February 11, 2012

Table for Two? Our Las Vegas Valentine’s Day Dining Guide

HE SAID. SHE said.

He said: There’s nothing sexier than a woman who can cook.

She said: There’s nothing more romantic than a man who knows how to treat a women.

We’ll, here’s our Valentine’s Day dining blog post for him and her, you and yours.

Before we get to our romantic restaurants, amorous entrees and dreamy desserts for Valentine’s Day in Las Vegas, here’s a few other ideas for the Valentine’s-gift-impaired:

Now the menus.  A quick explanation about the first group below: our buffets have special Valentine’s items available at all Feasts and Festivals from Feb. 6-14. The Cabo and Pasta Cucina specials are being served on Valentine’s Day at all casinos with those restaurants. (Reminder: Pasta Cucinas are at Aliante, Boulder, Palace, Sunset & Texas Station while Cabos are at Aliante, Boulder, Palace, Red Rock, Santa Fe & Sunset.) Lastly, the Grand Cafe V-Day special is at all cafes but not at Red Rock (menu below) and Green Valley Ranch. After those, we dig into the menus at individual restaurants at each casino.

Have a question? Let us know below!

VDay Specials at buffet, Cabo, Grand Cafe & Pasta Cucina (multiple locations)

Buffets

Cabo

Grand Cafe

Pasta Cucina


VDay Specials at individual restaurants (alpha by casino name)

MRKT at Aliante

Broiler at Boulder

Amigo's at Fiesta Henderson


Fuego at Fiesta Henderson

China Spice at GVR

Hank's at GVR


Tides at GVR

Terra Verde at GVR

Broiler at Palace


Grand Cafe at Red Rock

Hachi at Red Rock

TBones at Red Rock


Terra Rossa at Red Rock

Charcoal Room at Santa Fe

Sonoma Cellar at Sunset


Austin's at Texas

Las Vegas Valentine’s Day Spa Deals

SHE’LL LOVE IT.

He’ll like it, too.

Solitude is nice, but together is better.

Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day deals at a pair of our Las Vegas spas.

Cupids Sweet Treat at The Spa at Green Valley Ranch

Enjoy this one-of-a-kind body therapy in honor of Valentine’s Day. This treatment is bliss to your heart. You will begin with a full-body Strawberry Champagne Sugar Scrub, followed by a 50-minute Swedish Massage with our decadent chocolate whipped body crème. A sweet treat for anyone. 80 minutes $185.

Remember Las Vegans, GVR has spa discounts for locals seven days a week.

More Spa Packages at Green Valley Ranch.

And, if you’re thinking bigger, or longer, like eternally, Green Valley Ranch also has Valentine’s Day Wedding Packages for the big plunge.

Contact The Spa at GVR: 702.617.7570 or 866.STAY.GVR or visit the GVR Spa website.

Valentine’s Sugar Kiss Sensations at The Spa at Red Rock Resort


There are four Valentine’s Day spa treatments on this poster to the right here. We’ll repeat the wording, because it’s fun wording, for the Sugar Kiss Scrub & Massage: Begin with a Lalicious Sugar Kiss body scrub, leaving your skin smooth and supple. To complete the experience you are massaged with luxurious sugar kiss butter.

Locals also get some extra love at Red Rock with a 20% discount on “a la carte” Spa and Salon services 7 days a week.

More Spa Packages at Red Rock Resort.

Contact The Spa at Red Rock: 702.797.7878 or 866.363.2872 or visit the Red Rock Spa website.

One more thing, GVR and Red Rock also have Hotel Packages that make nice evenings for Valentine’s. Check availability of the Dinner & A Movie Packages and Bed & Breakfast Packages at Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock Resort.

Las Vegas Spa Tips: The Beauty of Renewal

THE DAYS ARE shrinking, the leaves are turning and the holiday season is beginning its chaotic approach. With full days of work, family, school, kids and everything else we try to fit into our schedule, who has time for skin care? Fortunately, we are masters at multi-tasking, and skin care is no different. Fall and winter can be unforgiving on our complexion, but with a few essential steps, your skin will survive the season with time left over to roast some chestnuts over the fire.

