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Bellagio is about things that are good for the soul – fine dining, gardens, flowers, art and fashion. The goal, from the outset, was to create a hotel that would exemplify absolute quality while emphasizing romance and elegance – romance in the literary sense – a place of ideal beauty and comfort; the world everyone hopes for, as it might be if everything were just right.
A dreamy notion, to say the least, but a notion compelled by today's extremely competitive world leisure market. People just expect more these days. The old concepts of resort attractions are just that, old.
In order to become synonymous with beauty and elegance, Bellagio addressed its guests' higher sensibilities. Bellagio had to be distinctive enough to surpass the expectations of discerning individuals not easily fooled by advertising or hype. In a cynical world, creating a place of special elegance, quality and distinction is a difficult feat.
There are few places in the world so exceptional they don't require superlatives. Such places are best described with the simplest of words. Bellagio is such a place.
Architecture
Well-built hotels in Las Vegas have prospered in good times and in bad. The question was how to advance to the next level? Gaming as a unique or special kind of attraction to support tourism is a historical fact, but not a current dynamic. The hotels on The Strip are among the most exciting, dynamic and expensive structures on earth.
Still, Las Vegas lacked another dimension – exquisite and sophisticated elegance and beauty.
Bellagio is aimed, both in scope and presentation, to impress everyone, both the well traveled and the not so well traveled, without being pretentious. The most difficult task of all was keeping Bellagio from looking like the Victoria and Albert Museum or an old mansion with lots of gilt and fretwork.
The challenge became building a place so preemptive, so overwhelmingly attractive, that it would attract people who had not visited Las Vegas before – people who are not impressed with just gaming. Put another way, the challenge was making Las Vegas a successful competitor to London, Rome or Paris.
So began the long, difficult evolutionary process of developing an idea that, when turned into an enterprise, would fire the imaginations of the public, regardless of language, economic or ethnic background.
Bellagio captures the romantic symbolism and classical imagery of Italian architecture. It represents the softer side of the human soul.
Arrival
Guests realize that Bellagio is distinctive as soon as they arrive. Along the entire street in front of Bellagio is a tree-lined boulevard – so much so that it hides parts of the hotel including its own marquee -- historical heresy in Las Vegas.
With its Tuscan-inspired architecture along an eight-acre lake, Bellagio stands out as something completely out of character with what people know or expect in Las Vegas.
The initial impression of Bellagio begins as visitors approach the hotel along the water’s edge traveling along its winding driveway. The drive rises some two or three stories and then curves into the beautiful glass and metal porte cochere. The arrival statement on this cobblestone driveway is so striking that guests’ initial reactions are usually one of spirited curiosity.
Bellagio’s best elements are not revealed right away. People are taken on a journey. They are put off balance. They are surprised. Bellagio exceeds their expectations, even when they expect a lot. After all, this is Las Vegas. The vision was a fanciful environment without extreme formality. Bellagio is a study in informal elegance.
The Fountains of Bellagio
Throughout the world great public spaces have been accented with wonderful fountains. When thinking of the many romantic places in Paris or Rome, London or Madrid, fountains immediately come to mind. The Fountains of Bellagio express the romantic spirit of the resort.
The result of collaboration with WET Design is the most ambitious water feature ever conceived in terms of choreographic complexity and scale.
At Bellagio, more than a thousand fountains dance in front of the hotel, enhanced by music and light. The display spans more than 1,000 feet with water soaring as high as 460 feet into the air.
A wide range of musical works has been selected for the fountain’s shows, from classical and operatic pieces to popular music and songs from Broadway. Designers, musicians and performance artists were invited to choreograph the fountains to these differing musical selections.
The result is a rich, dynamic collection of performances in water, each uniquely expressive in its interpretation. The performances range from delicate and whimsical to grand and commanding.
The Front Lobby
The lobby is, in a word, grand, both in scale and in design. Above the 18-foot ceiling is a coffer filled with the most extraordinary glass sculpture, a chandelier called Fiori di Como, by glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, whose work has been exhibited in every major museum in the world. The flower petals are in every rich and vibrant color hanging in an explosive three-dimensional glass sculpture lit from behind.
