Vegas Happenings | Glow Spa at the Tropicana | Winter in Venice Festivities with Jordin Sparks

Glow Spa Opens at The Tropicana

Glow, a Mandara Spa, opened its first location at Tropicana Las Vegas the first week of November.   The new $5 million, 10,000 square foot Glow, located on the mezzanine level near the Conference Center, is a cosmopolitan spa brand marrying a modern and beach-chic lifestyle offering the best treatments in body, skin, hair, and nail care for women and men. Glow’s menu includes more than 50 treatments that will bring out a guest’s inner glow.

“Glow is our vision of what the spa at Tropicana Las Vegas should be: a haven that offers recovery time from all activities and re-energizes our guests for more enjoyment,” said Arik Knowles, vice president of hotel operations, Tropicana Las Vegas. “We have built a spa and fitness center that is not only esthetically beautiful, but also an outlet to immerse yourself in another Las Vegas experience.”

The inviting spa reception lobby provides a first impression of the spa and brand. It is designed to convey a modern, beach-chic feel with natural tones and wood elements, a place where sun and earth join to cast a light on inner and outer health and beauty.

Spa offerings include nine serene treatment rooms and a full-service salon, designed in various wood and sand tones, textured fabrics, and stone elements, and a Fitness Center, overlooking the pool, where guests can work out from dawn to dusk with an array of Technogym equipment, including cardio, strength, weight and free weight. Couples will also be able to share their spa experience in one of three spaces; the Couples Wet Villa and Couples Wet Suite both feature a couples tub and couples shower to luxuriate before or after a Glow signature service.

Other featured offerings are the ladies and gentlemen's locker rooms to keep belongings, a dry vanity, steam room, and showers, as well as the dimly lit quiet Relaxation Lounge near the changing rooms where guests can mellow out upon plush sofas, billowy fabrics, and enjoy refreshments, including fruit-infused waters and the herbal tea of the day.

Spa Entrance
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Arik Knowles, vice president of hotel operations, Tropicana Las Vegas and Bruce Pine, senior vice president of Mandara Spa LLC toast the opening of Glow Spa at the Tropicana
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Salon
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Swedish Massage
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Facials
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Hot Rock Massage
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Lounge
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Fitness Center
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

In addition to the branded Glow services, the best of Mandara, Elemis and bliss treatments are featured in Glow’s menu.  Every skin and body care product experienced is available for purchase at Glow for guests to continue the quest for well being, beauty and radiance at home.

Salon hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Spa appointments are recommended, but are not always necessary.

The Venetian and Palazzo kick off the holidays with Winter in Venice Festivities Featuring special guest Jordin Sparks

Grammy-nominated and platinum recording artist and season six “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks helped kick off the inaugural celebration of Winter in Venice at The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas on Nov. 21 with a complimentary performance on the Las Vegas Strip’s only outdoor ice skating rink. The star of the upcoming feature film “Sparkle” entertained the massive crowd with a song selection that included her hits “Tattoo” and “No Air” and the holiday classics “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “The Christmas Song.”
Surrounded by candy cane stilt walkers, snow angels, jesters and toy soldiers, the front plaza and the outdoor gondolas of The Venetian were transformed into a winter palace while guests sipped on holiday-inspired drinks including the peppermint Gondolier Blanco and the amaretto-infused Godfather.

The debut of the “Nightly Holiday Spectacular” drew gasps and applause from the overflowing audience as the entire front of the building lit up in flashing lights, lasers and larger-than-life snowflakes. Attention was drawn to the Rialto Bridge, where three tenors and a hip hop violin duo performed holiday hits and classics before a majestic angel lit the 65-foot LED holiday tree in an awe-inspiring moment.

After posing for photos with lucky meet and greet winners, Jordin officially welcomed the holiday season and the opening of the skating rink with a ribbon cutting ceremony with John Caparella, president and COO of The Venetian, The Palazzo & Sands Expo. Guests were treated to a spectacular performance from professional skaters before lacing up their own skates to take a spin on the ice.

The first true celebration of the winter season on the Las Vegas Strip, Winter in Venice runs through Jan. 8, 2012 as the ultimate destination for an unforgettable holiday experience. Caparella said, “Winter in Venice is going to be an annual event and this is just the beginning. We’re going to build on it and make it better next year.”

