Strip Tease
New projects in Las Vegas are taking the resort experience to the next level
By Roger Gros
Las Vegas has a habit of reinventing itself . And 2023 demonstrated that Vegas is always changing , mostly for the better .
The change was most evident at the end of the year , when two spectacular new resorts opened : the Fontainebleau on the Las Vegas Strip , and Station Casinos ’ Durango Resort Casino in suburban Las Vegas . When you add two innovative renovations that finalized in 2023 — at the Rio and the Sahara — Las Vegas is turning the casino experience inside out yet again .
Miami Comes to Vegas
The opening of the Fontainebleau was clearly one of the most interesting debuts on the Strip in years . It took almost 20 years to bring the project to fruition .
A proposal was first announced in 2005 , only a year from the worst U . S . recession since the 1970s . Nonetheless , construction began in 2007 and the structure reached its full 67 stories two years later . While it was — and still is — Nevada ’ s tallest occupiable building , the resort would not come alive for another 15 years .
In 2009 , the property entered bankruptcy , and went through multiple owners and names until Jeffrey Soffer , the originator of the dream , reacquired it . In 2021 , along with Koch Real Estate Investments , he reinstated the original name and construction resumed . When the Fontainebleau finally opened in December 2023 , it seems the wait was well worth it .
“ For over 20 years I ’ ve had this vision of seeing the Fontainebleau brand on the Strip , and regaining ownership of the property allowed us to fulfill that vision ,” Soffer told Global Gaming Business . “ Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a beacon of our future and a testament to turning unexpected challenges into resounding triumphs .”
The Vegas property has an “ irresistible , luxury allure reminiscent of
Fontainebleau Miami Beach ,” he says . “ We wanted to reintroduce luxury into the city , meticulously crafted with precision and finesse , drawing inspiration from our heritage , and seizing every opportunity to be greater than we ’ ve ever been .”
Luxury is the theme in a city that ’ s seen everything , but the $ 3.7 billion Fontainebleau is the real thing . Originally designed by legendary casino architect Bergman Walls , it was completed by a team that is just as storied : an award-winning collaborative of architecture and design partners including Peter Arnell , David Collins Studio , the Rockwell Group , Lissoni & Partners , Lifescapes International , Jeff Leatham , Carlos Zapata Studio , Jeffrey Beers International , Westar Architects and others . The collective worked alongside the in-house team to complete Soffer ’ s vision for Fontainebleau Las Vegas .
Aiming High
The design approach is a homage to the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach , with a distinct and contemporary vision . Designers were mindful of what today ’ s travelers want to see and experience — modern flair and elegant details , creating a vibrant and compelling environment tailored to their desires .
Las Vegas has no ocean , so the Fontainebleau Las Vegas evokes that feel with a wide selection of pool experiences . The Oasis pool deck is six acres of water and cabanas . The adults-only LIV Beach is an all-night party , and La Mer is an exclusive pool that recalls the glamour of Hollywood . For VIP guests , the Legacy pool offers dedicated butler service and well-appointed cabanas .
The Lapis Spa & Wellness , designed by Lissoni & Partners , embodies a commitment to well-being , blending ancient rejuvenation methods with modern healing technologies for a transformative experience . Lapis is uniquely designed to adapt to guests ’ natural circadian rhythms and biologi-
16 CASINO STYLE 2024