Eco Chic City Guide: LAS VEGAS
JUL / AUG 2010: ISSUE 12
We set off to Vegas for 48 hours in search of all things eco friendly. We did not know what we would come up with, but had done some research before we took off on our Southwest flight from Los Angeles. Southwest takes environmental stewardship seriously and they are one of the world’s most efficient airlines!
When we arrived in Vegas, our Limousine driver greeted us – but it was not your typical limo. It was CityCenter’s new CNG Lincoln Town Car, ready to whisk us off to our first stop - the not to be missed CityCenter, and our hotel, Vdara Hotel & Spa. Here is our guide to all things eco, from hotels & casinos, to restaurants, spas & beauty services, as well as other points of eco interest we sought out. Who knew it was so easy to be green in the desert!
STAY
CITY CENTER
The newly opened CityCenter, compromising ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, and Crystal retail and entertainment district, is literally made of gold - LEED Gold certified buildings, that is. Opened December 2009, the 18-million square-foot CityCenter is the world’s largest sustainable community, and a cultural sensation. Not to be missed is Nancy Rubins’ stunning eco sculpture at Vdara consisting of a colorful collection of reclaimed aluminum rowboats and other water vessels.**
CityCenter, off Las Vegas Blvd and Harmon Ave.
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Sustainability never looked as good as it does at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. You can feel at ease checking into your suite overlooking the faux canals knowing that the property is the largest single-property recycler in Las Vegas. The Venetian offers guests amenities ranging from 100% Egyptian Cotton bed linens, 130+ table games, and one of the hottest pool parties in Las Vegas! **
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Hotel: (702) 414-1000;
Reservations: (866) 659-9643
The Palazzo Las Vegas:Resort, Hotel, Casino
Compromising the second part of the largest LEED-EB Gold building in the world, the Palazzo was constructed from steel with 95% recycled content. But don’t get stuck in your Italian marble sunken bathtub - there are too many exciting things to explore! Visit the spa and wellness center, and treat yourself to any one of their healthy and delicious. Afterwards, you’ll be refreshed and ready for whatever else the night brings! **
The Palazzo Las Vegas, 3325 Las Vegas Boulevard South.
Hotel:(702) 607-7777
Vdara Hotel & Spa, MGM
There is no other place quite like MGM owned, LEED Gold certified Vdara. Non-gaming and smoke-free, your skin and clothes will thank you from the minute you check-in, and especially after your trip to the Vdara Health & Beauty wellness spa. Finish up with a made-to-order cocktail at the pool, or sit down at Silk Road for inventive cuisine. If you’re in the mood for gaming, head to sister hotel Aria. Don’t worry about the smoke – with a top of the line ventilation system, you won’t even smell the cigar of the man playing craps behind you! **
Vdara Hotel & Spa, 2600 West Harmon Ave.
Hotel: (866) 745-7111.
Aria 3730 Las Vegas Boulevard South.
Hotel: (866) 359-7111
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas
Another oasis of a hotel located in the prestigious CityCenter, this is the first hotel in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to receive a LEED rating. The non-gaming hotel provides relaxation and distinctive elegance for all of its guests while reassuring them that the building saves 34% more energy than required by national or local regulations. Built without toxic paints, sealants, adhesives, or carpet, the resort continues a feeing of natural peace with floor-to-ceiling windows and holistic spa treatments. **
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, 3752 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Hotel: (702) 590-8888
WRITTEN BY
Nicole Landers and Nora Johnson
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Courtesy of Featured Company
SHOP
Oya Eco Couture
Oya is the only boutique in Las Vegas selling only eco (and fabulous looking) clothing lines. Cheryl Samlaska conceived Oya as a place for people to shop who want to make a difference in the world, and don’t believe you have to sacrifice style or quality to do so. Pick up Kayu bamboo sunglasses or Stewart+Brown essentials, taking care of your shopping spree urges – without sacrificing your beliefs! **
Oya Eco Couture, located at The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2235 Village Walk Drive #157,
Henderson, NV 89052.
