"I danced inside a chandelier!"

That's how I updated my Facebook status so that my all of my 'Friends' would know what a wonderful time I was having in Las Vegas.

No, I was not "swinging from a chandelier"; I was swing *dancing* in the Chandelier Bar in the lobby of the Cosmopolitan Hotel - a shiny new member of  Marriott's Autograph Collection, offering 555 guestrooms (many with private terraces) and over 100,000 sq.ft. of meeting space.

Beyond "The Strip"

View of Las Vegas "Strip" from the Green Valley Ranch pool

Okay, I'll admit it: up until a couple of weeks ago I was a "Vegas Virgin". 

Sure I *know* the Bellagio, the Four Seasons, the Wynn, the Venetian, Caesars Palace....all properties I've researched and booked on behalf of clients. However, I've never actually *been* to the gambling and partying mecca famous for bad decisions and over-the-top hotels.

After full two days and one night on The Strip, though, I was done - and grateful that the event I was attending that weekend was taking place at the Green Valley Ranch, a Five Star, Four Diamond resort in Henderson - with a beautifully appointed 40,000 sq.ft. Conference Centre.

Yes, there's gaming, but you don't have to wade your way through slot machines to get to your guest elevator, and with "only" 495 guestrooms and 80 suites GVR is, by Vegas standards, practically a boutique hotel.

I particularly loved the pool area, which the event organizers used to full advantage by taking over an entire row of cabanas and hosting a private pool party, and where - as a reformed sun-worshipper - I discovered a number of shady options.

Spa Nostalgia

Years ago when I was working at the Four Seasons Yorkville I treated myself to a weekend at the beautiful Four Seasons Las Colinas near Dallas, Texas (lounge pictured above).  It was my first - and come to think of it - only Spa Vacation I've ever taken. 

I experienced several treatments, including a wrap that had me lying in a dark room like a mummy.  The spa menu included all kinds of delicious and healthy selections, though I found it hard to fit in eating between the aquafit and Pilates classes, and working out in the the gym. I still remember an attendant coming up to me when I was on the exercise bike, bringing me a bottle of cold water and a towel. (Four Seasons service!)

All this came back to me when I read today that the *new* Four Seasons Toronto is opening October 5th with a 30,000 sq.ft. Spa - the largest of any Four Seasons Property in the world!

I think I'm going to have to book myself in for a treatment - or a weekend!!