HOTEL REVIEWS
THE REGENT LAS VEGAS . . THE ULTIMATE OASIS by Bonnie Carroll

What I feel compelled to say about Las Vegas is Who Moved My Cheese? If Bugsy Siegal made a return trip today he would probably be saying the same thing. From the 1970's to present day, Las Vegas is almost unrecognizable. The panoramic view atop the Stratosphere moves from the Tour Eiffel in Paris to Luxor on the Nile to the Empire State Building in New York. But, the big pay-off for all this change is the exciting services and conventions being offered at the many new hotel properties arriving on the scene, as well as the milieu of distinctive gastronimique variations prepared and presented by culinary stars on and off the strip.

The Regent Las Vegas is one of a number of luxurious new hotels that now grace the Las Vegas community. The Regent property offers guests casino, spa, golf, and complete privacy in an elegant tranquil setting. Located just a short shuttle or limo ride from the action on the strip, the sprawling resort is surrounded by some of the best golf courses in the nation. The rooms are beautifully and thoughtfully appointed with every amenity. The hotel room service staff are efficient and courteous. The room service menu is brimming with delectable late night goodies to enjoy in bed over the lates hot new movie release.

The resort restaurants are many, and include an authentic Irish Pub named J.C. Wooloughan, that features real Irish fare, including salmon and scallops boxty and Auntie Mauraís sticky toffee pudding. There is also a wonderful Hamada of Japan with a great sushi bar, and a huge restaurant that seats 600 people called The Upstairs Market, where an astonishing brunch is served. Literally, all the fresh seafood you can eat is attractively displayed, along with everything else edible under the sun!

The new restaurant PARIAN is a resplendent formal dining room, beautifully appointed in rich wood and European fabrics; a venue of understated elegance where nothing was left to chance. Executive Chef David Sacco worked closely with the designer on every facet of the room, and flew to Italy and France to hand select the china and stemware for use in the spectacular room.

Dining at Parian is a very pleasurable culinary experience. The food, ambiance and service are unrivaled, due to Chef Saccoís specialized training with Chef Jean Banchet and his extensive experience with various outstanding hotels. He is astute in his knowledge of worldwide dining traditions. Menu items include Duck, Duck...Goose, trio of Hudson Valley foie gras; lobster BBQ duck chow mein; potato tots; casolette of lemon thyme chicken with vegetable spatzel and garlic confit and creamed Yukon potato broth. (See Parian recipes on fbworld.com).

The hotel features a full gym, with state-of-the-art equipment, and a relaxing outdoor pool where cabanas are available for use daily. What an unexpected treat it was to spend an entire morning being pampered in Aquae Sulis, the ultimate oasis in Las Vegas. The Spa is renowned for treatments such as Siddha Abhyanga, an ancient ritual enjoyed by royalty in India, and color therapy, they were both quite amazing. First a photo was taken of my aura (energy colors that encircle the body), and then the therapist selected to put the color blue in my hydro-therapy tub (blue is

credited with increasing concentration and spiritualism). Music is piped into a cavitosonic relaxation room, transforming it into a temple dedicated to the art of relieving stress. Following my treatment, another photo taken showed a much lighter energy flow and brighter colors. The culmination of this enlightening adventure is a superb hot oil and herb massage. The spa staff serve wonderful Elixir tea and tonic drinks. These healthy cocktails are individually prepared for guests waiting in the lounge between treatments. Aquae Sulis is a magical spot to escape and recover from too much late night excitement.