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha (Exfoliants: the forgotten middle child of skin care)

I hear it all day long:

  1. Cleansing? Check!
  2. Hydrating? Check!
  3. Exfoliating?  … Silence.

Here’s the skinny on the elusive science of cell turnover:

The superficial layer of skin called the epidermis is essentially … dead. Without proper shedding of the skin, our moisturizers and anti-aging products cannot work effectively. In addition, the skin becomes congested with oil and dead skin cells resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes and lackluster skin.

Links your skin will love

The brighter side

Exfoliants are extremely effective agents of radiance that are derived from natural ingredients. It is easier than ever to incorporate these polishing pals into your routine. The shady season is the perfect time to try professional treatments to obtain a glow that will make you sparkle in time for the holiday party.

Treatment spotlight

Glycolic Peel: A 30% acid, derived from sugar, that packs a punch and will soften fine lines, reduce sun damage and stimulate collagen production. (Best done in a series of 4-6 sessions)
Mircodermabrasion: You are sure to sparkle from this crystal-based treatment. Best for dry, sun- damaged, and aging skin types. (Best done in a series of 6)
Radiance: Cinnamon and fruit acids coupled with firming agents leave the skin with a warm youthful glow.

Homecare in a hurry

  • Epicurean Herbal Scrub (more at :43 of the video): An apricot-based scrub that removes buildup and leaves the skin brighter and smoother (normal/dry skin types).
  • Hylunia Fruit Acid Exfoliant (more at 1:35 of the video): Packed with AHA acids in a gel formula that digests dead skin while you sleep (normal/sensitive/combination/oily).
  • Epicurean Hydro Plus Moisturizer: This winter proof cream quenches the skin and leaves it soft and hydrated all day (dry skin types).
  • Epicurean Lip Balm: With silky shea butter and healing tea tree oil, this lip balm gives the lips the protection that lasts without cakey, sticky residue.

Have questions or concerns about your skin? Let me know below!

Las Vegas Spa Tips: Sun Protection Made Simple

Got a skin or spa question? Let Jen know below!

YOU SCREAM, I scream, we all scream for sunscreen!

By now, we are all fully aware of the damaging effects of sun exposure, but what’s left over from the informative scare are some pretty confusing options for sun protection. With so many choices available, countered with contradictions like vitamin D deficiency, and possible carcinogen-producing sunblocks: What’s the right way to block the rays?

We’ve put together a simple checklist to make prevention a piece of cake.

  • Don’t apply on the fly! Sunscreen takes 20-30 minutes to absorb and activate in order to provide maximum protection, so apply early and liberally.
  • It’s not easy being greasy. The higher the SPF the heavier they feel, and while titanium dioxide is a thorough protection, it can be oily and irritating. For those with sensitive or oily skin types, zinc oxide is a lighter option with great protection. These days it’s not your mama’s zinc. Epicurean’s formula is clear with a clean scent and a light texture.
  • Good chemistry. High does not equal better. A quick explanation of the elusive SPF numbers: let’s say you burn after 10 minutes without sunscreen. Multiply that number by the SPF number (let’s say 15) and bingo, there’s your total time with sun protection (in this case 150 minutes). Most of us aren’t heading out to Barbados on a regular basis, so an SPF between15-30 is plenty effective for traveling to work, etc. Also, with the added bonus of fewer chemicals, the lower numbers are a safer bet for building you very own ozone layer.

Visit the Red Rock Spa page or book your Spa appointment today at 702.797.7878.

Product spotlight: Hylunia Beyond Complex-C

Why it rocks: Potent and highly stable L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) works to reverse prior sun damage while providing antioxidants to protect skin from future damage. The bioactive serum formula increases absorption. As with all of Hylunia’s products, Hylauronic acid, a key ingredient for hydration, is added making this serum a triple winner: providing moisture, collagen production and the anti-inflammatory properties for which Hylunia is known. Toss this little weapon into your beach bag and you’ll be radiant and protected even in the triple digits.