Guests are treated immediately to this sensory use of color and natural shapes like flowers. By this time, having driven up the driveway, having experienced the garden adjacent to the porte cochere and having witnessed the lobby, Bellagio has begun to establish its unmistakable personality. It is clearly a place unlike any that people have seen before. It is show business in a way. Bellagio aims to dazzle arriving guests by making the most powerful initial impression possible.
The traditional front desk has been abandoned. At Bellagio, the front desk is bordered by a thriving garden filled with trees, plants, flowers and fountains. Just beyond that garden – 40 or 50 feet away – is the front of a building resembling an Italian villa, two stories tall. When employees check a reservation or go to the office, they walk through the gardens, through a door, into the villa, which is actually an office behind the scenes.
Throughout Bellagio, living plants, flowers and gardens have been integrated into the surroundings to soothe the soul and make a wonderful impression on people. Utilizing the quiet elegance of flowers and gardens is not the kind of sensual stimulation that one would consider mainstream Las Vegas technique. It's more subtle. It's far more profound. Who doesn't enjoy the tranquility or beauty of a lush, colorful, artfully designed garden?
Combining this natural sensuality with the high energy of a Las Vegas resort creates a counterpoint or tension. Transfixing or compelling environmental experiences cannot occur without conflict. The conflict happens when what people expect and what they see don't match. It's not enough just to surprise people, to be discordant. It isn’t enough just to be different. That moment of conflict has to be exceptional.
The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Across the lobby from the front desk is an opening through which a glass ceiling rises up 50 feet. This is the beautiful conservatory. The ceiling framework and beams are the sculpted green metal of oxidized copper, called verde, set in floral patterns.
The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ pathways lead to Café Bellagio, the 24-hour dining room; MICHAEL MINA Bellagio, a wonderful gourmet seafood restaurant; the Chihuly Gallery, the first and only shop featuring the work of Seattle artist Dale Chihuly; Giardini Garden Store, a shop displaying garden-oriented gifts, fountains and decorative items for the home; Spa & Salon Bellagio; Jean Philippe Pâtisserie, the first truly European-style pastry shop in Las Vegas; and Via Fiore (“flower way”), the promenade which leads to the Spa Tower.
These amenities were placed in the front, rather than the gaming, so that guests coming and going through this space will be treated to the soothing and exciting dance of color that is only available in nature.
The entire personality of Bellagio, including the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, changes with each of the four seasons and Chinese New Year with different trees, different flowers and an entirely different theatrical presentation.
Renowned lighting designer David Hersey oversaw the lighting of Bellagio’s exterior and its Botanical Gardens as well as the lighting for The Mirage volcano. David has won numerous Tony Awards for productions such as Cats, Evita, Starlight Express, Les Misérables and Miss Saigon.
Specialized light fixtures were designed for Bellagio allowing for every flower to be specially lit. Each time the set up is changed, the conservatory has theatrical control over every spot in the area.
A horticulture staff of 140 maintains the Botanical Gardens and the entire grounds of Bellagio. The staff has the ability to achieve seasonal designs by selecting flowers that complement the trees, gazebos, bridges and ponds and can add or remove water features to enhance the seasonal effect.
Chinese New Year features a distinctive pagoda, an 18-foot God of Wealth and a Feng Shui design. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while the summer offers flora equally as fragrant. Orange and yellow, brown and gold are used to match the fall foliage. Following Thanksgiving weekend, the gardens are transformed for the Christmas season. Bellagio’s holiday display is one of extraordinary beauty. The wonderful fragrances and magnificent colors of the seasons take over the entire arrival experience.
This ever-changing natural display is the single most significant component of Bellagio’s design, fulfilling the promise of creating the most extraordinary hotel in the world.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Las Vegas' premier exhibition venue, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presents exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and works on paper by the world's most influential artists. These museum-caliber exhibitions offer visitors a rare opportunity to view legendary works of art carefully selected from prestigious international collections. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is a cultural destination in which visitors of all backgrounds and interests can experience exceptional art in an unrivaled setting.
