We hope you’re looking forward to the Context Leadership Summit 2018 in Las Vegas this May. When you’re not attending the conference, try these insider suggestions to help you enjoy the glitz and glamour of Vegas!
1. This James Turrell installation is hidden away in a shop
What is it? A Secret Light Show
One of artist James Turrell’s most dazzling installations, Akhob, is tucked away inside a Louis Vuitton store. It’s exquisitely executed and such an experience that you must have a reservation to see it, no shoes, only a few people at a time. You are escorted by an exhibit representative who explains the magnitude of the experience. Yes — it’s more an experience than a visual art show. If you allow it, it takes you out of Las Vegas and out of your own thoughts. An amazing must-see. In fact, the permanent installation is so exciting that it has inspired Vegas to install other permanent art fixtures around the city. Reservations book up, so call ahead (702-730-3150).
2. Golfing, Vegas style
What is it? Top Golfing
There are only so many shows, slot machines and clubs you can take before you need some sunshine and fresh air. Topgolf is a four-level sporting and entertainment complex at the MGM Grand. Grab a climate controlled bay on the third floor for the best views of the enormous TV screens and driving range. Hackers to competitors will enjoy swinging clubs and hitting targets with balls that score themselves. You can take a dip in the sexy swimming pool or settle in to watch sports on one of the hundreds of HDTV’s. Topgolf is a fun spot for a corporate event or with family — everyone will find something to enjoy here.
3. Soaring over the Vegas skyline
What is it? Once-in-a-Lifetime Views
Las Vegas is surrounded by many must-see natural wonders, such as the grandiose Grand Canyon, red sandstone-brimming Valley of Fire and post-volcanic Fortification Hill, as well as structures like the Hoover Dam and the beautiful resorts of the Strip. So what better way to experience it all than with a bird’s-eye view on Maverick Helicopters’ Dream Catcher Sunset Tour, which takes guests across Nevada and Arizona in four hours. For a unique experience, guests can request their preferred music by speaking with their pilot, which really personalizes the trip. I can’t tell you how much I loved flying over the Strip at sunset while listening to Frank Sinatra — it was truly breathtaking. (Another place to get a great view: a terrace from a room at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, located in the heart of the Strip or at the World Restaurant at Stratosphere.)
4. Under the big top in Vegas: Absinthe
What is it? The Show You Must See
Absinthe is my pick for best show on the Strip and my go-to when friends are in town. Circus-style entertainment (think Cirque du Soleil) with breathtaking acts combined with incredibly funny and provocative humor in an intimate setting. You are seated into a cozy, almost too-close-for-comfort seating arrangement inside a tent in the back of Caesars hotel, this show is ballsy, scary, thrilling, jaw-dropping and badass. We recommend everyone see it once, and I feel like it’s a show that locals can see over and over again and not be bored of it. It’s a bit brass, but the acts are just incredible. Once isn’t enough.
5. Spa with a view at the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas
What is it? Healthy Living
Health and wellness isn’t something people associate with Las Vegas, but the spas on and off the Strip are a great way to rehydrate. On the Strip, I would recommend the spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas or Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace. One of my lesser known favorite spots is Imperial Spa, a Korean spa that is open 24 hours a day and has multiple revitalizing (and cheap!) treatments and experiences including a rejuvenating yellow jade room.
6. Best High-End Las Vegas Restaurant: Estiatorio Milos
Where is it? At the Cosmopolitan
Who would have imagined this desert city as a mecca of seafood? Estiatorio Milos, a branch of the Montreal original, flies in spectacularly fresh fish daily from the Aegean and prepares it peerlessly in the traditional Greek manner: grilled simply with lemon, olive oil, and oregano. Start with a platter of meze (manouri cheese, red pepper spread, skordalia) or sashimi-quality octopus, char-broiled and butter-soft (pictured above). Red mullet (barbounia) is served whole and on the bone. Grilled lavraki, a type of sea bass, is an option on a value-priced lunch menu that also offers seductively creamy Greek-style yogurt with walnuts and thyme honey for dessert. Premium wine from top Greek producers, seamless service, and a glass-enclosed terrace overlooking the Strip help make Estiatorio Milos one of the best restaurants in Las Vegas.
7. Where Chefs Go On A Night Off
Where is it? Other Mama
Our current favorite is, Other Mama, a premium raw seafood joint that has great cocktails. It’s the off-the-Strip neighborhood spot all the chefs in town love. Chef Dan Krohmer offers amazing oysters, sashimi, crudo, ceviche and a creative menu of other craveable dishes. Another recommendation we have is for Chef Dan Krohmer, the new national plaything among national media outlets who are just discovering him. And there’s a reason: His restaurant, Other Mama is a huge culinary gift to the city. They have a rotating selection of oysters and some incredible crudos and togarashi waffle fries.
8. The perfect pour…over chicken and waffles at Andiron Steak & Sea
What is it? Best Brunch
We love a good Sunday brunch, and Andiron Steak & Sea in downtown Summerlin speaks to all audiences: a tiered pricing list of bottomless bubbles, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, a menu that offers donuts to start, amazing avocado toast and a DJ that elevates the chic atmosphere with a variety of hits. What’s great about this spot is that it is an experience you would find on the Strip, but it invites both visitors and locals alike to its stand-alone off-Strip location, which is truly unique. Their chilaquiles and donut plate will cure any hangover (and of course Bloody Mary’s and bottomless mimosas help as well!).
19. Cocktail at the Dorsey
What is it? A Lounge for Grown-Ups
We are so grateful for the new trend in grown-up lounge areas for those of us who can’t spend every night in the club and have graduated from yard-long margaritas. The Dorsey is my favorite of the new lounges, with cocktails created by Sam Ross (Attaboy, Milk & Honey) and a gorgeous French oak interior with a thoroughly grown up library in the back. Instagram shot to get: You, sticking your hands right into the very realistic-looking steam “flames” in the fireplace.
10. Best story about crypto you haven’t heard
Where is it? Suite 162 at the Context Leadership Summit 2018
In 2012, we gave away a bitcoin to every attendee we met with at Context Miami. Book a 30 minute meeting with us TODAY to find out what we’re giving away this year.