Crowds gather to enjoy a performance from “American Idol” winner, Jordin Sparks
Photo credit: ImagesOfVegas.com/ IS Photography


A majestic angel appears at the top of The Venetian’s Rialto Bridge during the Nightly Holiday Spectacular
Photo credit: ImagesOfVegas.com/ IS Photography


Champagne dress being filled at The Venetian’s Winter in Venice celebration
Photo credit: ImagesOfVegas.com/ IS Photography


Gondolier appears under the Doge’s Bridge as guests look on
Photo credit: ImagesOfVegas.com/ IS Photography


Performer dancing to holiday music in front of the 65-foot holiday tree
Photo credit: ImagesOfVegas.com/ IS Photography


A juggler balances on a ball at The Venetian’s Winter in Venice celebration
Photo credit: ImagesOfVegas.com/ IS Photography


The 65-foot LED tree in front of The Venetian
Photo credit: ImagesOfVegas.com/ IS Photography


Jordin and John Caparella cut the ribbon to the ice rink
Photo credit: ImagesOfVegas.com/ IS Photography


Guests look on as a majestic stilted angel entertains the crowd
Photo credit: ImagesOfVegas.com/ IS Photography

Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

In an effort to fight hunger in Southern Nevada, CARLOS SANTANA helped raise $5,468.80 for Three Square Food Bank during his final performances of Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Nov. 11 – 13. For every $1 donated, Three Square Food Bank is able to provide three meals to those in need. More than 16,400 meals will be distributed to families throughout the Las Vegas Valley as a result of the collection.

Representatives from the nonprofit were on hand before and after each performance to collect nonperishable food items and cash donations from participating fans. In addition, Lotus Broadcasting hosted an on air ticket giveaway on KXPT – 97.1 The Point and KWWN – ESPN Radio 1100AM/98.9FM in exchange for monetary donations.

SHANGHAI LILLY at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino closed its doors on Saturday, November 19, 2011 to make way for an exciting new offering. Plans for the space will be released at a later date.

As part of an overall rebranding and renovation of the property, THE FLAMINGO LAS VEGAS has begun remodeling 2,307 rooms with a new design that includes wood furnishings and hardwood floors. The $10 million project is expected to be completed by May.

Singing prodigy ALEX CHRISTOPHER will perform at The Lounge at the Palms Casino Resort, Wednesday, Nov. 30 for two performances: 2 p.m. matinee; 7 p.m. evening performance. Cost is $10 for the matinee and $12 for the evening performance.

Nevada AIDS Project will present a star-studded event for “LIFE'S A BALL: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND JOURNEY TOWARDS THE CURE” at Club Nikki inside Tropicana Las Vegas on Thursday, Dec. 1. The charitable evening, in support of World AIDS Day, will begin at 6 p.m. with performances to begin at 7 p.m.  The evening, named The City of Las Vegas’ “Official World AIDS Day Event” by Mayor Carolyn Goodman, will feature the gorgeous and talented singer Mya, performances by FANTASY, Recycled Percussion, Josh Strickland from PEEPSHOW and more that will keep guests entertained throughout the night.  Lorena Peril from FANTASY and Jymes Vaughn from Chippendales are amongst the names to emcee the event. Admission to the dynamic star-studded show is a suggested minimum donation of $20.

Lorena Peril

The girls of FANTASY will give National Final Rodeo (NFR) fans a little more something to celebrate with a special 2012 Ultimate FANTASY calendar signing in The Rotunda at Excalibur Hotel and Casino on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Tuesday, Dec.6, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Opportunity Village’s LAS VEGAS SANTA RUN will attempt to break the world record for the Largest Santa Gathering on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Town Square Las Vegas.

The City of Henderson will feature a new evening light parade, the first of its kind for the community, as part of WINTERFEST – AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS DELIGHT, Saturday, December 10 at 5 p.m. in the historic Water Street District. Admission to participate is complimentary. In addition, this year’s WinterFest Evening Light Parade will feature a unique performance showcase during the procession. Marching groups, from school bands to drill teams, cheer squads and dance troupes, will have several opportunities to perform a short routine for fans, three different times, along the parade route. Space is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

WinterFest – An Old Fashioned Christmas Delight is a two-day celebration filled with a winter wonderland of holiday splendor. This year’s event, taking place Friday, December 9 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, December 10 from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., will take guests back in time with a charming streetscape from a traditional Christmas novel, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling carolers, visits with Santa, tree lighting, craft fair, storytelling, gingerbread house displays and more.

