CIRCA’S LUXE LEGACY CLUB

A VIEW THAT KILLS  

For anyone looking to toast 2021 with a good stiff drink, look no further than the Legacy Club, the new luxe rooftop cocktail experience high atop Circa Resort & Casino in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas.

The nearly 9,000 square foot upscale lounge was five years in the making and boasts an expansive terrace, fire pits, a display of 500 two-ounce Circa-branded gold bars (worth what the ticker says on any given day), and according to Circa CEO Derek Stevens, the best sunset vantage point in the city.

“When you get to see Las Vegas light up right before your eyes, it’s something pretty special,” says Stevens of the panoramic Valley views. “You know you’ve got a great night ahead of you.”

The lounge got its label by paying homage to the icons who made Las Vegas what it is today. Eleven “founding fathers,” including Howard Hughes, Benny Binion, and Bob Stupak are enshrined with metal busts in the 60th-floor entryway as you exit the exclusive elevator, and in black-and-white portraits leading directly to the centerpiece bar.

That devotion to decades past is also reflected in the club’s cocktail program, including a build-your-own Old Fashioned menu with over 200 whiskeys to choose from; and new twists on old classics, like their namesake Legacy Club, which shakes up a traditional Clover Club (Absolut Elyx and prickly pear syrup replace gin and raspberry).

“We tried to do the same with classic cocktails that made what the craft cocktail world is today,” says Sam Pulliam, the Director of Beverage. “I feel like this is what Vegas used to be: the glitz, glamour, and mid-century vibe.”

The opening of the Legacy Club and the hotel’s 777-room and suites tower follows the October reveal of the world’s largest sportsbook; Stadium Swim’s year-round pool/amphitheater; and Circa’s two-story casino with a refurbished icon “Vegas Vickie.” Now, the first ground-up, adults-only casino-resort downtown in 40 years is finally complete and leaving a legacy of its own. The “founding fathers” would toast to that.

Designer Spotlight: Thomas Burger

Deluxe Version Magazine is proud to have a new member of the family, Thomas Burger. He is a world-renowned interior designer and is set to bring new light to Las Vegas one project at a time.

“A good designer can do anything well, from traditional to contemporary, from restrained to extravagant. My goal is to create a perfect reflection above and beyond my clients’ vision.”

Upon graduating from Indiana University with multiple degrees in the sciences, Burger traveled Europe extensively, soaking in each country’s culture and immersing himself in the art and architecture of each city. At the age of 23, he returned to America to make New York City his home where he continued his education in design and architecture.



Filled with inspiration Burger launched his own design firm in New York City which quickly flourished into one of the most sought-after design firms for both commercial and residential projects.

“I’ve renovated, over one hundred landmark buildings in New York City, as well as designing several of the newer high rises, transforming the New York City skyline, with my clients,” he says.

Burger also took his design talents across the globe with projects in China, the Philippians, Hong Kong, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Monaco, and London. Domestically he has projects across the country.

“I’ve been so blessed to have worked on so many incredible projects throughout the world. In Las Vegas, there have been so many but the one that stands out in my mind is, assisting in the design of  the most expensive home ever sold in Vegas.”  

“I think that  Las Vegas is at the precipice of catching up with the rest of the world and surpassing it in good, solid, creative design. I am excited to be a part of it.” – Thomas Burger

Burger is ready to bring new design life into the city that never sleeps by creating beautiful spaces, peaceful sanctuaries, and divine environments for everyone to live in.

 

Viceroy Los Cabos: A Stunning Sanctuary

Los Cabos Luxury Resort

“On the Sea of Cortés in Baja, at the edge of the horizon, Viceroy Los Cabos is like no other place on earth. The architecturally stunning concept by Miguel Angel Aragonés lures you into a quiet state of mind with its cinematic views and striking architecture around every turn. Be a part of the scene and restore your spirit with immersive experiences throughout the hotel. The resort is crowned by five restaurants and lounges, a rooftop bar, and a holistic-focused spa. The historic Colonial streets of San José del Cabo are nearby, as are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure on land and sea. Yet staying right in your guestroom — where sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows and you have your very own private patio or balcony — may be just the life-changing experience you need.” – Viceroy Los Cabos

Modern, minimal, stylish. Each room at Viceroy Los Cabos is designed for indoor/outdoor experiences, with luxury amenities and nature close at hand. The sunlight streaming in is boundless. And so is the feeling that nothing will get in the way of you and serenity. Viceroy Los Cabos dares to offer you more than an oasis in the desert. It is an end-all-be-all of sumptuous amenities that makes your experience more relaxing, captivating, and memorable.

