Wednesday, October 29, 2008

A WALK THROUGH THE MIRAGE


The Mirage, the hotel that introduced the concept of destination resort to the Las Vegas Strip in 1989, has undergone a stunning transformation to maintain its preeminent position in what has become an increasingly competitive tourism market. While introducing contemporary amenities designed to recapture the resort’s leading-edge position, The Mirage has maintained the exceptional service standards and serene tropical atmosphere that have distinguished it as a AAA Four Diamond Polynesian paradise.

Dramatic Entry
From Las Vegas Boulevard – "The Strip" – or from the walkways leading to the resort, visitors are enveloped by an enchanting entrance garden as they follow the palm-tree-lined drive leading to the doors of The Mirage. The renowned icon of The Mirage since its opening in 1989, The Volcano is currently undergoing a complete overhaul, scheduled for completion late this year. The dramatic redesign will result in an all-new audio/visual spectacle featuring never-before-seen fire effects and an exclusive soundtrack written and performed by Grateful Dead drummer and Grammy-award winning artist Mickey Hart and his partner, International superstar Zakir Hussain. Audiences will be wowed by this exhilarating new attraction, the crowning jewel in the property’s transformation and a wonderful prologue to all of the energy and excitement the new Mirage offers.

Tropical Atrium
Once inside The Mirage, guests feel as if they're in paradise, instantly surrounded by the extraordinary visual experience of a lush and verdant indoor atrium. Palm trees tower 60 feet above waterfalls and pools, which meander through a forest of rich tropical flora including banana trees, elephant ears and tropical orchids. Woven into the towering palms and waterscape of cascading falls is an artist's palette of beautifully colored, delicately arranged tropical flowers covered in natural sunlight and nourished by a computerized misting system.
Already one of the most elaborate and technically advanced in the world, The Mirage aquarium recently underwent a transformation. New, brighter artificial corals evoke the exotic beauty of such tropical locales as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, while the addition of hundreds of new sea creatures provides a rare glimpse into the aquatic wonders of our planet. Top aquarium design experts, noted for their work at such distinguished facilities as California’s Monterey Bay Aquarium and The National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD, collaborated to enhance the display. The aquarium’s filtration and life support systems also were replaced improving visibility and monitoring. Nearly 1,000 marine life forms now comprise a thriving undersea community housed within the 20,000-gallon display behind the front desk.

Specialty Restaurants at The Mirage
Other unique moments of The Mirage experience are provided in several of its fine-dining restaurants.

Japonais – The marriage of modern day Japan with old-style European elegance, this Chicago concept is the brainchild of designer Jeffrey Beers, restaurateurs Miae Lim and Rick Wahlstedt and Chefs Jun Ichikawa and Gene Kato. The restaurant’s distinctive approach to progressive Japanese cuisine seamlessly fuses innovative presentations, flavors and ingredient pairings within each selection.




STACK Restaurant & Bar – The Light Group presents its second restaurant venture (FIX at Bellagio is the first) with STACK at The Mirage. The menu reflects a return to fun, approachable American cuisine. Chef Brian Massie focuses on simply grilled top-quality fish, meat and poultry. The space has been conceived by Graft Lab to create a warm and welcoming environment within a vibrant design.

Fin – A high-end Chinese restaurant, Fin features authentic Chinese dishes in a contemporary setting created by award-winning design firm Yabu Pushelberg. Chef Chi Choi, a master with a Hong Kong-style wok, has created a menu that attracts the most discerning diner. Creating an edgy yet elegant design, Yabu Pushelberg weaved traditional Chinese themes into contemporary and innovative decor.
With décor largely centered around elegant glass designs, the restaurant showcases a spectacular water feature gracing one end of the room. The main dining room is divided by floating translucent spheres hanging strategically in sheets from the ceiling. The spheres provide privacy amongst and between the tables in the open yet intimate dining room.

kokomo’s – The popular flagship restaurant at The Mirage has a fresh contemporary look by designer Adam Tihany, featuring a sleek lobby bar that is the focal point of activity. Inspired by tropical weather patterns and forces of nature, the 180-seat restaurant is characterized by several major features including a field of iridescent silver fish sculptures suspended beneath undulating canopies and the emphasis on natural materials such as stone, wood and a live bamboo planter. The maroon and burgundy circular-patterned carpet accents pistachio green leather chairs and banquettes and a 12-seat private dining room sits nestled inside the wine room. Serving fine steak and exotic seafood dishes, kokomo's presents a culinary experience as varied and dynamic as the space that defines it.



