Author: Ronnie Greenberg

Photos by: Joe Hilbers

Ronnie Greenberg

5310 Dubois Ave

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

(818) 347-7437

mrg5310@aol.com

Summerlin Sizzles

By: Ronnie Greenberg

Photos by Joe Hilbers

Embracing the best of Las Vegas, Summerlin sits at the base of the Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountain Range is close to the energy and fantasy of The Strip- but not that close! The affluent master-planned community, 15 miles northwest of downtown Las Vegas, mingles the flavors and lifestyle of a welcome respite for those who want to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Nevada desert.

The elegant family-friendly JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, the proverbial private oasis in the middle of the desert, makes a great home base. A destination in itself, the resort nestles among 22-acres of lush gardens, waterways, and towering palm trees. The 548 luxury guest rooms and suites (up to 2,000 square feet) in both the Spa Tower and the Palm Towers have oversized marble bathrooms equipped with whirlpool bathtubs and separate showers. Each offers a stunning view of the Red Rock Canyon to the west, and the glittering lights of The Strip to the east. Be prepared to have every whim catered to and to be fully indulged.

The ultimate in relaxation and pampering takes place in the resort’s Spa Aquae built on the foundation of ancient hydrotherapy wisdom and water’s healing power.  Soothing to the body, mind and spirit, are a myriad of body and facial treatments, massage techniques, aromatherapy, and loofah scrubs.  After your treatment there are whirlpools, cascading waterfall showers, and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, to top off your wonderful experience. Fitness enthusiasts can utilize the cardiovascular and weight training activities, and an aerobics studio.

Sun worshippers will love lounging by the grass -edged pool with a cascading tropical waterfall.  Private poolside cabanas provide shelter from the desert sun and a relaxing retreat to enjoy a light lunch or sip tropical libations.

Golfing is available on one of the eleven championship golf courses located within a short drive of the resort.  The reservation desk arranges tee times and golfing needs for the golf enthusiasts.

On site dining:

Eating well is always a favorite pastime on vacation, and the resort provides an epicurean adventure with a variety of dining options from a quick casual meal to an elegant dining experience.

Hawthorn Grill in the Spa Towers serving American fare, is the favorite restaurant of guests and locals, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Jade Asian Kitchen & Noodles for a flavorful journey through the Asian cuisines. There is traditional dining, a Noodle Bar, a Sushi bar, but the Teppanyaki table will awe you with the choreography of the chefs that prepare your meal.

Spiedini Ristorante, a romantic chic Italian eatery lets you escape to the old country, specializing in classic Milanese and urban Italian regional cuisine. There’s an impressive wine menu.

Clubhouse Deli for those on the go, specializes in subs, burgers, hot dogs, salads, sandwiches and more.

Waterside Grill for light American fare sand creative cocktails, overlooking the scenic outdoor pool.

Earl Grey Cafe overlooking the Rampart Casino serving international cuisine, and is open 24 hours.

Bringing you “back to Vegas” the Rampart Casino offers all the pizzazz of a Las Vegas Strip casino with 1200 slot machines and 40 gaming tables to try your lock.  If shopping “is your bag”, stroll and shop the unique shops and boutiques at the resort’s indoor promenade. For a wider range of shopping, complimentary buses are available to shuttle guests to and from the Fashion Show Mall on The Strip.

J.W. Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa is located at 221 North Rampart Boulevard in Summerlin, just 15 miles northwest of the Las Vegas Strip. For reservations phone (702) 869-7777 or www.marriott.com

The great outdoors

At Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Park drive the 13 mile scenic loop that others opt for hiking or biking through the landscape created from a complex history of marine and prehistoric dune deposits and subsequent erosion. It is only one of 16 acres of  public land in the United States with that distinction. The first stop on the road  and the most popular on the loop is the Calico Hills where the rocks transform from pink to red. The information on the sign reads “Sand Dunes Frozen in Time.” The Canyon is also popular for rock climbing on some of the country’s most challenging shallow peaks. For guided naturalist tours, as well as maps and brochures, be sure and stop at the Visitors Center.  For information www. desertusa.com/redrock

Attractions close by

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead-hailed upon completion as “the Eighth Wonder of the World.”  The highest concrete dam and engineering marvel stands 736 feet high, 1,244 feet wide at its crest and is 660 feet thick at its base. For information and tours of Hoover Dam visit www.hooverdam.com

Lake Mead National Reservation Area

The  Colorado River is dammed on both sides of the Grand Canyon to form two huge artificial lakes. Lake Powell in Utah and Lake Mead on the Arizona/Nevada border. This  project began in 1935 following the completion of Boulder Dam later renamed Hoover Dam, The construction of the Dam prompted the legalization of gambling and contributed to the growth of Las Vegas.

The Hoover Dam Museum housed in the historic Boulder Dam Hotel  built in 1933 to originally house the dignitaries that came to visit, has artifacts preserved from the dam’s construction. Featured are 3-D interactive hands-on exhibits telling the human story of history’s greatest construction project, including a 20-minute film.  For additional information www.bcmha.org

Pueblo Park, a 68 acre linear park built in 1992, winds through the Pueblo Village. It provides miles of uninterrupted scenery for walkers, joggers and skaters. Featuring a desert interpretive garden, and several nature trails, it is considered one of the most beautiful desert areas in the Las Vegas Valley.

How to get there

Summerlin is just 20 minutes northwest of the Las Vegas Strip and 25 minutes from McCarran International Airport.

From McCarran take Interstate 15 North to I-95 North. Exit Summerlin Parkway.