Unique, exhibition-related products, including a selection of books, stationery, note cards, desk accessories, prints, umbrellas and totes, can be found adjacent to the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.
The Gallery Store also offers a full line of limited edition and unique gift items including Fabergé jewelry and accessories, Goebel porcelain, fine prints and original works of art. The gallery and Gallery Store are available for special events such as private viewings and receptions.
The Art of Richard MacDonald presented by Cirque du Soleil
The “O” Theater Lobby has been transformed into an exclusive fine art gallery showcasing the infinite beauty of the human form as captured by the works of master sculptor, Richard MacDonald. Immortalizing the grace, strength, joy and discipline of dancers and acrobats, MacDonald’s bronze sculptures, serigraphs and lithographs now enchant Bellagio guests in this permanent gallery, born of the relationship between the founder of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté and Richard MacDonald.
The Pool and Courtyards
Divided into five distinctive pool courtyard settings, Bellagio's pool area captures the romance of the Old World in the classical setting of a Mediterranean villa.
Relaxing pools, soothing spas, a garden vista café and private cabanas are accented by artfully formed citrus and parterre gardens. The formal use of plantings along with groupings of Italian cypresses, olive trees and climbing vines appointed with large unique Mediterranean urns define the gardens' unique characteristics. For added distinction, several pools are enhanced by hand-carved Italianesque stone fountains in their centers.
The five pools and surrounding courtyards were planned with an emphasis on elegance and convenience. The setting is easily viewed from Café Bellagio and the elegant MICHAEL MINA restaurant, charming al fresco terraces off private meeting rooms, the Fitness Center and the Via Fiore promenade.
Symmetrically elegant parterre gardens banded by hedges complement the artistically tiled pools that are reminiscent of the Mediterranean designs evident elsewhere at Bellagio.
For complete relaxation, poolside massage treatments are available in private cabanas.
Cirque du Soleil’s Production of “O”
Bellagio started out as an extraordinarily ambitious project. But ultimately, for the resort to keep its promise, the entertainment had to be as spectacular as Bellagio itself. It had to produce an entertainment experience that people would talk about in Singapore, Rome, Hong Kong, London, New York and Buenos Aires.
Bellagio had the performance, the money and the ingenuity to create a theatre and a stage with every kind of technology.
With a great piece of entertainment in this one-of-a-kind theatre, the audience is taken to a place they’ve never been before. It is a journey that’s not about thrill rides or motion simulators or virtual reality. It’s about something far more powerful and deep. It’s about the movement of the spirit and soul. It’s about imagination.
Bellagio turned to colleagues from Montreal, the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. Just as with the hotel, it wouldn’t be enough to simply put a new costume on a previous concept –
even if that concept was heralded as one of the best shows in America, as is the case with Mystère at Treasure Island.
Inspired by the concept of infinity and the elegance of water’s pure form, “O” pays tribute to the beauty of the theatre – from the simplest street performance to the most lavish of operas – where anything is possible and where the drama of life plays itself out before our very eyes. An international cast of world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers and divers perform in, on and above water in this breathtaking production.
The Restaurants of Bellagio
In order to fulfill its goals, Bellagio’s restaurants had to run the gamut from gourmet
Five Diamond dining to easy informal meals. Food lovers no longer have to go to Paris or
New York for the best meals. Several of the finest restaurateurs were invited to bring their chefs and managers along with their invaluable expertise to be a part of the Bellagio experience.
Bellagio features two Michelin one star, Picasso and MICHAEL MINA Bellagio, one James Beard award-winning restaurant, two AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Picasso and Le Cirque, four James Beard award-winning chefs including Nevada’s first James Beard award recipient, Julian Serrano. Never before has such an exceptional collection of chefs and restaurants been assembled under one roof.
When looking at the finest dining establishments in America, the number one restaurant in New York City is Le Cirque owned by the Maccioni family whose patriarch is Sirio Maccioni. Sirio, his sons and his wife agreed to join Bellagio. Once the Maccioni family joined in, the restaurant community knew Bellagio was serious.