“Check-in and be enraptured. There are 198 guestrooms nestled in striking white buildings, all connected by elevated walkways under which water flows directly from the Sea of Cortés. It’s nature meets modernity, inside and out.”  – Viceroy Los Cabos

Source: www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com | Photos: Courtesy Of Viceroy Los Cabos

The Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel: A Delight for the Digital Nomad

People from all over the United States have been seeking out the sun and fun of South Florida in epic proportions over the past year. Miami has seen an uptick in both beach-loving tourists and individuals relocating from colder climates permanently. What if you want a taste of the sand and sun but still need to continue with the “work from home” situation most people have grown accustomed to over the past year? The answer is easy – enjoy an extended stay at The Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel.

Between being nestled in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco District, a recent renovation and 200 feet of the oceanfront beach step away – The Kimpton Surfcomber has something for every type of digital nomad.

For the foodie nomad, the boutique hotel has two restaurants helmed by newly minted Executive Chef, Javier Carballo. The Social Club is the signature restaurant of the property – which features cuisine that draws inspiration from Latin America with a flair from Italy and Spain. High Tide Beach Bar & Grill is the hotel’s al fresco dining option – located between the hotel and the beachfront. Guests who fancy a poolside moment can eat and drink the day away while gazing at lush palm trees. For a touch more privacy, poolside people can enjoy the hotel’s Vine Cabanas. The dedicated outdoor space offers an elevated and secluded lounging situation.

South Beach is a hub for healthy living so a fitness-focused nomad would be right at home at the Kimpton Surfcomber. Just steps outside the property is a paved path – perfect for a morning walk or run along the sandy beach. The property also has loaner bikes for the perfect sunset cycling situation. The modest fitness center features just enough equipment for daily work out of free weights and cardio machines.

20181116 – CELEBRITY MAG – JENNA ELFMAN SHOOT


Paul Zahn: Photo By Patrick Rivera

The Kimpton Surfcomber recently kicked off a WFH Work From Home Package. It includes unlimited morning kick-start coffee from 8-10 am, up to 20 pages of complimentary black and white printing, complimentary WiFi, a mini “office kit” at check-in and so much more. Between the sun, sand, strong WiFi, and sumptuous food and beverage – there really are so many reasons for the digital nomad to seek serenity at The Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel.

 

Live Like The Hotel Boss

– By Ashlee DeMartino

Growing up in the small wine country town of Lodi, California, Faisal Sublaban learned that hard work, determination, and risk are what it takes to be a BOSS.

“We were a middle-class family in a small town, Mom, Dad, myself, and my three siblings. My father’s a serial entrepreneur. He had multiple businesses that spanned car audio to car lots, all of which I worked within, as a kid” said Sublaban.

After graduating High School Sublaban, attended UC San Diego, where he got his Bachelor of Science in Management Science. “When I graduated, I went right into a job working for Wells Fargo financial. I did extremely well and within 12 months I became a manager” he said.

After two years Sublaban started his own company, working this time in the world of real estate. But after a few years, he got out of the financial industry and went back to school receiving his master’s degree from Harvard in Business Finance. Looking to get back in the financial industry he moved to New York City.

“I was approached by a gentleman who I had known for about 10 years who had founded the company Bonotel Exclusive Travel. I worked side by side with him and the family for 18 months or so growing and helping to manage the company, taking on a direct leadership role. The company was eventually sold to the Carlyle Group, a large Private Equity firm and at that point, I became the CEO,” he said.

Management, investment, and focusing on the structure of the companies’ executive teams to bring new life, talent, and technology into the company have been his focus over the last few years. Traveling about 200 days out of the year around the world to various properties the company works with, Sublaban decided to start a new adventure.

“Because of my job I have unique insight and access into destinations and hotels that others may not. So, I figured I might as well start documenting it” he said.

“The Hotel Boss” was created.

“What I thought would be cool is to provide an authentic lens into hotels and destinations and start to document some of the access that I have been given thanks to the role that I’m in, and it’s just kind of grown and expanded from there.  I take an inside look into the hospitality industry. Managing your company, daily struggles around leadership, and being a thoughtful leader within the industry. And now, given the pandemic, really kind of providing that uplifting voice of things, the positive things within life, and navigating the day-to-day challenges of the pandemic especially in an industry such as the hospitality that has been completely decimated from it,” says Sublaban.

Deluxe Version Magazine’s Publisher, Tim Hancock, and Faisal Sublaban

“We continue to try and figure out how to disrupt the industry, approach the market differently, and working with Deluxe Version Magazine provides us a unique and strategic marketing and distribution partner to hotels around the globe,” he says.

