Nick Vivion - Round 3
YouTube Video 1:
YouTube Video 2:
YouTube Video 3:
Why Massages Stress Me Out (And How I Learned to Let Go)
Massages stress me out. I have never been one to fantasize about robed relaxation in a spa, drinking tea and waiting to be kneaded by a stranger. The idea of all of my earthly imperfections lying bare to see, the intimacy that inevitably comes from close-proximity touching, my inability to just stop thinking about all of this stuff…it all combines to a perfect storm that made me feel terribly uncomfortable in such places of pampered bliss.
My, how things change as I get older! I have started to Learn to Let Go, and I have to give due credit to Devin from the Spa at Encore Las Vegas. “Just relax your arm,” he gently admonished me during my 80-minute Thai Oil Fusion Massage. I tried, but when trying too hard to release tension proved to make me more anxious, I just stopped thinking.
The Spa at Encore Las Vegas is a world-class facility - in fact, I’m certain that it set the standard for world-class when it received five star/five diamond awards within it’s first year of opening.
You arrive in the lobby of the Spa, and before you go in you already feel like you have entered a world in which inner peace is standard. The Genie’s bottle, if you will.
Upon entering the Gentlemen’s Spa, I am instantly reminded about how FREAKING LOUD our everyday existence is. Save for the sound of the whirlpools coming from the soaking pools and the soft whoosh of a gas fireplace, it’s silent. Donning a robe and slipping on sandals, I cross over into a lounge that is even more silent than the last.
There are 39 treatment rooms in the Spa, including 5 for couples. They are located off of a cavernous main hall that features classic Asian lanterns, oversized porcelain vases, soothing light fixtures, and an impeccably presented and welcoming staff.
Devin proceeded to work his magic for 80 minutes, sharing with me the intensive process for becoming a massage therapist in one of the world’s premier spas. It’s no wonder that I felt the nerve endings in my scalp tingle as he manipulated my toes, or that I saw a pleasant collection of stars behind my eyes as all that computer-typed tension was worked out of my back.
I was groggy, and completely rejuvenated afterwards. I could barely move in my haze of contentment, but of course there is no rest for the hard-working and weary. More Vegas, baby!
[The Spa at Encore | Encore Las Vegas | (702) 770-7171 | 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South | http://www.encorelasvegas.com/#/spa_salon ]
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Do massages stress you out? Share below!
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Dreamin' of Diving With Le Reve
I conceal a grunt of disbelief as two bald and burly performers with legs the size of redwoods crawl like spiders all over each other. One ends up completely inverted, upside down, forming a straight line from the water up to the ceiling. The performers are a reflection of each other, uncannily resembling the reflection of a body on water. They begin walking towards the edge of the stage, although it is only the one on the bottom doing the walking. The other has his legs in the air, perfectly mimicking the walk that his mirror image is doing below. One is walking on water, the other seemingly walking on air. Upside down.
And for me, that is the essence of Le Reve, the marquee show at the Wynn Las Vegas: A spectacle that has redefined my expectations for showmanship. With performers zooming, floating, swimming, diving, twirling and spinning at all angles, there was always something awe-inspiring to absorb!
I had never seen a show in Vegas before, and artistic director Franco Dragone’s aquatic opera has forever cranked up my thermostat for acrobatic entertainment.
Le Reve is basically an aquatic theater-in-the-round, with 12 rows of seats circling a large pool. The pool has a rising stage, three tunnels which lead backstage, and hundreds of props and other rigging that defines this dynamic show.
Before the show, I had the super-duper-neat opportunity to go backstage and chat with Rick, who manages the team of 14 divers that work “backstage” (aka underwater) to support the cast of over 80 performers.
“It involves an incredible amount of trust,” he told me, which makes plenty of sense, because the performers are basically diving into the water blind. They rely on the divers to bring them oxygen and masks, and to get them on and off stage on cue.
