by Dennis Cavagnaro

or anyone seeking a respite from the crowds and glitz of the Las Vegas Strip, the JW Marriott Resort & Spa offers an unhurried, quiet and elegant alternative. Situated in upscale Summerlin, the resort is closer to the ski slopes of Mount Charleston than to Las Vegas’ bright neon, and a world away in ambience.

“Lovely gardens, streams and waterfalls surround them, conveying a sense of privacy …”

The building’s muted hues complement its southwest Moorish-Spanish architecture. Two towers, the Spa and the Palms, embrace the resort’s 541 rooms. Lovely gardens, streams and waterfalls surround them, conveying a sense of privacy, even intimacy. A stunning free-form pool is encircled by cabañas. Nearby is the Waterside Café.

The heavily-carpeted casino is at the hub of the resort, but is tastefully subdued so as to not disturb those guests not interested in gaming. The huge, multi-level spa is just off the casino. In addition to the massages and treatments offered, there is a state-of-the-art fitness center and a spa boutique.

Between the spa/casino and the towers, the long Palms Promenade hosts a number of upscale shops and a variety of restaurants. Cuisines range from Japanese, contemporary American, Italian to an Irish pub, the J.C. Woolaugan.

For the avid golfer, there are at least eight courses within a 25-minute radius of the resort. Tee times can be arranged for guests. On one course, named “the Bear,” Jack Nicklaus’s 18 favorite holes from over 200 courses have been duplicated. The course is considered player friendly.

With a car, guests may easily visit the nearby natural wonders of Mount Charleston — an Alpine setting high above the desert — and Red Rock Canyon with its intriguing petroglyphs. You can also horseback ride or hike in the beautiful canyon.

The Las Vegas Strip and its many spectacular shows are only 30 minutes away. But after a night on the town, it is a pleasure to return to your quiet and peaceful haven at the Marriott in Summerlin.

JW Marriott Resort & Spa: tel. 800/228-9290; www.gowestmarriott.com.

Dennis Cavagnaro is a freelance travel writer based in Oakland, California.

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