Residents have a variety of other wonderful opportunities to get involved in WinterFest. Some other traditional holiday activities include the Festival of Trees, a display of beautiful Christmas trees, adorned with decorations and ornaments representing a mixture of world cultures, as well as a delicious exhibit of gingerbread houses, all of which come with cash prizes for the winners. For more information, visit HendersonLive.com or call the City of Henderson Cultural Arts & Tourism Department at (702) 267-2171. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

United Way of Southern Nevada is in search of more than 400 volunteers for the “EARN IT KEEP IT SAVE IT” collaborative, which provides complimentary tax preparation to low-to-moderate income families, individuals and seniors. Volunteers are needed beginning Jan. 15 through April 17, 2012, to serve as tax preparers, greeters, quality reviewers and site coordinators. Those donating their time will receive tax law and e-file training, IRS certification at convenient training locations throughout Southern Nevada.For more details regarding the free tax preparation or to volunteer, visit United Way of Southern Nevada’s “Earn It Keep It Save It” collaborative website at www.uwsn.org/eks or call (702) 892-2300.

Celebrity sightings:

Rev Run celebrated his 47th birthday at TAO’s Worship Thursday.  The influential hip hop artist and practicing minister started the night dining with his family at LAVO, before heading over to TAO for the festivities.

He was surprised with a cake in the shape of his signature Adidas shell top sneakers and black hat.  Daughter Angela tweeted a photo of the cake as her dad partied with wife Justine and his friend R&B artist Tyrese.

Also spotted at TAO was Wayne Newton, who dined with family and friends at the Asian bistro.

Jackie Jackson, brother of the late Michael Jackson was also seen dining at TAO.

DJ Rukus and Rev Run
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


Justine Simmons and Rev Run and Angela Simmons
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


Tyrese and Rev Run
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery


Wayne and Kathleen Newton
Photo credit: Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery

Friday night,November 18...

Barron Hilton celebrated his 22nd birthday at TAO and Marquee.  Joined by sister Paris and friends they first dined at TAO Asian Bistro, before heading up to the nightclub where he was surprised with birthday cupcakes.  They then made a late night stop at Marquee, taking in the sounds of Cosmic Gate.

At LAVO, Joan Rivers dined with friends.

Both hip hop performer, Tyga, and NBA superstar, Marcus Banks, were spotted celebrating their birthdays at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas.

Tyga was joined by his date, Blac Chyna and a large group of friends and family to celebrate his 22nd birthday.
Marcus Banks, currently part of the NBA lockout was at Sugar Factory celebrating his 30th birthday alongside a group of about 10 close friends.

Tyga poses with a black and orange couture pop inside the Sugar Factory retail store at Paris Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage


Tyga samples his red velvet sundae commemorating his 22nd birthday with Blac Chyna inside Sugar Factory American Brasserie
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage

Saturday night, November 19...

The girls of FANTASY celebrated their 2012 “Ultimate FANTASY” calendar launch party at LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel & Casino.

The FANTASY girls at the VIP table inside LAX Nightclub.
Photo Credit: Josh Metz/SpyOnVegas.com


The ladies showing off their new watches gifted from a fan.
Photo Credit: Josh Metz/SpyOnVegas.com

Dodger Matt Kemp was spotted celebrating his historic $160 million contract at TAO.  The centerfielder dined at the Asian Bistro with a group of family and friends that included DJ Eric D-Lux, who was celebrating his birthday. Afterwards they headed up to the club where Eric D-Lux hit the decks to spin for the crowd.

Barron Hilton continued his 22nd birthday celebration joined by his sister Paris and their parents Rick and Kathy at Marquee.
Ben Lyons from E! News partied with friends At LAVO.

Paris, brother Barron Hilton and Vanesa DuBasso
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery


Richard and Kathy Hilton with Paris, brother Barron and Vanesa DuBasso
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

R&B sensation and VH1 reality star Ray J hosted at Club Nikki inside Tropicana Las Vegas over the weekend while LA’s Power 106 DJ SourMILK kept the at-capacity crowd on their feet all night.