Facial recommendation: Breathe

Why it rocks: The summer months can leave the skin inflamed, dehydrated and lackluster. Our oxygen treatment blasts skin with 87 professional-grade vitamins, minerals and amino acids leaving the complexion luminous and hydrated. The Echo system treats skin at a cellular level, which is where the anti-aging magic happens. The result is immediate and lasting. Get drenched with the coolest way to escape the heat.

Jen Albrecht
Aesthetician
The Spa at Red Rock Resort


More Spa blog posts

Thanks Vegas! 19 ‘Best of Vegas’ 2011 Awards

WHAT CAN WE say other than…Thank You Las Vegas!

19 awards selected by the readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s annual Best of Vegas contest. Not too shabby!

Station Casinos Awards
  • Best Players Club – Station Casinos Boarding Pass (12 years in a row) – Readers’ Pick
  • Best Football Contest – Station Casinos Great Giveaway (17 years in a row) – Readers’ Pick
  • The Best Shrimp Cocktail in Las Vegas can be had for just 99 cents daily during Happy Hour (4-8pm) at Palace Station's Cabo.

  • Best Coffee/Cappuccino – Starbucks – Readers’ Pick
  • Best Sub Sandwich – Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop (Red Rock, Santa Fe & Aliante) – Readers’ Pick
  • Best Lounge Performer or Tribute Act – Sin City Sinners (Sunset & Santa Fe) – Readers’ Pick
  • Best Buffet Las Vegas – Feast Buffet – Readers’ Pick
Palace Station Awards
Boulder Station Awards
Green Valley Ranch Awards
  • Best Spa (Shopping) – The Spa at GVR – Readers’ Pick
  • Best Spa (Hotel) – The Spa at GVR – Readers’ Pick
  • Best Locals Hotel – Green Valley Ranch – Review-Journal’s Pick
  • Best Singer – Michael Grimm – Review-Journal’s Pick
  • Best Lounge – Drop Bar – Readers’ Pick

    Happy Hour 7 days a week from 3 – 7pm at the Drop Bar!

Red Rock Awards
  • Best Steakhouse – T-Bones Chophouse – Readers’ Pick
  • Best Coffee Shop – Grand Cafe – Readers’ Pick
  • Best Bowling Alley – Red Rock Lanes – Readers’ Pick & Review-Journal’s Pick
  • Best Locals Hotel – Red Rock Resort – Readers’ Pick
  • Best Cocktail Waitresses – Red Rock Resort – Readers’ Pick
  • Best Italian Restaurant – Terra Rossa – Readers’ Pick

    R-J readers and staff agree: Red Rock has the best bowling in Las Vegas!

Fiesta Henderson Awards

Best Video Poker – Fiesta Henderson – Readers’ Pick
Best Bingo – Fiesta Henderson – Review-Journal’s Pick

Fiesta Rancho Awards

Best Video Poker – Fiesta Rancho – Readers’ Pick
Best Mexican Restaurant – Garduno’s – Readers’ Pick
Best Bingo – Fiesta Henderson – Review-Journal’s Pick


What do you think? Did they get it right? Let us know below!

XOXOXO: Vegas Valentine’s Day Packages, Dinners & Specials

This was for last year’s lovers.
We have your Table for Two in our 2012 Valentine’s Day Dining Guide

Half price at Kids Quest. Love it!

LIKE A BOX of chocolates, our Valentine’s post includes a little bit of everything at our Vegas hotel casinos including if you desire a few sweet ideas for Valentine’s Day 2011 in Las Vegas.

Let’s see, what are we in the mood for:

  • First, we’ll run down our Las Vegas Valentine’s Day Packages.
  • Then, as everyone knows, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and the way to a woman’s heart is through dinner reservations, so we’ll serve up some dining deals.
  • Next, we’ll give you the rub on our Valentine’s Spa specials.
  • Last, we’ll finish up strong with some mood music highlighted by our Valentine’s weekend concerts in Las Vegas.