When he is not working Sublaban, loves spending time outdoors mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, surfing, skiing, and of course traveling.

“I mean, I love Beirut, in Lebanon. It is one of my favorite places to go visit. I love Ibiza. Not ironically for going out to nightclubs because they have all those DJs here in Vegas, so we are quite spoiled, but it’s just the European vibe, it’s all about living life and enjoying life and taking a two-hour lunch and maybe even a little nap in between but still being productive. They don’t let work and everything else dictate their ability to just soak in all that life has to offer.” 

Experience Waterfront Living

Your Lake Las Vegas Custom Home

 – By Whitney Ogden

Custom home design at Lake Las Vegas focuses on creating an unparalleled and tailored experience on the water from the moment you walk up to the front door.  

“The home at 23 Summer House Drive captures this trend in a beautiful way,” said Gene Northup, real estate professional at Sotheby’s International Realty and the listing agent on the home deemed Water’s Edge.  The property sits on a 1.21-acre peninsula as part of The Estates at Reflection Bay in Lake Las Vegas. “This waterfront home overlooks the entire lake, hence the name, Water’s Edge.” 

From the moment someone walks up to the home, designed by internationally renowned architecture firm Swaback Partners, there is an immediate connection with the lake.  Guests are greeted with an unobstructed visual path through the glass door all the way to the waterfront backyard.  In the great room, oversized pocket doors open to the roughly 270 degrees of grand vistas overlooking the lake and surrounding mountain ranges, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor space.  

 “Indoor-outdoor living is one of the most sought-after designs right now, especially for an area like Lake Las Vegas that possesses some of the most incredible views with outdoor activity in the city,” Northup said.  

Northup said customizing a home experience often involves incorporating spaces for relaxation and grand entertainment, and upgrading traditional spaces to fit those needs.  The estate’s oversized kitchen with top-grade appliances, dual center islands, and a prep area is adjoined to the great room, allowing the ability to entertain many easily.

The Estates community can deliver grand views and waterfront living in a contemporary style.  Northup said that although some of his clients require larger houses, roughly 70 percent of his prospective custom homeowners seek more contemporary homes that don’t exceed 5,000 square feet.  

Some homes’ modern look includes neutral and bright colors, clean lines, natural sunlight, and spa-like features in the master suite and bath.  “We are seeing many residents, particularly women, creating a relaxing and resort-style feeling in the master bedroom and bath; for some, it is the most important aspect of the home.”

Lake Las Vegas currently offers half-acre and 1 acre lots on the water, which both enjoy private parks and beaches at The Estates. For more information about the community, visit www.lakelasvegas.com.  To learn more about Water’s Edge, visit www.23summerhouse.com or call the sales office at 702-497-0300.


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Eating Around The World

Without Leaving The Las Vegas Strip: A Delicious Day-To-Night Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to do some gastronomic globe-trotting (but don’t have the time or money to actually take a trip) look no further than the Las Vegas Strip. The world-famous boulevard is ripe with wide-ranging restaurants, from Asian alternatives to domestic destinations, so for those of you bitten by the travel bug, here’s a day-to-night international-style itinerary to sink your teeth into and satisfy your wanderlust…all without leaving town.

The journey begins with brunch—considered by locals and tourists alike as the most important meal of any Vegas day—with two Italian-inspired best-bets depending on whether you prefer your eggs served in Naples or Rome.

LAVO

LAVO, inside the Palazzo, continues its decadent Endless Italian Brunch Buffet billed as a “new spin on the classic weekend meal.” Chef/Partner Ralph Scarmadella—whose father grew up on a farm in Naples, Italy—has unlimited offerings, including live chef stations, a made-to-order pasta display serving Fettuccini with Lobster & Truffle in a Parmigiano wheel, and an array of artisanal desserts and pastries that are well worth the calories. (And you would be a fool NOT to dip into the Cointreau Noir chocolate fountain). The all-inclusive brunch with high-end add-ons (can you say bottomless booze?) returns to both Saturdays and Sundays starting in March. Be prepared for endless enjoyment.

Giada

Over at The Cromwell, Giada De Laurentiis’ namesake Giada’s also turns on tradition’s high heel with The Book Club Brunch, an interactive tasting menu inspired by recipes from her New York Times best-selling cookbooks. The celebrity chef pays tribute to her Roman roots with Italian-influenced favorites like the “Shaker Salad” that is shaken AND stirred table-side, or Eggs Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper) on multigrain toast (this writer’s personal preference). But the experience begins with an outstanding pastry tray-on-wheels and ends with a too-hard-to-choose assortment of dazzling desserts, what I call the perfect breakfast bookends. You’ll definitely want to be a book club member. 

Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club

Now whether you prefer your Happy Hour with a hot Hollywood vibe or a (23 degree) Arctic chill, there are two distinct options located on the LINQ Promenade. 

At Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, the late-night comic wants your belly filled with more than just laughs. Kimmel not only inspired the design (the bar is an exact replica of his LA-based home bar!), but he also curated the happy hour menu himself. Now you can choose from all of Kimmel’s personal bar food faves—pizza, pretzels, chicken fingers, and fries—but the joke’s on us: the Emmy Award-winning TV host opted for a healthier “artisanal” take on the comedy club classics. Combine those with a cocktail named after a Kimmel family member—I liked the “Uncle Frank” whiskey drink—and this is one man-cave experience we can all get behind.

ICEBAR

For a cooler experience (literally), head across the promenade to the ICEBAR. Ice-based hospitality reportedly originated above the Arctic Circle in the far north of Sweden, so if you like your spirits on—and in—the rocks, you can do as the Swedes do and have yourself the perfect penguin party. The space is made of 80-plus tons of ice and showcases several interactive carved sculptures (including a Vegas Golden Knights tribute). This is strictly a no-food zone, but there are plenty of frozen drinks to chew on. Prepare to sleigh for a short stop, because, well…it’s cold. Also, I highly recommend not licking the ice. 

Tim Ho Wan

For dinner, if you are craving dim sum and then some, you can get your Chinese food fix at Tim Ho Wan inside Palms. The Hong Kong-based, Michelin-starred restaurant offers a traditional take on Cantonese-style cuisine. Chef “Danny” Ho Wong and his team of “international dim sum specialists” have perfected the made-to-order menu featuring Baked BBQ Pork Buns, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow); and Pan-Fried Turnip Cake); special Vegas-only items like Wagyu Beef Rice Roll; and a first-of-its-kind cocktail program. It’s affordable yet gourmet. And that about dim sums it up.   

THE FRONT YARD

And what better way to night-cap off our restaurant roundup than with a craft brew and an unobstructed Strip view at THE FRONT YARD, a New York loft-style beer garden at Ellis Island.  The two-story indoor/outdoor atrium—with a retractable roof—has its own craft brewery, live entertainment and a kitchen filled with Ellis family-favorite recipes, such as house-cured bacon and brisket (that is, if you’re still hungry!). You’ll want to be a part of it, so grab a pint and start spreading the news.  

The Best of Bali

Known for its volcanic mountains, stunning beaches, lush rice paddies, and yoga and meditation retreats, Bali—an island province of Indonesia—is the perfect getaway to beat the winter woes and find your zen.

Bali boasts the best of both worlds when it comes to tourism: a euphoric urban oasis in the city of Ubud, and sheer serenity at the seashore in Nusa Dua. Ubud is known as Bali’s cultural epicenter and features a myriad of dining options, cleansing temples and baths, shopping galore, a bustling nightlife scene (even a monkey forest). Nusa Dua is Bali’s upscale beachfront area, and although just a short ride from Ubud, it feels worlds away.

Bali was recently named one of the top 10 “most Instagrammable places in the world” and between the street art, floating breakfasts, waterfalls, and mountain swings, we totally see why. Deluxe Version Magazine has picked two stand-out resorts to showcase…perfect for Instagram influencers and travel aficionados alike.

The Mansion Resort Hotel & Spa, Ubud

Tucked away in Ubud’s historic artist colony of Penestanan, The Mansion Resort Hotel and Spa is truly one of Bali’s hidden gems, perfectly blending an atmosphere of relaxation with the aesthetic of an eclectically designed art museum.

The Mansion’s sanctuary showcases traditional Balinese life with Indonesian art throughout the sprawling space that includes lotus ponds and multiple infinity pools amongst lush green gardens. The resort’s 150 rooms combine exquisitely designed suites, residences, guest rooms, and honeymoon-worthy villas that are adorned with ikat textiles draped on beds, and include private plunge pools.