(702) 228-3261
Annie Cream Cheese
Dying for a new frock to wear to that club tonight, but feel bad increasing your carbon footprint? Feel bad no longer – Annie has come to the rescue! Annie Creamcheese has the best array of vintage fantastic for your every need. You won’t be alone in your perusal of the store, either – stars from Paris Hilton, Betsey Johnson, and the Kardashian clan have all fallen for Annie’s funky closet. **
Annie Cream Cheese, 3327 Las Vegas Blvd. Sunday-Thursday, 10 AM-11 PM, Friday-Saturday 10 AM-12 AM. (702) 452-9600
The Attic
A vintage shop with a heart, Mayra and Victor Politis send almost nothing to the landfill – whatever doesn’t make it to the store is sent to Panama to be used as rags! Whatever decade you’re looking for, you can find the clothes to match – at unbeatable prices! **
The Attic, 1018 South Main Street. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM-6 PM.
(702) 388-2848
NIGHTLIFE
Eve
You support sustainability, fun, and woman empowerment at Eve, the only green club in Las Vegas, as well as the only woman-owned restaurant and nightclub venture on the Strip. Situated directly above Beso, Eve is a favorite among the club-going darlings of Las Vegas. You could find yourself dancing alongside stars such as Kim Kardashian, the Black Eyed Peas, or club owner Eva Longoria. Reserve a VIP booth near the dance floor – it’s the perfect place to watch the hottest DJs do their thing! **
3720 Las Vegas Blvd South, Suite 260.
(702) 227-3838
VIVA LAS VEGAS – ELVIS SHOW
A spectacular new show by crowd favorites the world over, Viva Las Vegas is Cirque Du Soleil’s greatest achievement yet. A tribute to the life and musical legacy of Elvis this proves he is still the king of Vegas! Back of house green production with no more plastic bottles, recycling program, and no plastic or paper ware used for crew. Email correspondence for the show flyers and promotions so less paper waste. All Cirque du Soleil souvenir programs are printed on 100% FSC- certified post consumer waste recycled paper. It’s not easy being green.**
Cirque Du Soleil’s, Viva Las Vegas, 3730 Las Vegas S, for tickets call
(877)-25 ELVIS
EAT
Beso
A second outpost of Eva Longoria’s acclaimed steakhouse, LEED certified Beso’s comforting chocolate and gold interior welcomes you as you walk in. A splash of red over the exhibition kitchen is a nod to the restaurant’s signature kiss, as is the handcrafted cocktail, Raspberry Beso. Leave your meal choice in the hands of the chef, and try the daily ceviche creation; also not to be missed is the guacamole, or the signature Beso Paella! Of course, what would a trip to Beso without a Chocolate Kiss for dessert? **
Beso, 3720 Las Vegas Blvd South. Sunday–Thursday, 5:30-11 PM. Friday and Saturday, 5:30-midnight. For reservations, call (702) 254-BESO or book online at:
Canyon Ranch SpaClub
Canyon Ranch Grill in Palazzo; Are looking to count calories but not sub taste or presentation? Their healthy gourmet cuisine featuring clean, wholesome, seasonal, fresh ingredients have an emphasis on local, organic and sustainable farming methods. The Sweet Potato Hash and Southwest Black Bean Chili are the faves for this 10 -year restaurant. Wines are listed at SOB (S sustainability, O organic, B biodynamic). If not into wine with lunch try Canyon’s house made ginger ale. Only open for breakfast or lunch, but worth every bite. **
Canyon Ranch Grill, at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub,The Palazzo, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, Breakfast and Lunch served daily -7am to 4pm,
call for reservation (702) 414-3600
RM Seafood
Rick Moonen’s restaurant in Mandalay Bay is everything an organic and seafood-loving foodie could hope for. Chef Moonen, a founding member of the Seafood Choices Alliance, wanted to create an innovative and thought-provoking menu that made diners pause and think about where their food came from. Diners rest assure that every dish – such as the Walu in Cherry Leaf, Baked Tasmanian Ocean Trout, and Spider Crab with artichoke – are sustainably caught for your dining pleasure! **
RM Seafood, 3930 Las Vegas Boulevard South. Tuesday-Saturday, 5:30-10:30 PM.
