May 16, 2008, Newsletter Issue #159: Las Vegas Family Entertainment

Tip of the Week

These 140 specialty stores and 8 enticing restaurants, found in your Las Vegas entertainment guide, are in a unique theme-styled setting that transports you to the marketplaces of North Africa.

Moroccan Delight
The first port of call is the land of Morocco. Marrakech and Fez are brought to life through the quaint mosaic tiles, detailed iron carvings and powdered mud and straw buildings. Stores in this area include Hugo Boss, Club Monaco, Herve Leger and Max Studio. The Fragrance Market can be found here with health and beauty stores such as Aveda, The Body Shop, Clinique, Crabtree & Evelyn, L'Occitane, Sephora and Origins.

Treasure Galore
Next stop is the desert fortress that guards Treasure House. Looking up at the sky there is a hand-painted dome ceiling, depicting the story of Aladdin and the 40 Thieves. Each storefront is made of big, sandstone blocks, and the boutiques here include the fun Build-A-Bear-Workshop, GAP and Victoria's Secret.

Lost in the City
Next is the majestic Lost City, a public square nestled amid dome-shaped buildings, towers and a soaring 85 ft mountainside. There's plenty of restaurants and cafes in this area including La Salsa Mexican Cantina, Cheeseburger at the Oasis and the Sevilla Spanish House and Nightclub.

Sultans Realm
Then comes the Sultans Palace with its 45 ft high gilded ceiling, shimmering mosaic tile and glitzy gold monkey chandeliers. Walk through the palace into the Sultan's Garden, with its Moorish where there's stores including Soho Fine Art Gallery, Wyland Galleries, Z Gallarie and Sharper Image.

Turbulent Storm
Carrying on is the Merchants Harbor provides a grand North African harbour-front with Moroccan and colonial French design and immaculate Mediterranean whitewashed walls. A 155 ft European trans-steamer ship is moored in the port, while an unexpected breeze declares the start of a live rainstorm. Shops in the area include Lucky Brank Dungarees, Steve Madden, Aldo and Tommy Bahama, visitors will also find the Todai Japanese Seafood Buffet and Merchants' Harbor Café here.

Lighting the Way
The tour continues with the Dome of Spirits, where hand-blown cobalt-blue lamps hang from the 65 ft height ceiling and stores include French Connection, bebe and Godiva Chocolatier. The Dome leads on to the Hall of Lamps, where more lamps hang from the ceiling, while sophisticated boutiques include Betsey Johnson, Cache, Montblanc and St Croix Knits.

India Territory
India Gate is the next region, with its carved wood screens and coloured awnings in 18th and 19th century painting styles. Life-size Indian elephants watch over the stores that include Brighton Collectibles and Tumi. There's also the Commander's Palace, one of the best restaurants in town.

Designer Wear
Designer fashion stores for men and women at Desert Passage include Alegre, Bisou Bisou, Casablanca Clothiers and Jhane Barnes and art stores such as Addi Galleries, Bernard K Passman Galleries and Gallery of Legends. Last but not least are the speciality shops, which include Fossil, Cashman Photo Magic, The Discovery Channel Store, Desert Brats and Houdini's Magic Shop.

Located on the Las Vegas Strip, surrounding the Aladdin Hotel and Casino, adjacent to the Paris Hotel and Casino and across from the Bellagio Hotel, at 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Desert Passage is 15 minutes from Downtown Las Vegas.
Opening hours are: Sunday - Thursday 10am - 11pm, Friday - Saturday 10am - 12 midnight. Open 365 days. Restaurant and nightclub hours vary.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Las Vegas Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Sherril Steele-Carlin