The 14 divers are called “show divers,” meaning they are involved in their own behind-the-scenes performance, following cues and making sure that the show goes off as planned.
As a PADI-certified Advanced Open Water diver myself, I was geeking out hardcore as Rick explained all of this to me. And for other diving fanatics like me, the theater recently introduced the Diver’s Dream package. Six words: You get to dive Le Reve!
The package is a two-day experience, starting with 2 VIP seats to Friday’s performance. On Saturday, you then spend 4 hours with Rick and the team, learning show diver skills and getting used to the various riggings around the underwater stage. Then on Saturday night, you get the best seat in the house: an underwater view of the show! For 80 minutes, you dive with the team and see Le Reve like few others have.
And ss far as losing my Vegas show virginity to Le Reve, I’m cool with it. C’etait genial!
[Le Reve | Encore Las Vegas | (702) 770-7171 | 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South | ]http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/le_reve ]
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What is your favorite entertainment spectacular? Share below!
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“I don’t give concerts, I put on a show!”
Liberace. The word brings up images of opulence, flamboyance and exquisite showmanship. And while Liberace was a little before my time – he died in 1987 when I was 4 – I still associate those images with his name.
Liberace lives on at the Liberace Museum (1775 East Tropicana Avenue), which opened in 1979. Scores of volunteers and a passionate staff keep the museum afloat. They maintain Liberace’s legacy by keeping his many artifacts well-preserved and supporting students of the Fine Arts.
I knew very little about Liberace before I arrived at the museum, as I was mainly interested in checking out the insane fabulosity of the one-time richest entertainer in the world.
I had seen pictures, and even in death, Liberace does not disappoint. Flowing gowns studded with rhinestones and shiny crystals. Capes of ostrich feathers weighing 175 pounds. Disco-ball Rolls Royces and a gold-flecked sports car with gull-wings and a custom candelabra adorning each side. Ridiculously baroque pianos that would be at home in an 18th century French salon. This was Liberace’s world, and what a blindingly shiny world it was!
Liberace began as a concert pianist and quickly found his calling combining the piano and a hyper-keen sense of what makes a popular show. He combined pop influences with an interactive performance style that veered sharply from the traditional concert pianists of the time.
He was also a sharp self-promoter, billing himself as “the most amazing piano virtuoso of the present day,” and playing for the upper echelons of society to boost his cultural cachet.
In 1954, 10 years after he began developing his unique style, he opened the brand-new Riviera Casino in Las Vegas, pulling in $50,000 per week as the headliner.
He quickly put his newfound wealth to work, embracing capitalism and filling his home with opulent goodies and unusual, custom-made pieces. In fact, it seems like everything this guy bought was custom-made – it must have been quite difficult to find such extravagances in even the most exclusive stores of that time!
Even if you are not a fan, The Liberace Museum is fascinating. That such a man could exist is mind-boggling, and the fact that he died denying that he was gay baffles even further. I believe it was Liberace that set the stage for Elton John and Michael Jackson, as well as an easy stereotype of the “fabulous” gay male.
The museum is $15, and all admission fees go to preserving their quirky collection. Call ahead to ask about the free shuttle bus they run from the South Strip.
[Liberace Museum | (702) 798-5595 |1775 East Tropicana Avenue | liberace.org]
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What are your thoughts on Liberace? Share below!
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Cruisin' the Locals
Sundays just aren’t what they used to be…well, not that I have anything to judge by since this is my first time in Vegas as a gay-identified adult! But still – it was very quiet Sunday night on the Fruit Loop.
The Fruit Loop is Las Vegas’ poorly named gayborhood, a loop of gay bars in a two-block radius to the north of McCarran Airport. It’s on Paradise Rd, in a part of town called Paradise…so we have the Fruit Loop in Paradise… Only in Vegas!
My first stop was Gipsy (4605 Paradise Road), where I quickly discovered that the self-proclaimed first and best gay bar is now only open on select nights.