(702) 795-7155
Sunrise Coffee Las Vegas
For the best cup of joe in Las Vegas, look no further than Sunrise Coffee. The baristas are trained to make every organic drink on the menu vegan, soy, or calorie conscious, and all of the goodies and meal options are both organic and healthy. Sunrise also uses sustainable products like corn cups and recycled paper napkins – a perfect accompaniment to your almond latte and organic vegan scone! **
Sunrise Coffee Las Vegas, 3130 E. Sunset Road, Ste. A. Monday-Friday, 5:30 AM-8 PM, Saturday 7 AM-8PM, Sunday 7 AM-5 PM. (702) 433-3304
Ronald’s Donuts
Ronald’s Donuts has the best treats in Las Vegas for those in the know. Perfectly cooked, customer favorites range from the doughnut holes (portion controlled bites of heaven) to the classic glazed. Even better are the vegan options – from soy Boston cream filled doughnuts, to apple fritters, fruity turnovers, and bear claws. You can’t go wrong with any choice from Ronald’s –just make sure to bring the green stuff; no credit cards accepted here.**
Ronald’s Doughnuts, 4600 Spring Mountain Road. Monday-Friday 4 AM-4 PM,
Saturday 5 AM-4 PM, Sunday 5 AM-2 PM.
(702) 873-1032
Las Vegas Farmer’s MarketS
For the freshest of the fresh, try the local farmer’s markets. Las Vegas now boasts three farmers markets a few minutes from the strip. You can buy as much produce as you can carry back to your hotel, along with freshly baked breads, pastries, cut flowers, and more. Also featured are local artisans, who sell handmade jewelry, arts and crafts, clothes, and other souvenirs. **
For locations and directions:
INDULGE
Suite Arrival
Tired of losing your favorite beauty products because they aren’t in TSA approved sizes? Meet your new best friend – Suite Arrival. Suite Arrival lets you pick your favorite brands of personal care products (even snacks!) before you leave home, and have them delivered in recyclable packaging straight to your hotel suite! We’re especially enamored with the Organic Arrival Kit, which rewards tired travelers with a box of Kiss My Face organic products, including shampoo, anti-stress shower gel, and lavender lotion. **
To order your kit pre-vacation:
Spray di Sole
Without a doubt, your new best friend when you come to Las Vegas! Located at the MGM Grand Spa, Spray di Sole is a guilt-free, custom spray tan that is totally natural. Best of all, unlike other spray tans, Spray di Sole guarantees no lingering fake smell after your appointment! The ladies at di Sole are fantastically accommodating, and will readily meet you in your hotel room. Luckily for Los Angeles readers, the original outpost of Spray di Sole is located at the north side of the city, in Studio City – and Svetlana is just as sweetly mobile!**
Spray di Sole, Las Vegas,NV (702) 324-0812
Studio City, 12240 Ventura Blvd, Suite 102; (818) 454-4517
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
The spa at Mandarin Oriental combines sleek Art Deco elegance of the 1930’s with rich elements of Shanghai culture. The most rejuvenating treatment available is the Personalized Ocean and Earth Body Wrap. Beginning with a body exfoliation and aromatherapy oil, the body wrap is then applied; it raises your temperature and induces perspiration to eliminate toxins. Your tranquility is assured with a calming Oriental Head Massage to finish! **
(702) 590-8888
www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas/spa
Vdara Health & Beauty
For the ultimate in relaxation luxury, Vdara Heath & Beauty has it all. At 18,000 square-feet, with two levels of spa, salon, and fitness centers, you’ll find every amenity you can think of and more. Only the most natural and environmentally responsible products are featured at the spa and salon. The entire Vdara Health & Beauty has aligned themselves with global greening, creating a mission for social and environmental responsibility – without sacrificing a smidgen of pampering.**
(866) 760-2489
EXPLORE
Spring’s Preserve
Whether you are new to Las Vegas, or an experience Strip visitor, the Spring’s Preserve is not to be missed! Commonly known as “the birthplace of Las Vegas”, the site features museums and galleries, an outdoor amphitheater, a botanical garden, and a Platinum LEED certified Desert Living Center where visitors can learn practical means of protecting valuable environmental resources without compromising quality of life.**
Spring’s Preserve, 333 South Valley View Blvd. Monday-Sunday 10 AM-6 PM. $9.95 entrance fee for Nevada adult, $18.95 for non-resident; children under 5 are free. (702) 822-7700.
Red Rock Canyon
For the true outdoors, there is nothing like hiking through natural scenery to make your vacation complete. Luckily, Red Rock Canyon is less than 30 minutes away from the Strip! The canyon is a beautiful maze of trails, canyons, peaks, and mazes. Take the afternoon away from the city life, and spend it wandering the trails with your family. Once you see the vistas at Red Rock (and feel the burn from the natural workout), you won’t regret your decision!**
Find trails at
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