Onda Ristorante – Featuring the classic regional dishes of Italy as well as American cuisine, the menu promises a variety of flavors and colors from its featured homemade pasta, breads, fresh seafood and meats. The sophisticated ambiance is simple, yet elegant; the cuisine is unforgettable.

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse – A spirited atmosphere complements the Brazilian “Rodizio” cuisine of this Brazilian steakhouse. Diners may choose from a variety of skewered, rotisserie meats that are carved tableside for a delicious and entertaining dining experience. Served with every meal are traditional Brazilian side dishes including black beans, rice and plantains.

Casual Dining at The Mirage
The Mirage also provides guests with relaxed, informal dining.

BLT Burger (Bistro Laurent Tourondel - Opened July 2008) – BLT Burger’s hip and casual setting, designed by Rockwell Group, features a neutral color palette accented with red brick, golden upholstery and plenty of wood. Rock ‘n’ roll music pulses throughout the restaurant, creating an energetic environment for lunch, dinner or a late-night bite. Menu items include burgers of traditional 100 percent beef, as well as Kobe, lamb and Atlantic salmon, accompanied by five varieties of fries, classic shakes and ice cream floats.

Carnegie Deli – Deli fanatics now can sample New York City’s finest home-cured pastrami and corned beef without wrestling the congestion of Times Square. Carnegie Deli, a New York City culinary institution since 1937, launched its only outpost outside New York at The Mirage. The deli offers the energy and tradition of its flagship Manhattan branch but with a fresh look created by internationally acclaimed designer Adam Tihany. The menu includes the legendary towering sandwiches, delectable blintzes and mouth-watering cream pies.

Cravings – A contemporary and innovative interior by renowned designer Adam Tihany transforms the room into a culinary journey, taking guests through an array of dining experiences. Similar to an international bazaar or market, diners can meander through a street-like setting, making their selections and discovering compelling temptations around every bend. Eleven live-action stations represent a different culinary region or cooking style, including Latin, sushi, Italian, rotisserie, Asian and pastry.

Caribe Café – Open 24 hours, this fun and whimsical retro-tropical dining room features breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties highlighting the best of American cuisine and regional favorites.

California Pizza Kitchen – Guests can enjoy the unique wood-fired gourmet pizza that is the rage in Southern California along with salads, sandwiches, pastas and more. The California Pizza Kitchen is conveniently located adjacent to the Race and Sports Book.

Coconuts Ice Cream Shop – For dessert or anytime, there's Coconuts Ice Cream Shop. This brightly colored ice cream parlor serves freshly made ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt.

The Roasted Bean – Indulge in a coffee delight or a scrumptious snack at The Roasted Bean. The coffee bistro features an assortment of coffee specialties and freshly baked cakes, French pastries, quiches and sandwiches.

The Roasted Bean Express – Ideal for on-the-go coffee drinkers, The Roasted Bean Express features gourmet coffees and delectable pastries. For on-the-go diners, tempting items, ranging from breakfast wraps and veggie sandwiches to fresh salads and sushi, are available. Outdoor patio seating is offered for those seeking a more leisurely experience.



Paradise Café – The charming outdoor café, which provides a scenic view of the pool area, offers continental breakfast, lavish lunch, alluring snacks and exotic drinks. The café’s soft rattan seating, custom glass-panel art and painted umbrellas in soothing shades of blue make it the perfect place to take a break from swimming or sunning. Paradise Café is open seasonally, exclusively for hotel guests.

Additionally, The Mirage offers 24-hour room service.

Nightclubs, Lounges and Bars (Ages 21 and older)

JET Nightclub – The Light Group, responsible for an evolution of nightlife artistry including The Bank Nightclub (Bellagio), Caramel Bar & Lounge (Bellagio), Mist Bar & Lounge (TI), FIX restaurant (Bellagio) and Diablo’s Cantina (Monte Carlo), brings JET Nightclub to The Mirage. Acclaimed designer Jeffrey Beers transformed the 15,000 square feet of space into a sleek, modern multi-level environment, setting a stunning scene for the ultimate nightlife experience. A one-of-a-kind light and laser grid, state-of-the-art cryogenic effects systems and the best sound design technology available places JET on the leading edge and in a class of its own.