One of the finest restaurants in Boston is Todd English’s Olives, the talk of San Francisco is Michael Mina, and the versatile Jean-Georges Vongerichten is internationally known for his work in New York, London and Hong Kong. They were all invited to Bellagio and accepted.
With the approval of his family, one of Bellagio’s premier restaurants was named for the greatest painter of the twentieth century, Pablo Picasso. It had to be a completely unique experience, reflective of his preeminence.
Taking its inspiration from the villages of the Mediterranean, Picasso is a rough-hewn restaurant with a beam and brick ceiling and gesso-covered burlap walls. Some of the great master’s colorful and delightful paintings, as well as his ceramics, tiles and sculptures were incorporated into the restaurant’s décor.
Claude Picasso, the son of Pablo, designed the carpet and the furniture for the restaurant. This environment is the perfect setting to enhance the experience of renowned Chef Julian Serrano’s magnificent Mediterranean food.
At Picasso, guests dine indoors surrounded by works of Pablo Picasso or enjoy a cocktail on the outdoor patio along the water’s edge. There is no other place in the world where people can do that unless they go to the Picasso museum in Paris with a box lunch and sit down on the floor. And the security guards might object. Besides, there are no windows in the Picasso museum.
Whether guests are interested in a pre-show dinner or a lively late night-dining experience, FIX is the ideal destination. After dazzling Las Vegas with Light, Caramel and Mist, Andrew Sasson’s Light Group launched their first restaurant venture. FIX is an intimate and beautifully designed restaurant inviting guests to experience an approachable, high-quality menu with professional, detailed service in a fun, energetic environment.
Sensi invites guests on a sensual journey through an innovative approach to dining drama. Executive Chef Martin Heierling drew on his vast international experience to devise a menu based on four complementary cuisines – Italian, Asian, American and Seafood specialties – all prepared simply and focused with pure, balanced flavors. To spotlight Chef Heierling’s straightforward approach, Japanese design firm Super Potato crafted a unique, interactive ‘stage’ setup through minimalist, earthy décor. Together they created culinary theater destined to satisfy the personal inclinations of every guest.
The finest pastry chef in the world, Jean-Philippe Maury, also was sought out for Bellagio’s culinary team. In addition to his work as the resort’s executive pastry chef, he created Jean Philippe Pâtisserie. With the opulence and reverent air of a lavish jewelry salon, it is the first, truly European-style pastry shop in Las Vegas. The shop features a one-of-a-kind,
27-foot chocolate fountain circulating nearly two tons of dark, milk and white melted chocolate.
Jean Philippe Pâtisserie whets the imagination as much as the appetite with an incredible selection of sweet and savory items including chocolates, cookies, cakes, crepes, salads, sandwiches and more.
Nightlife, Lounges and Bars
While Las Vegas has a long and colorful history of nightlife entertainment, Bellagio’s vision was to define a new era. Bellagio has strived to offer a wide range of sensorial approaches to each venue, from fast-paced excitement to elegant relaxation.
The Bank (Opened December 2007) – Offering unrivaled service in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, The Bank caters to a discerning audience with higher sensibilities. Guests are greeted by a sensuous foyer providing a warm, welcoming space. The entrance into the nightclub's main room presents a dramatic aerial perspective. Elegant VIP booths layer the dance floor in an impressive, multi-tiered environment. A glass-encased dance floor, set at the lowest tier, is slightly raised creating a brilliant focal point in the center of the room. Attention to detail abounds where combinations of rich textures and carefully thought-out elements creating a harmoniously paired aesthetic. A rich kaleidoscope of colors complements the club’s intricate details creating a luxurious yet contemporary vibe. Vivid, one-of-a-kind ambient and mood lighting on both the ceiling and floor creates an ultra-sensory experience and a state-of-the-art sound system, built to suit the needs of all music types, bringing the club to life. The exquisitely chic and stunning 8,000–square-foot space makes The Bank the most sought-after club experience in Las Vegas. Simply stated, The Bank is cosmopolitan, exclusive and one of Las Vegas’ most desirable party spots.
