W
hen Aria (the only gaming property on CC soil) opened its doors to the public, a lobby drenched in natural light, floral trellis overhead and a fresh vanilla scent emanating from the vents were subtle hints that the “bad boyfriend” had changed his ways to reveal a softer, more conscious approach to the most indulgent of cities. The property employed drought tolerant and indigenous greenery, the guestrooms have low-flow water features (that don’t mess with your aquatic session) and chefs like like Michael Mina and Jean-Georges Vongerichten
were brought in to uphold a culinary consciousness. But change is not code for compromise at Aria. In fact, it has worked to the property’s advantage. Visitors delight in the natural light and the Light Group for their latest decked out watering holes. The Deuce, a high limit club that occupies the noon to 4am spot, faces a wall of cryptic Christopher Walken images. But there’s nothing mysterious about the interior. It’s gold, it’s majestic, it’s over-the-top, and it’s unquestionably seductive. The second spot bearing the Light Group’s insignia is The Gold Lounge. An ultra-swank
pad with a life-sized horse lamp at the door pays homage to the King—Elvis. This black and gold space features original patterns from Graceland, sexy black velour seating, and cocktails with a nod to Mr. Presley. Sure to become your favorite lounge on the property, The Gold Lounge makes its home across from the Aria Theatre where Cirque du Soleil performs Viva ELVIS, an acrobatic interpretation of the King’s classics like “All Shook Up,” “Got A Lot O’ Living to Do,” and “One Night With You,” bring Elvis back to life. An auburn haired, Pucci clad Priscilla Presley said, “Elvis would be pleased to know that he’s back in Vegas, the way he should be.” Cut across the property for the dining experience. Sit in a carefully designed box like a china doll at Blossoms, sample the curry at Lemongrass, the ravioli at Sirio Ristorante, foie gras crème brûlée at Sage,
or take advantage of the twenty-four hour café fare at Vettro. Aria’s culinary scene is not one to be overlooked. Whether causal or fine dining, it rivals Sin City’s finest. And in keeping with tradition, Aria features the Las Vegas absolutes, an 8,000 square foot spa with sixty-two treatment rooms, Liquid (adult pool club… summer can’t get here fast enough) and HAZE Nightclub (another two-story, 20,000 square foot Light Group success). The 4,004 rooms at Aria defy the odds as some of the most technologically advanced slumber chambers in town. ieStyle April/May 2010 69