The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge – Inspired by the spirit of The Beatles and created by Cirque du Soleil, The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge is revolutionary in design and atmosphere. The lounge features cutting-edge, interactive experiences creating a psychedelic sensory environment and a contemporary interpretation of The Beatles’ era. Each night is an evolutionary journey, where both the music and interior transform, resulting in an eclectic nightlife adventure at The Mirage. The Abbey Road Bar, located just in front of the lounge, is a full-service bar that reflects the REVOLUTION experience.



Onda Wine Lounge – This Italian-inspired lounge features a large selection of wines available by the glass, bottle or individual flights. Wines are available by the case and can be shipped to an address of the guest’s choice. Guests can choose from an assortment of artisan cheeses and meats to accompany their wine.

Entertainment

Terry Fator (Premieres February 2009) – Ventriloquist, singer, comedian and impressionist Terry Fator will be the next celebrated headliner to perform at The Mirage. Fator won America’s heart in 2007 when he was chosen as the $1 million winner on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” The comic impersonator, along with his cast of seven puppets, combines the art of ventriloquism with celebrity impressions. During his routine, Fator and his puppets, Cowboy Walter, Emma Taylor and Winston the Impersonating Turtle, effortlessly perform the singing styles of an eclectic group of stars including Elvis, Maroon Five, Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, James Blunt and Gnarls Barkley. Fator will perform five shows a week in the 1,265-seat Terry Fator Theatre (currently the Danny Gans Theatre). Tickets will go on sale fall 2008.

Danny Gans (Final Performance November 22, 2008) – “Entertainer of the Year” Danny Gans fascinates audiences with his unbelievable talents as a singer/impressionist/comedian/actor in this award-winning show. “The Man of Many Voices” takes the stage in the beautiful 1,265-seat Danny Gans Theatre, built specifically for this production.

The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil® – The Beatles LOVE brings the magic of Cirque du Soleil together with the spirit and passion behind the most beloved rock group of all time to create a vivid, intimate and powerful entertainment experience. Drawn from the poetry of The Beatles’ lyrics, LOVE explores the content of the songs within a series of scenes inhabited by real and imaginary people. The international cast of 60 channels a raw, youthful energy underscored by aerial performance, extreme sports and urban, freestyle dance. LOVE is presented in a custom-built theatre at The Mirage featuring 360˚ seating and advanced high-definition video projections with 100-foot digital, moving images. The panoramic surround sound system envelops audiences and allows them to experience The Beatles music like never before.

LOVE Tapis Rouge™ (Premiered June 2008)
LOVE Tapis Rouge is an exclusive behind-the-scenes psychedelic experience. Take a virtual journey into the world of The Beatles™ LOVE by Cirque du Soleil® while immersed in the ultimate VIP sensory experience at The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge, available only in Las Vegas. French for “red carpet,” the “Tapis Rouge” concept was originally developed in 1999 for Cirque du Soleil’s touring production, Dralion and remains the name coined for the VIP package of Cirque du Soleil.
Each night, guests are invited to an exclusive reception inside the REVOLUTION Lounge to enjoy complimentary food and drink selections, interact with trained staff sharing little-known facts about The Beatles and the creation of LOVE as well as behind the-scenes footage from the LOVE Theatre and more. A VIP lanyard provides no-waiting access at the LOVE box office, special-line access at the theatre concession stand and entry into The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge, located steps away from the LOVE Theatre. Tapis Rouge is a flat fee which includes LOVE VIP ticket and preferred seating.

The Casino
Set amidst a lush, tropical décor, The Mirage casino is an elegant yet comfortable oasis. Offering a variety of slots, video poker, table games, a 30-table poker room and a Race and Sports Book that sets the sports-betting bar within the industry, The Mirage casino has something for everyone.
The High Limit Lounge and Baccarat areas offer three separate semi-private gaming rooms, as well as buffet and dining rooms, featuring a design that brings together unique finishes and textures such as bronze, stainless steel, wood and glass.
Renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, whose works have been exhibited in every major museum in the world, was commissioned to enhance the new contemporary look with his distinctive pieces.
Steps away guests find the new High Limit Slot area. Designed with inviting, contemporary, earth tones, the area has a private buffet and lounge.

