Las Vegas: Smart Splurges

Bellagio The resort that redefined “Vegas class” has the world’s largest Dale Chihuly glass installation in its lobby, cypress trees imported from Tuscany, and a sophisticated casino with leather chairs and cushy poker rooms. Though newer hotels keep raising the stakes, Bellagio is still a major player. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 702-693-7111; www.bellagio.com
luxury | hotel | casino | expensive

Charlie Palmer Steak Vegas is chock-a-block with grade-A steakhouses, but Charlie Palmer, with its just-clubby-enough atmosphere, is a cut above the rest, serving Mr. Parker's famously succulent sides alongside favorite cuts like an incredible 48-ounce Porterhouse for two and a not-to-be-missed "surf and turf" (six-ounce filet mignon and lobster). South Strip; Four Seasons Hotel, 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 702-632-5120; www.charliepalmer.com
trendy | restaurant | steakhouse

Cirque du Soleil Don’t miss this legendary Canadian group’s acrobatics and pyrotechnics as they unfold to the beat of the Vegas stage. Choose from any of their five shows – from old-favorite Mystère at Treasure Island to the new Beatles-fueled marvel Love at the Mirage. Various locations; 702-792-7777; www.cirquedusoleil.com
live entertainment | nightlife

Pink Jeep Tours Get away from the glitz with a 10-hour journey to Death Valley, checking out historic ghost towns en route to the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Other trips explore Hoover Dam and the petroglyphs and petrified sand dunes of the Valley of Fire. Pick-up at hotel; 888-900-4480; www.pinkjeeptours.com
tour | day trip | adventure

Red Rock Spa Though many Vegas hotels offer spa services, the Spa at Red Rock is one of the few places that truly understands the art of letting go, with treatments that range from the usual (shiatsu massage) to the unique (try the Thai massage, where the therapist relaxes sore muscles by nudging limbs into yoga-like postures). "Adventure Spa" options include rock-climbing excursions. Summerlin; 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702-797-7878; www.redrocklasvegas.com
luxury | things to do | outdoors | spa

Sundance Helicopter Tours Take a flight to the rim of the Grand Canyon for a champagne and BBQ lunch (3.5 hours round trip) or a twilight city tour showcasing the glittering lights of the Strip (2 hours round trip). Sundance Helicopter Tours will escort you from your hotel to the heliport in a limo for the ride of your life. Pick-up at hotel; 702-736-0606; www.helicoptour.com
tour | day trip | adventure | helicopter

Wynn Las Vegas The Wynn’s sleek bronze-tinted glass tower reaches some 50 stories into the Las Vegas sky and ranks as the most-expensive-ever addition to the Strip – but don’t expect to find Mardi Gras beads, pirate battles, or exotic fantasia here. The resort rooms (averaging 640 square feet) are tastefully decorated with either soothing corals and Andy Warhol prints or burnt-sienna hues. The Strip; 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S.; 321-9966 or 702-770-7000; www.wynnlasvegas.com
luxury | hotel