Imagine that your significant other wants to take you on a romantic surprise getaway weekend. You agree to be blindfolded and must wear ear plugs so that you cannot hear or see where you are going. When you arrive at your “secret” designation you are led inside of a spacious and beautifully appointed resort lobby where you may now remove the ear plugs and blindfold. That is where the real fun begins. You look around and as you are enjoying the picturesque surroundings, you start to look for clues as to your whereabouts. The architecture and décor might suggest a Moroccan locale. Your curiosity gets the best of you so you head for a window and look outside. The expansive and serene lake is surrounded by a rugged mountain range which rises majestically against the almost cloudless azure sky the scene has a Mediterranean feeling. You take a stroll around the property and enjoy its relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Gazing out across the peaceful waters of the lake you notice the residential properties newly built into the rolling hills, they are reminiscent of Italian Villas one might find near Lake Como, or an upscale development on one of the Greek Islands, the natural beauty of the landscape reminds one of Northern Spain. It all seems so familiar and reminiscent of a scene in a any number of upscale glossy travel magazines or taken from a European travel brochure. To one’s surprise this is not continental Europe, it is Lake Las Vegas. 17 miles removed from the hustle and bustle of the world famous strip, Lake Las Vegas is devoid of the neon and glitz of its famous neighbor up the road a piece.

One recent visit to the area produced a different perspective of Nevada that had been a mindset for at least a couple of decades. Pulling of the winding highway that weaves through the desert and western Nevada hillsides as well as past the newly built residences, visitors enter the inviting road lined with towering desert palm trees which lead to the Hyatt Regency Hotel at Lake Las Vegas. Seemingly, as unlikely place for a Las Vegas area hotel, it stands alone as a welcomed Oasis in the desert. No plastic here, no hustle and bustle, no endless confusion at the entrance door, the staff is courteous, friendly and hospitable. One is greeted with respect and not pretension It feels elegant, yet not over-bearing. Once inside, one feels as though time is standing still although there are many choices for the active visitor. The emerald green grass of its luxurious two championship golf courses beckons just a short walk or golf cart ride away. The resort offers bike riding, sailing, hiking and boat tours, as well as being pampered in the elegant Spa Moulay. Parents may also bring their kids and enroll them in Camp Hyatt.
Camp Hyatt provides children an opportunity to enjoy several fun-filled activities such as scavenger hunts, swimming, splash water-wars, fishing and water slide activities.

Don’t miss the epicurean dining experience at Japengo Restaurant. The Pacific Rim inspired restaurant features a sushi bar as well as full service dining. This should be a must stop on anyone’s visit to the Las Vegas area. It’s worth the 17 mile drive. Japengo features Nevada’s only Master Sushi Chef Osamu Fujita and Chef Gerhard Canales. Together this dynamic duo creates culinary masterpieces that are edible works of art. The fusion of cultures is found here in the eclectic cuisine which has a strong pacific rim influence. The endless colorful tableside presentations are masterful indeed. Try the ahi seared napoleon with avocado and wasabi aioli for starters, or the crispy lobster cakes. They are mouth-watering and are served with a Thai mango chutney and cumin lime-aioli. Those familiar with Hawaiian cuisine will be delighted to find Opakapaka on the menu. Meat eaters have to order the Kobe steak. It is tender and juicy and served with shitake mushrooms and garlic mashed potatoes, however this is a place for seafood. Salmon is prepared with a Korean barbeque glaze, complimented with an onion potato cake and green papaya salad. These dishes arrive at one’s table as works of art. It is almost a shame that they have to be eaten. They taste as good as they look. The atmosphere is romantic, casual and views of the lake are for the asking while dinning.

Up the road, about 45 minutes from the strip is Mt. Charleston. It has snow on the ground through spring and rises above 7,000 feet. The two lane highway works its way up the gradual grade to the Mt. Charleston Lodge, roughly a 45 minute drive from the strip. The rustic lodge features a bar and a coffee shop style restaurant. There is a fire place in the center if the restaurant, which could add to the romantic environment, however on the day that I was there, it was bellowing out so much smoke in the room that is was more of a hindrance to enjoying my meal than an asset. The lodge has intimate cottages, which attract honeymooners and romantic couples. No marbled sinks here, nor floor to ceiling mirrors, so don’t come looking for the modern conveniences and comforts of Las Vegas. The rooms feature Jacuzzis big enough for two, fireplaces and there is a coffee shop on the property. The food is typical fare for its casual clientele, however it is bit pricey for coffee shop style cuisine. Coffee is $2.00 and no free re-fills, which no doubt surprises a lot of caffeine addictive guests when they are presented with the bill. If your idea of romantic getaways includes escaping to a rustic cabin, this might be the place for you. There are horse drawn sleigh rides and mountain jeep tours also available.