Across the street is a complex that includes the dance-y Piranha (4633 Paradise Rd) and the lounge-y 8 ½. It was Latin Night with a cover, so my bedraggled self kept walking.
Next up: karaoke night at the Free Zone (610 East Naples Drive). One Bud Light later, the place was still empty, and despite the horrid crooning, I was warmed by the friendly banter of the dozen folks sitting around the bar. After a patron refuses to take cash for a bummed cigarette and gives the money to the bartender, Laurie, she jokes, “I’ll sell your cigarettes all night long baby!”
Onwards to the Buffalo (4640 Paradise), where things are a little more lively but still way slower than expected. Daniel is bartending and Chad, the night doorman, has just finished his shift. We talk about Vegas and he tells me two things that stick with me:
1) “Alcohol is 24/7 in this town, but your body ain’t! Go home!” Wise.
2) “Vegas is always trying to build something out of nothing. The people too.”
The soul of Vegas, it seems, is the elusive American Dream and the optimism that everything will, in the end, be all right.
[The Fruit Loop | Paradise Road, betw. Hardom and Tropicana ]
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What’s your favorite gay spot in Vegas? Share below!
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Taxi Drivers + Vegas = A Good Time
I love Vegas taxi drivers. Unlike in other cities, not one was muttering to someone through an invisible earpiece. It might just be my shimmeringly accessible demeanor, but I had a series of insightful and flat out fun conversations with every single cab driver I had.
Some taxi drivin’ tales:
Antoine from Haiti, on Vegas:
“The worst mistake of my life was to follow my wife here. To me, it’s still a mafia town! The government is just a puppet.”
Ashu from Ethiopia, on Vegas:
“I’ve been here for 10 years. I love it. [Vegas] is the Jerry Springer version of America!”
Antoine, on driving a cab in Vegas:
“I only get 39% of each fare! I don’t care if they pave the streets with diamonds and gold, I hate it here. I can’t even pay my rent driving a cab!”
Ashu, on loose women and swingin’ men:
“I picked up this one guy from the Green Door – a swinger’s club you know – and he said that his wife sent him to a strip club. Half way through the ride, he tells me he wants to go to Entourage [gay bathhouse]. I tell him it’s not a strip club, and he says ‘I know, but my wife doesn’t have to know…”
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Do you have tales of Vegas taxicab confessions? Share below!
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5 Notes on 24 Hours in Vegas
I’ve landed in Vegas with one assignment: Document a day in Sin City from my (gay) perspective. Sounds easy, but once you realize how spread out things are, it becomes a feat of logistical prowess and sweaty fortitude.
Here are my highlights:
1) The Encore | http://www.encorelasvegas.com
Steve Wynn completes his vision for his signature property with the Encore, a fabulous extension of the laid-back luxury he is known for. (Laid-back luxury, in the sense that everything is effortlessly perfect!)
Billy, Steve Wynn’s personal driver, picks me up at the airport in a Rolls-Royce Phantom. It’s one of 11 in their collection, each clocking in at a cool half mil. It’s the largest private collection of Rolls-Royces in the world.
I am greeted by a genuinely friendly staff that instantly makes me feel at home. Whisked away up to my immaculately appointed Tower Suite, I start to get a taste of how the other half lives. It feels oh-so-good.
2) Frank Marino’s “Divas Las Vegas” | http://www.frankmarino.com
Frank Marino has the longest running act on the Las Vegas strip, and has become an icon. His latest show, “Divas Las Vegas” is at the Imperial Palace and features a bevy of the most legendary divas in music. From Lady Gaga to Liza Minnelli, there is something for young and old.
Frank is Joan Rivers, and cracks jokes in between nearly a dozen costume changes. The vibe is sing-along fun, and the energy is high. It’s a great show that’s definitely the gayest on the Strip!
3) Maverick Helicopter Tour | http://www.maverickhelicopter.com
Flying over Vegas at night is such a different experience then hoofing it down the Strip among all the common folk. I enjoyed the bird’s eye view, mostly because I avoided the large plastic yards of boozy drinks that are so popular down below.