One more thing before we get started, as the poster says to the right here, our Kids Quest is offering a half-price rate so both parents and children can have fun!

Las Vegas Valentine’s Day Packages

We’re going to link it up here, alpha by property, and please click through for more lovely details:

  • Aliante Station‘s Dinner and a Movie Package: One night stay, two Feast Buffet dinners and two movie tickets from $79.99. (ongoing)
  • Boulder Station‘s Dinner and A Movie Package: One night stay, two Feast Buffet dinners and two movie tickets from $59.99. (ongoing)
  • Fiesta Henderson‘s Sweetheart Valentine Package: One night stay, two movie tickets and $50 dining credit from $69.99. (runs through Feb.)
  • Fiesta Rancho‘s Dinner and a Movie Package: One night stay, two Festival Buffet dinners and two movie tickets from $59.99. (ongoing)
  • Green Valley Ranch‘s Sweetheart Package: One night stay, limousine to/from McCarran Airport or home (for locals), $75 dining credit, chocolate covered strawberries and rose petal turndown from $225. (runs through Feb.)
  • Palace Station‘s Dinner and A Movie Package: One night stay, two Feast Buffet dinners and one in-room movie from $59.99. (ongoing)
  • Red Rock‘s Dinner & A Movie Package: One night stay, two Feast Buffet dinners and two movie tickets weekdays from $115/weekends $150. (ongoing)
  • Santa Fe Station‘s Dinner and A Movie Package: One night stay, two Feast Buffet dinners and two movie tickets from $69.99. (ongoing)
  • Sunset Station‘s Dinner and A Movie Package: One night stay, two Feast Buffet dinners and two movie tickets from $69.99. (ongoing)
  • Texas Station‘s Dinner and A Movie Package: One night stay, two Feast Buffet dinners and two movie tickets from $59.99. (ongoing)

If none of these Las Vegas Valentine’s Day packages work for you and your special someone, check out our myVacation hotel deal.

Las Vegas Valentine’s Day Dinners

Amigo's Fiesta Henderson

Fuego Steakhouse Fiesta Henderson

Charcoal Room Santa Fe Station


Terra Verde GVR

Tides GVR

Hank's GVR


Yard House Red Rock

Grand Cafe Red Rock

Tbones Red Rock


Cabo Red Rock

Terra Rossa Red Rock


Las Vegas Valentine’s Spa Deals

A few weeks ago, we posted about the Valentine’s spa treatments going on in February over at the Red Rock Spa. Red Rock also offers Spa Packages that most anyone would love to get on Valentine’s Day including a spa deal for couples.

Across town, our Green Valley Ranch Spa also has a Valentine’s Spa menu and several spa packages perfect for the day for lovers.

Las Vegas Valentine’s Weekend Concerts

Plenty of romantic music at our concert venues, as well as a couple of comedy shows, during Valentine’s weekend, here’s the linky list:

Friday, February 11:

Saturday, February 12:

Monday/Valentine’s Day, February 14:

XOXOXO

Las Vegas (Valentine’s Spa) Deal of the Week (1.10.11)

This was for last year’s lovers.
Check our 2012 Valentine’s Day deals at the spas!

TRUST US…SHE’LL love our Las Vegas Spa treatments in February for Valentine’s Day.

Las Vegas (Valentine’s Spa) Deal of the Week (1.10.11)

WHERE: The Spa at Red Rock Resort

WHEN: February

WHAT, WHAT:

  • Sugar Kiss manicures and pedicures
  • Chocolate Kiss facials
  • Contact the Spa at 702.797.7878 to reserve your Valentine’s spa treatments.

Red Rock Spa web page

Like Red Rock on facebook

See all our Deal of the Week offers!

Las Vegas Spa Secrets: Preventing dry skin in cold weather


EVERY WINTER THAT unpleasant menace, dry skin, plagues almost everyone. Here in the desert, our air lacks humidity (moisture in the air) all year long and dry air sucks moisture out of skin. Your body needs moisture inside as well as out to keep the skin lush and healthy.