The Spa at The Mirage (Reopened December 2007)
Newly redesigned with a calming, neutral décor, The Spa at The Mirage now offers additional treatment rooms and a new menu of indulgent services featuring botanical elements meant to revive and rejuvenate. Treatments include the Signature Birch Detoxifying Wrap, an invigorating seaweed wrap that blends vitamins and minerals found in blue-green algae with birch oil to boost the body’s immunity; and Sweet Red Rose, a fragrant facial that uses hand-picked rose petals to soothe sensitive skin.
A unique co-ed area offers comfortable seating under the canopy of a birch forest while a dramatic new entry invites guests to explore a world of beauty. The upscale boutique offers spa and salon products, specialty apparel and unusual accessories and gifts.

Kim Vō Salon (Opened December 2007)
Kim Vō, considered the “King of the TV Makeovers” among an elite team of experts who worked on the television series “Extreme Makeover” and who also appears on E! Entertainment’s “The Daily 10,” has brought his talents to Las Vegas with the opening of his salon at The Mirage. Under his direction, the salon offers the latest in hair trends and treatments as well as manicures, pedicures, hair extensions and personalized makeup services. A retail area features the newest collection of Kim Vō products, specialty apparel plus unique accessories and gifts. A barbershop provides men’s grooming products along with traditional services. Vō, whose clients include Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Teri Hatcher, Kirsten Dunst and Jenny McCarthy, trains all stylists and colorists to ensure his high standards of both styling and color are maintained.

Guest Rooms, Suites, Lanais and Villas
The Mirage offers exquisite AAA Four Diamond accommodations that provide the utmost in comfort and convenience to leisure and business travelers alike.
A stunning $110 million room and suite remodel features striking new decor and dynamic designs, offering guests a comfortable home away from home.
From luxury amenities to modern furnishings, the resort’s 2,765 Deluxe and Tower Deluxe accommodations reflect an ambiance of contemporary upscale living. A multi-sensory design features a neutral color palette accented with vibrant pops of color, cool metals and warm woods. Attention to detail is apparent throughout with a special focus on comfort and ergonomic design. Each room features a pillow-top mattress, down comforter, feather pillows, cotton robes, 42-inch LCD television, iPod/MP3-compatible clock-radio, cordless phone and office chairs designed to provide maximum support and flexibility.
For the business traveler, all rooms feature a desk and desk lamp, two phones with dual phone lines and high-speed Internet access. Tucked away are irons, ironing boards, private in-room safes and hair dryers to provide added convenience. Rooms equipped for the handicapped and non-smoking floors are available upon request.
The resort’s indulgent suites – Petite, Hospitality, Tower and Penthouse, slated for completion in early 2009 – also reflect a modern residential feel with clean lines, vivid color palettes and upgraded amenities ranging from his and her baths and wet bars to separate living and dining areas.
In addition, The Mirage features six opulent lanais, each with a private garden and pool, plus eight extraordinary two-and three-bedroom private villas.

The Pool and Cabanas
The Mirage’s lush tropical pool area includes two saltwater pools and three spas surrounded by waterfalls, private cabanas, an outdoor café and the adults-only Bare pool lounge.
Swirls of texture and color are exhibited in the landscaping by using a variety of foliage in shades of fire – deep reds, yellows, hot pinks and oranges. From enhanced sound and lighting systems to a beautiful stamped concrete pattern of natural stone to bronze-colored sailcloth mesh lounge chairs, guests of The Mirage can relax in this luxurious oasis.
Private cabanas around the pool feature flat-screen televisions, Bose® Wave® Radios, phones, safes and exquisitely designed teak lounge chairs. These cabanas offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the sun or the shade, to have privacy or to socialize. Guests in need of a quick bite can visit the Paradise Café or for a cool drink, the Dolphin Bar.

Bare pool lounge offers an exclusive adult alternative to the typical Las Vegas pool experience. With its distinctive contemporary ambiance and ultra VIP service, Bare is ideal for those wanting to relax, kick-back and socialize or turn up the music and heat up the day. A European-style saltwater pool experience, Bare caters to adults 21 years of age and older. Hours are seasonal.

Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
The Mirage is further distinguished from all other hotels in the world by its animal habitats, built both for educational programs and public enjoyment.
The Secret Garden is home to five rare animal breeds, including the White Lions of Timbavati and Siegfried & Roy’s Royal White Tigers of Nevada. Additionally, guests now can see adorable white, golden and white-striped tiger cubs as they playfully interact with one another in their new home within the Secret Garden. Through the Secret Garden, Siegfried and Roy seek to increase public awareness of the plight of all endangered animals and to foster dialogue about the world’s rarest breeds.
The Dolphin Habitat serves as the home for a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. This embattled species dwells in the finest surroundings incorporating the latest in research technology. The youngest dolphin, Sgt. Pepper, was born on June 8, 2007, and charms visitors each day with his playful, adventurous antics. Although guests enjoy watching the mammals as they frolic in the water, the facility’s primary purpose is for educational programs. A complete curriculum has been prepared with the Clark County School District to educate elementary through senior high school students on the wonder of marine mammals.
The Mirage now offers the experience of a lifetime for those who love dolphins. The Trainer for a Day program provides guests with the unforgettable experience of working side-by-side with animal experts in the daily care and training of dolphins. Up to four people each day, Friday through Wednesday, can have this unique opportunity.

Shopping at The Mirage
The Street of Shops at The Mirage offers a wide array of items ranging from unique gifts, designer shoes and swimwear to stunning jewelry, high-fashion casual wear and elegant designer evening attire.
Featured along the Street of Shops is an exclusive collection of designer boutiques, which bring a feeling of the fashionable European shopping boulevard to Las Vegas. Within the boutiques at The Mirage, guests find the latest fashions from designers such as Donna Karan New York, Moschino and La Perla, as well as high-fashion leisure and foot wear, swim and resort wear, and the work of up-and-coming designers.

Other shopping outlets include OPTICA, offering luxury eyewear from iconic designers including Gucci and Dior; the LOVE Boutique featuring fashion and souvenir apparel, accessories and gifts inspired by The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil®; Watch Boutique with jewelry and accessories for him and her; and The Mirage Shop offering resort logo items, Siegfried & Roy apparel and official Los Angeles Lakers’ paraphernalia.

Weddings at The Mirage
Couples in search of a dramatic setting in which to say “I do” are invited to wed amidst the lush tropical beauty of The Mirage. Three new wedding packages – “Simply Elegant,” “Exotic Delights” and “The Sophisticate” – offer romantic ceremonies in a stunning poolside location or within a private indoor venue. Priced at $1,900, $1,950 and $2,100 respectively, each package offers brides their choice of distinct floral arrangements. An officiant, bouquet for the bride and boutonnière for the groom also are included. For the ideal reception bash to follow, the talented chefs of The Mirage are on-hand to create delectable menus and divine wedding cakes.

Meeting and Convention Facilities
Conveniently located on the ground floor, The Mirage meeting and convention facilities offer exceptional comfort and flexibility, accommodating the most intimate of dinners or lavish banquets. The convention complex provides 27 meeting rooms, including an executive boardroom featuring advanced communication technology.
The 90,000-square-foot Mirage Events Center offers the flexibility to create ballrooms of 10,000, 30,000 or 60,000 square feet. Multiple freight doors, loading docks and a 30-foot ceiling make the center ideal for trade shows, entertainment productions and elegant food and beverage occasions for groups of 10 to 8,650 people.
The Mirage Events Center is located adjacent to the 40,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom and creates a convention complex of more than 170,000 square feet.

Shadow Creek
Located in the midst of the barren Nevada desert on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Shadow Creek has achieved national recognition and the kind of startling mystique reserved for only a select number of golf courses. The course, perennially ranked among Golf Digest’s top 10 courses in the country, is known for its natural beauty, rolling terrain, glistening brooks and ponds, lush gardens and mature trees. The visual elements, spectacular waterfalls and course design lend to astonishing views.

Shadow Creek is closed temporarily for course enhancements and is scheduled to re-open in December 2008. The enhancement project, which will be overseen by original course architect Tom Fazio, will result in rebuilt and reseeded tee boxes and greens, an upgrade to the course’s irrigation system and the addition of a world-class, short-game area. The new short-game facility, intended to reflect the diverse and intriguing shot values evident throughout the course, will feature multiple greens for guests to pitch and putt as well as practice bunker shots.

1 comments:

Steve Axtell said...

Terry Fator is worth the entire visit to the Mirage. We saw his show at the Hilton and it is amazing.