The shimmering neon takes on a different feeling from above, becoming simultaneously more surreal and tangible. Flying over the buildings makes you think you can touch them, yet it also highlights the artificial nature of the Strip. It’s an unsettling experience that had me giddy for the rest of the night!
4) Thai Massage at the Spa at Encore | http://www.encorelasvegas.com
I am not one to get massages, and this one has made me a believer. I instantly noticed more movement in my body, as I was pushed into positions I didn’t know were even possible.
The Spa at Encore is world-class, and the attention to detail is impeccable. I definitely could have spent the whole day there enjoying the hot stone beds, steam room, sauna and multiple soaking pools!
5) Lotus of Siam | http://www.saipinchutima.com
“The best Thai Food on the West Coast,” friends and locals kept telling me, so I had to go investigate for myself! This amazing Thai restaurant helmed by Chef Saipin Chutima is located in an unassuming strip mall off-Strip, which definitely does not inspire much confidence. But once you put that first bite in your mouth, you know that it doesn’t really matter where you are: It’s all about the food, baby!
Vegas has something for everybody, and it can definitely be overwhelming at times. Love it or hate it, Vegas is here to stay. And with it’s constantly shifting landscape, there is always something new to discover – just open your eyes, talk to some locals and see where the adventure takes you!
Tales of Two Brekkies: the Tableau and the Peppermill
I am a breakfast person: I love to eat cereal at all hours. I make pancakes on Sundays. I never miss the first meal of the day. And Las Vegas is a great place for a breakfast aficionado, because you can get top-notch breakfast twenty-four hours a day.
Tableau (3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South) sits just inside the Tower Suites at the Wynn Las Vegas. It is a light and airy space, with a terrace overlooking the pool. As the morning light shines on the glassware, I am having visions of French toast dancing in my stomach.
Tableau is home to something called the White Chocolate and Orange Bread French Toast. It’s the kind of dish that makes people like me drool. I had heard from several people – and dozens upon dozens more online – that it was the dish to have for breakfast at the Wynn.
As Chef David Spero sets the plate on my table, I am already grinning. I can physically grab onto the deliciousness floating through the air. The organic orange blossom butter is melting nicely on the ridges of the toast, and I dig in.
The texture is exquisite, with the perfect crunch delivering a most satisfying experience. The flavors are balanced, the bread is fresh and the sweetness is even. Soaking up the maple syrup, it’s a sponge of goodness that brings me to my New York Times with contentment.
More please!
The Peppermill (2985 Las Vegas Blvd) has always had a place in my heart after visiting the sister property in Reno. I feel like I am in Old Vegas, looking around expectantly for the Rat Pack. This is the best spot in Vegas for late-night dining, not only because they have a full bar but also because the lighting is low and the atmosphere is laid-back, creating a soothing counterpoint to the flashing intensity of the Strip.
Adrielle, my waitress, is full of smiles as she patiently listens to my rant about how I wish we had something like the Peppermill back in Seattle. This place feels like home, in a Blade Runner kind of way.
Most importantly, though, is the fact that the food is not just greasy crap. It’s good. They have big plates, generous portions and a selection that will satisfy any craving. Try the Eggs Benedict – with three poached eggs, you won’t be going home hungry.
Attached is also the Fireside Lounge, with a romantic flaming pool and exotic cocktails. It was voted one of the top cocktail lounges in Vegas by Casino Magazine, Las Vegas Magazine and Menu Magazine. It’s also been a location for CSI and the movie Casino. It’s a chill place to relax and actually talk to the people you are with.
There is no clear winner here – check out Tableau for impeccable high-end dining, and shimmy on over to the Peppermill for something more laid-back.
[www.peppermilllasvegas.com | http://www.wynnlasvegas.com]
Pictures:
The Rest of Nick's Photos on Flickr