travel
by joel martens
LOVIN’ LAS VEGAS LIFE BEYOND THE STRIP
There is no one alive who can’t see this place has its many pros and cons.
They don’t call it “Sin City” without reason. For me, the only way to truly appreciate the breadth of what Vegas has to offer, is to get behind “The Strip” and its
facade...Beyond its singular reputation as Nevada’s gambling capitol. To be certain, the bright lights and the racy tag line promising “What happens
in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” are a big part of what the draw is for many. Who doesn’t want to hang in the place that promises big name DJs, even bigger star-studded parties, hot clubs filled with beautiful men and women, along with the endless supply of alcohol-fueled revelry known the world around? That would be me. I love Vegas and have travelled there for years, both for business and for pleasure and have had my share of crazy times there. Losing myself on the dance floor of C2K to one of Susan Morabito’s, shall we say, “more coherent” and magical moments? (And yes, I’m aware of dating myself). It was a magical moment and one of the most intense experiences I’ve ever had...Flashback! Still available and plentiful, those moments are there up and down the strip to avail yourself of and I encourage you to explore. I’m more of an “overall experience” kind of guy these days and prefer to
spend time reveling in moments that are of, shall we say, “A more broadly fulfilling and relaxing nature.” Spending the day by a fantastic pool with a smiling, swarthy waiter and a perky cocktail server, floating and sunning the day away, is much more my speed. Wandering an exhibit or checking out live music, really trips my trigger these days. Better yet, great wines and food, filled with friends, great conversations, bookended with an amazing show, now that’s an evening I can get behind. This last sojourn was all about relaxation and enjoying my environment at
theSLS Las Vegas, A Tribute Portfolio resort located at what once was the Sahara Resort and Casino, a 59-year veteran and the sixth to open on the Strip’s southern end. (If you listen carefully, you can just hear the jazz echoes of Louis Prima, along with his then-wife Keely Smith, in what was one of the earliest late-night acts performing there.) The signature onion dome is gone and the SLS Las Vegas went through a remarkable and massive $415 million renovation, reopening in August of 2014. According to former CEO Sam Nazarian, the SLS moniker stands for “style, luxury and service” and as far as I’m concerned, it’s right on the money.
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RAGE monthly | OCTOBER 2016
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