pool experience, I decided to head over to Qua. A quick ride in the elevator took me to the spa level in the Augustus Tower. Rock walls and cascading waterfalls created a soothing entrance to the Roman baths. There are private men?s and women?s areas, so there is no need to feel self-conscious. A large area with three temperatures of water beckons while the waterfalls encourage relaxation. There?s an overhead rain shower where one can rinse off the cares of the day and warmed chaise lounges that invite rest.
A tea room offers up fresh fruit, chilled juices and water and a Tea Sommelier to create tasteful tea pairings. After sitting in the bubbling waters it was relaxing to have a refreshing glass of iced tea while reading a magazine.
I later visited the cedar wood sauna with its enticing, wonderful aroma. After baking myself for a bit, I hopped over to the Artic Ice Room to cool down. The really cool part of the Artic Ice Room (pun intended) is the machine in the ceiling which creates something that looks and acts like snow flakes. I tried to catch them — they dissolved. I never could figure out what magical alchemy created those flakes, but they floated around the room creating a sheer winter fantasy.
Once back in my room, it was time for dinner and we were lucky enough to have a table booked at the whimsical Serendipity 3, whose wide, fanned balcony sits above and over the Strip. This is one of the best stops in Vegas to watch the crowds swirl by and put in some people watching. The balcony shielded, open-aired, up just above head-height ? you can see everything but you feel protected.
I started with an “RBF,” an alcoholic version of a root beer float. It was cool and creamy and really packed a punch ? and the barkeep didn?t skimp on the whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
My companion and I decided to share an order of Pop corn Rock Shrimp. The shrimp were coated in a flavorful batter that was slightly spicy but allowed the shrimp taste to shine through. They were served with cocktail sauce and a creamy remoulade-type sauce that was tangy and went well with the shrimp. The portions are large so this is plenty for two or even three people.
For the entr?e I chose an ABC Burger which is avocado, brie, and caramelized onions with sweet potato fries. The burger was huge with a large amount of the toppings, the avocado, brie and caramelized onions created a decadent combination. The sweet potato fries where crispy and tender all at the same time.
My companion chose the much talked about One-N-Only Las Vegas Buffet Steak Sandwich. The sandwich is advertised as five varieties of Steak Sandwich in one: Parma ham: Italian, Fried tofu: Japanese, Brie: French, Salsa: Mexican and Onion ring: the USA. A miniature flag from each country was added to the top bun adding a touch of whimsy. My companion declared the sandwich ?a hit,? but it was far too much for one person to eat.
I was told that I must have a Frrrozen Hot Chocolate and a dessert, since I couldn?t do both (I was far too full) I ordered the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate for dessert. This icy cold concoction is a mixture of more than 20 varieties of chocolate served spilling out of its goblet and topped with mounds of fresh whipped cream. Cool, creamy and delicious it is a chocolate lovers dream and will make a convert out of anyone on the fence about chocolate.
All-in-all our stay at Caesars Palace was a relaxing and enjoyable retreat from the work-a-day worries and stress. Beautiful grounds and everything you could possible want are only a walk or a phone call away. If you?re an empty-nester like me it takes some adjusting to being ?just the two of you.? And while we miss our children remember you can finally take off for the weekend with just a change of clothes and no thought as to how to entertain the kids. Take some time for yourselves. Get to know one another again, head over to Caesars Palace. Pamper yourself-you deserve it!
Caesars Palace is located on the Las Vegas strip at 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South (on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road). For reservations and more information call (877) 634-6001 or log onto www.caesarspalace.com.
Serendipity 3 is located on the grounds of Caesars Palace overlooking the Strip. They are open Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. to 11p.m. and Friday & Saturday 11a.m. to 12 midnight. For reservations call (702) 731-7266.