Caramel Bar & Lounge – Caramel infuses a cool and calm ambiance, perfect for relaxing and unwinding, with the best aspects of a high-energy club. Ideal as a starting point for a night on the town or a place to grab a drink after a show, Caramel adds a touch of sophistication and fun to the Las Vegas nightlife scene.
Petrossian Bar – Petrossian Bar was designed to become the ultimate meeting place. Here, guests may choose from an array of offerings from afternoon tea to the finest champagnes, Petrossian caviar and smoked salmon. Its lavish décor transports guests to another era marked by fantasy and indulgence.
Fontana Bar and Lounge – Fontana Bar and Lounge is located on Bellagio’s casino level where guests enjoy live entertainment and spectacular views of the lake and the famous Fountains.
The Casino
Custom-draped canopies and coffered ceilings add dramatic touches to Bellagio’s casino, which features a variety of table games, video poker and slots.
Club Privé, the high-limit lounge and gaming area designed by Adam Tihany, provides a secluded space with a contemporary feel. The lounge, accented with elements evocative of the opulent art deco period, has an elevated floor that enhances the exclusive nature of the room.
Interlinking metal, dark wood, glass and silver-leafed screen partitions create a semi-enclosed area where players may enjoy a private atmosphere while still being part of the casino action. The understated lighting achieved by Venetian glass panels and chandeliers completes the unique experience.
The expanded poker room, world-renown amongst poker professionals and fans, creates a modern venue worthy of today's popular sport. Guests are greeted with elegance and style as a Murano hand-blown glass chandelier hangs overhead while intricate marble flooring paves the entryway. Throughout the room hangs artwork depicting the excitement of past Bellagio tournaments and previous World Poker Tour events. Within its 7,000 square feet, the room features 40 tables of non-stop action as well as ‘Bobby’s Room,’ the two-table, high-limit room named in honor of 1978 World Series of Poker Champion and MGM MIRAGE executive Bobby Baldwin. In addition to ‘Bobby’s Room,’ a five-table, high-limit area sits in an elevated section of the poker room.
Shopping at Bellagio
Bellagio is like a symphony. It has movements. The secret to a great symphony is the texture, the variety, the depth of the movements of which it is made. Each of the movements has its own personality and wonderful moments within the framework of the symphony. But even though there are differences in those movements, what makes it a symphony is that all of them are part of the same score.
Retail shopping is part of Bellagio’s symphonic production. Via Bellagio, a unique collection of upscale boutiques and shops, combines the timeless with the avant-garde, the simple with the extravagant.
A stroll along Via Bellagio allows guests to browse through exquisite collections at Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Hermès, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Dior, Bottega Veneta, Chanel and the rare and extraordinary jewelry of Fred Leighton.
Given the popularity of shopping in Las Vegas, Bellagio offers a complete shopping experience. Superb jewelry, watches, designer shoes, gifts, works of art, elegant evening fashions and fine sportswear all are available in the shops at Bellagio.
Spa & Salon Bellagio
An international array of innovative treatments and specially trained therapists provide the ultimate indulgent experience. Spa Bellagio’s menu incorporates a fusion of treatments discovered around the world and perfected at the resort. Some of the more distinct services include: Watsu; Thai Yoga Massage; Indian Head Massage; Ashiatsu Massage, Shiatsu Massage performed with the feet; and Balinese Massage, which combines Hindu, Chinese and European techniques.
The Salon’s artistic directors, well-known Las Vegas stylist Stuart Matthew and Chicago stylist Lucie Ventura, oversee this dynamic salon with 18 stylist stations. Features include a Barber Room with straight razor shaves using steamed towels and Art of Shaving products, a waxing and facial room, a Private Mani/Pedi Room for guests who like that extra special treatment, two Couple’s Mani/Pedi Rooms, and a Bridal/Bachelorette area for those wanting a “pamper party.”
For guests focused on maintaining their fitness regime when traveling, Spa Bellagio makes it easy with the 6,000-square-foot Fitness Center overlooking the pool and Mediterranean-style gardens. The Bamboo Studio, a 1,000-square-foot exercise room complete with bamboo flooring, is designed for classes ranging from Pilates and body blast to yoga and individual activities.