Click to view Winter Spa offerings

Most of us dread the winter days of itching ashy legs, licking chapped lips, and nursing painfully cracked hands and feet. Unfortunately, we tend to consider this as unavoidable as we bundle up and dreamily wait for spring to come and chase away the problem. However, if you are prone to dry skin during the cold season, there are several steps you can take to prevent it so that your skin is moist and beautiful year round. 1) During the cold seasons don’t go outside without your cold weather gear. A heavy coat, hat, gloves, and boots protect you from wind, cold, and cold-induced dehydration. 2) Never wash the dishes or work with household chemicals without putting on gloves. 3) Take care of your feet when you are home, wearing cotton socks or slippers instead of going barefoot. 4) Always be sure to get enough water and help keep dry skin at bay by getting the recommended six to eight glasses of pure water daily and you will feel better all around.

When the cold gets the better of your skin it’s a good time to head to the spa…preferably the Spa at Red Rock. Here’s a guide:

Click to view Tis the Season Spa menu

  • Start off with a few minutes in the steam room to help detoxify your body.
  • An exfoliating sugar scrub to get rid of dead skin cells will brighten and hydrate your skin, followed with a luxurious body butter massage to relax the body and soul and seal in moisture. (Recommend: Bourbon Scrub & Massage)
  • Your Spa day wouldn’t be complete without a warming and invigorating facial. (Recommend: Winter Spice Facial)
  • Last, but certainly not least, those fingers and toes need extra attention. Cracked cuticles and heels are painful and unsightly, try a Peppermint Pedicure & Manicure to restore your hands and feet.

Even in winter we have plenty of blue skies and sunshine so don’t avoid the outdoors, just take extra good care of your skin when heading out! Always use a lip balm with SPF, and try dipping your finger in the sugar bowl and giving your lips their own yummy sugar scrub followed with lip balm. Remember, use a heavier face moisturizer, body and hand cream to stand up to the drying effects of the wind and cold. Lots of hot tea and plenty of water and most of all enjoy the Season!!!

Emily Heim
Lead Massage Therapist
The Spa at Red Rock

Got a question about winter skin treatment? Let Emily know below!


More links

Other Las Vegas Spa Secrets blog posts


Green Valley Ranch Spa website

Las Vegas Spa Secrets: 3 Steps to Beautiful & Healthy Summer Skin

Exfoliate. Hydrate. Protect.

SUMMER IS ABOUT showing beautiful summer skin. In order to look good and stay healthy when baring that skin, you will need to take some time and reverse the signs of winter neglect and weather. If you can remember these three easy steps your skin will show great improvement and more importantly keep you safe during our desert summer season.

1) Exfoliate your face and body
Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate. If you don’t remove them they will sit on your surface layer and make hydration almost impossible. No matter how much lotion you use, you will never get glowing skin if you don’t exfoliate first. So grab a scrub and hit the shower! You will want to use a facial exfoliate for your face and neck. Also don’t forget your feet! Nothing is worse than seeing dull dry feet inside cute sandals.

Red Rock Spa recommends…

2) Hydrate your skin
It’s time to put away your thick winter body butters and try more light weight moisturizers. You want to find something fast absorbing. Gels and purees are fast absorbents. Make sure you apply right after you dry off from the shower. You need to seal in the moisture your body just soaked in.

Red Rock Spa recommends…

3) Protect your skin
Throw away last year’s sunscreen for a new bottle. Sunscreens do not have a long shelf life, and over time their protective properties can break down. Sunscreen should contain SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreens that protect against both ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) are the best to use. Sunscreen needs to be applied at least 30 minutes prior to going into the sun. You should reapply every two to three hours. Protective clothing can be worn to avoid sun exposure as well. Big brimmed hats will protect eyes, ears, scalp and neck.

Although aging is something that happens to everybody, some people seem to develop wrinkles earlier than others. Why is that? A lot of it has to do with genetics, but much of it also has to do with lifestyle factors. So please take the time to take care of your skin, it is after all the largest organ of the body.

Hope this is helpful!