As for dining at The Mansion Resort Hotel and Spa, guests have a plethora of options including the intimate Tree House Dining and Plumeria. The Tree House is the perfect spot for honeymooners to enjoy a quiet secluded meal overlooking the serene Heaven and Earth water garden. Servers will treat guests like Balinese royalty as they eat and drink the night away elevated in the skies of Indonesia. Plumeria is the resort’s rooftop dining paradise. The menu specializes in artisan pescatarian cuisine and offers meals that are high caliber on the palate and also perfect for that Instagrammable floating breakfast. The dining area is set within an onsite aquaponic garden where the culinary team sources fresh herbs to craft their masterpieces. Guests can take a dip in the rooftop pool before or after a meal to enjoy a fresh craft cocktail or a detox smoothie.
Ubud is known for its yoga and meditation retreats and The Mansion runs its own Wellness Center on site. The sanctuary is an all encompassing holistic space to heal the body and soul with their full team of holistic and medical healers.

The Apurva Kempinski, Nusa Dua

One of Bali’s newest additions that is ideal for the seashore serenity seeker is the five-star Apurva Kempinski. “Apurva” is Sanskrit for “unique” and “magnificent,” and this title truly fits this oceanic oasis. The resort is set atop the magical cliff of Nusa Dua and showcases the feels of an open-air theater with the backdrop being the glorious Indian Ocean.

A 250-foot walkway down the center of The Apurva was inspired by Bali’s sacred temples and provides the perfect stage for nightly rituals. The Balinese believe harmony is found when combining five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth, and Apurva’s modern architecture truly reflects those elements. There are bodies of water at every turn at The ruva…the most Instagram-worthy pool (and the largest) which overlooks the beach.

The property offers 475 guest rooms, suites, and villas, with exquisite views of the best of Bali. The guest rooms are decorated with Indonesian motifs, local fabrics and rich woods that deliver the feeling of both luxury and a traditional Balinese home. Additionally, the resort recently launched a collection of 43 private villas all named after kingdoms that once ruled over Bali.

For the food and beverage connoisseur, The Apurva has six dining options amid its abundant natural setting…the standout being its underwater restaurant, Koral. Guests begin their dining journey at Koral by walking through a glass-roofed tunnel and enjoy their meal amid an enormous aquarium filled with exotic fish. The cuisine offerings include fresh local seafood with the flare of Indonesian spices. An evening of aquatic culinary dining at Koral is an unparalleled Balinese experience. Overall, the experience at The Apurva Kempinski will allow any guest to find, harness and hang on to their luxurious om.

Taking in Tequila, Mexico

People typically think tequila is simply the main ingredient in the most ordered cocktail in the world (the margarita)…however, tequila is much more than a base spirit in a cocktail: it’s a culinary, cultural and tourist destination in the Jalisco region of Mexico. The town of Tequila (big “T”) is nestled in western Mexico at the foot of the Tequila volcano, and its outskirts are filled with fields of blue agave, the main ingredient in the tequila (small “t”) spirit. Tequila is a hub of rich Mexican culture set amongst colorful buildings, cobblestone streets and the wafting aromas of tequila being crafted in the nearby distilleries. Visitors can stop at a local restaurant and enjoy traditional local cuisine like the 28-ingredient dish chile en nogada or stop in the National Museum of Tequila for a history lesson and, of course, a tasting…since there’s no shortage of opportunities in Tequila to sip tequila. Deluxe Version Magazine rounded up our three must-visit spots when visiting this historic town with a famously drinkable name.

Where To Stay

Centrally located in Tequila, Hotel Solar de las Animas has everything you need to experience five-star accommodations in a quaint town. Built to reflect traditional Mexican colonial style and featuring a ground floor mosaic pool surrounded by stunning architecture, the spacious guest rooms offer refuge from the hustle and bustle of Tequila with a flare of antique charm. Skybar, the fourth-floor rooftop lounge, is the perfect spot to sip tequila in a wading pool while watching the sun set over dormant volcanos.

Where To Sip

No trip to Tequila is complete without tasting and blending your own tequila. Guests should tour La Rojena, Latin America’s oldest distillery, and finish with a chocolate and tequila tasting. First built in the 1800s to launch Jose Cuervo’s tequila empire, this journey of the palate and mind whisks guests back to the very beginning of tequila through present day. A guide walks visitors through the tequila-making process in a sensory experience that is capped off with a taste of the limited edition Jose Cuervo Family Reserve.

Where To Take In Culture

The Juan Beckmann Gallardo Cultural Center is one of the town’s newest additions. The Center, designed by Jorge Loyzaga, showcases the rich heritage of Mexico through a variety of art and design exhibits with a goal of bringing the best artists closer to town while also cultivating local talent. The Center brings renowned creators to Tequila to mentor locals who have given so much to the Jose Cuervo tequila legacy. Juan Beckmann was a pioneer in the world of tequila production and he is committed to preserving the history of the town of Tequila while showcasing it as a cultural and tourist hub.