Guest Rooms and Suites
Bellagio’s rooms and suites feature sweeping vistas of the resort's lake, surrounding mountains and Las Vegas skyline. Each room is elegantly appointed with custom contemporary-style furnishings, fine art and conveniences such as high-speed Internet access, multiple telephone lines and a convenient mini bar.
Special attention was paid to the guest room bathroom design. Italian marble floors and surfaces along with plush robes and soaking tubs were incorporated into the bathroom design as bathroom amenities truly enhance a vacation. From the moment guests enter their accommodations, they feel wrapped in comfort and luxury.
Business and Convention Travel
With 200,000 square feet of meeting space, attending a convention or business function at Bellagio is just as elegant and comfortable as the experience of those traveling on vacation.
Tuscany Kitchen, the first exhibition kitchen of its kind in Las Vegas, is designed with meeting and convention groups in mind. Flexible packages have been created to accommodate 15 to 60 guests and offer attendees a customized experience utilizing Bellagio’s culinary talent.
For occasions that require an imaginative touch, MGM MIRAGE Events – a fully integrated event-planning company – is available to assist with props, graphic design, invitations, floral fashions and entertainment.
Meeting planners who choose the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio for their function will benefit from an unrivaled standard of service. Bellagio’s convention concierge program provides an additional level of support, above and beyond the resort’s acknowledged award-winning service. Acting as a liaison between the meeting planner and the convention service manager, as well as other departments within the resort, convention concierge are on the floor and visible at all times, readily available to assist with last-minute needs. The concierge make reservations for VIP clients, create signage, pick up keys, accommodate rooming changes, as well as assist with audio/visual needs, menu adjustments and any other requests that arise. In essence, catering to a meeting planner’s every need is an integral part of the Bellagio experience delivering on its promise to provide unparalleled service.
Impeccable service in the most exquisite of surroundings ensures that business at Bellagio is anything but usual.
The Wedding Chapels and Terrazza di Sogno (Terrace of Dreams) at Bellagio
The Wedding Chapels and Terrazza di Sogno at Bellagio offer intimate settings for couples wishing to be married in an atmosphere of beauty and romance.
The two chapels were created in an effort to provide couples with elegant surroundings in which to share their wedding with family and friends. Both chapels are inspired by timeless European design with colorful stained glass windows that adorn the wall behind each altar. Ornate lamps and chandeliers of amethyst Venetian glass complement the gentle hues of cream, rose, peach, antique green and bridal blue found throughout the tapestries and fabrics of the chapels.
Terrazza di Sogno, an Italian balcony with toasted marble flooring and walls tinted a warm golden patina, is available for couples wanting the ideal outdoor wedding. Couples overlook stunning views of a Tuscan landscape and a Mediterranean-blue lake with the Fountains of Bellagio soaring to the sky at the moment of the long-awaited first kiss.
A professional wedding coordinator is appointed to each couple and can assist them in making arrangements including dinner reservations at Bellagio’s gourmet restaurants, guest room reservations for the wedding party and assistance with the wedding reception. Vow renewals and commitment ceremonies also are offered.
Conclusion
Bellagio is about gardens, flowers, fine dining, fashion and extraordinary service. It is a place about music and things that are good for the soul. Bellagio is a pointed departure from all that has preceded it in Las Vegas.
Dozens of wonderfully creative people have made cameo appearances. Guest designers who are famous in the world did sections, a restaurant here, a lounge there, a fountain show up front, to add a dimension to Bellagio’s personality.
The test of a wonderful place that can truly be called the greatest resort in the world is not the presence of gaming or the ability to make money. It is that people can go there and have experiences that seem to happen just in the right time and place to suit their moods.
Bellagio has drawn the very best work from thousands of talented and energetic people and, as such, is a source of creative satisfaction for all involved. Everybody feels they have taken their best shot. Bellagio put its best foot forward and allows its guests to be the judge of the endeavor.
When people look back as they depart, they think, ‘it wasn’t like anything I’ve seen before…it was better than I expected… truly incredible…in every respect, lovely and just right.’
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