Jeannie Nagy
Lead Esthetician
Red Rock Spa


Get more spa specials and packages at Red Rock Resort


Visit the Las Vegas spa page for Green Valley Ranch

Have a skin or spa question, let us know below!

Our Las Vegas Pools are Cool: Here’s Why…

Red Rock's Cabana Club heats up on the weekends!

WHEN WE SEE that the forecast calls for 90-degree temperatures here in Las Vegas, we locals know that it’s officially pool season. Whether you’re up for a relaxing day with a good book, or a flirtatious afternoon dancing with friends and cold drinks, Station Casinos has some of the most fabulous pools in Las Vegas. Our featured pool list starts at the Red Rock in Summerlin.

You don’t need to take our word for how great the pools are. Take the word of one of the Red Rock pool patrons, Jennifer Cook:

“The Red Rock Pool is luxe like a private club pool, there’s plenty of lush landscaping and plenty of room to stretch out and get lots of sunshine”

Typically, Jennifer frequents the weekends-only Cabana Club unless she has friends or family staying at Red Rock, since the main pool is reserved for hotel guests only.

“Walking through the doors at the Cabana Club instantly ups my VIP status. Everyone knows your name. I love the intimate surroundings – lines of daybeds, cabanas, and lots of mostly bare, well-tended bodies sunning while the beautiful and dependably friendly staff serves your drink – and they already know what your having.”

Jennifer and her friends know that drinks are a must when staying cool at the pool in the Las Vegas heat.

“My solitary drink of choice on a hot summer day at the Cabana Club is without a doubt, a Sapphire and tonic with two limes. The refreshing aromatics of the Sapphire (not to be confused by any other duller spirit) gin, mixed with the light bubbles of the tonic and the kick of lime send me into the sun with a smile on my face.”

“When the libations are to be shared, I go for a pitcher of Mojitos. I’m not the biggest fan of rum, but whoever is mixing at Cabana Club has got the inside track on the proper mix. It’s a light drink for the pool, but still packs a punch, without packing lbs on the bikini-clad bodies.”

Our newest featured Las Vegas pool resides in North Las Vegas at Aliante Station (free for hotel guests). Guests told management that they like the Aliante pool because it is “very nice and clean,”  and “extremely relaxing regardless if there’s lots of foot traffic,” like there is on Sundays, for the popular pool party, Sunday Splash. Visitors pay a $15 entry fee for a wristband to enjoy what we’re told are “very generous drink specials.” For more information, including special discounted pool prices for children, weekday rates and more, visit the Aliante Station website.

Henderson Pool-goers, fear not! The Pond at Green Valley Ranch is open and ready for another fantastic summer. This locals hot spot is a value-packed favorite for service industry workers who enjoy their Mondays off. Monday is Industry Day, and for $20, you can enjoy all-you-can-drink champagne. Three regular DJs spin at The Pond, DJ DIGDUG, DJ QUIRA, and DJ Mika Gold. Our advice, bring a group and take advantage of the great values on daybeds, cabanas, and bottle specials. You can even order a cooler-case of Corona!

Here’s 7 other reasons why the pools at Station Casinos are the coolest pools in Las Vegas. Dive in!

  1. The Cabana Club at Red Rock Resort has a live DJ from 12pm – 4pm Saturdays and Sundays. European bathing is optional (ooh la la).
  2. Two words: Party Cabana (up to 16 people at GVR).
  3. Poolside concerts this Memorial Day weekend at the Sandbar at Red Rock Resort – tickets start at just $15 + tax/fees.
  4. DJ Alpyne and the Sunday Slash pool party (with drink specials) from 11am to 5pm at Aliante Station’s The Deck is open to public.
  5. Day and Seasonal Pool Passes are available for purchase at Sunset Station to non-hotel guests (go locals!)
  6. Locals can access the pool at Green Valley Ranch for $20 per day – that includes a $10 food & beverage credit.
  7. Friday night live music at the Sandbar at Red Rock starting in June. Tribute bands will be playing the hits from every era.