Crystals

Taking a stroll through a park is one thing. Taking a stroll through a mall that feels like a park is another.

With foliage, flowers, natural lighting and water features within, the 500,000-square-foot Crystals at CityCenter is far from ordinary. And with famous art pieces an outdoor "pocket park," you really feel like you're a million miles away from the Las Vegas Strip. 

As you walk through the mall, it almost feels like you're outdoors. You'll come across a real aloe tree, a colorful, living flower "carpet," and even a tree house-looking fixture where people can sit and enjoy a meal. 

You'll also find two breathtaking water features. Created by WET Design (the company responsible for the Bellagio Fountains and The Volcano at Mirage), these water features are simply mesmerizing. One includes tubes with neon lights and water twirling inside it like a tornado. The other water feature displays ice with creative-looking crackles. 

And whether you plan on spending the entire day here or just checking out a store or two, make sure to visit the outdoor pocket park between Crystals and Aria. Featuring trees, Henry Moore's "Reclining Connected Forms" sculpture and outdoor patio seating for restaurants, this outdoor nook is reminiscent of hidden areas you mainly find in downtown areas of big cities. For a moment, you'll forget that you're right in the middle of the Strip. 

In addition to its peaceful atmosphere, Crystals also takes luxury to a whole different level: "We've assembled an extraordinary collection of retailers and restaurateurs to make Crystals one of the world's most unique shopping and entertainment districts," said Frank Visconti, president of retail for MGM Mirage properties. 

For many of these retail brands, Crystals represents the largest in Las Vegas, the United States, and in some cases, the world.

"Almost every you store you see here is bigger than its counterpart in Los Angeles," noted Visconti.

Take the two-story Louis Vuitton store, for example. Two floors? Just imagine all of the purses and accessories you can buy. Located in the center of Crystals, this store is the largest location in North America. This store also includes men's and women's ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, watches, jewelry, sunglasses and ties. 

Fans of sparkle are in luck: Crystals features the finest jewelry retailers including a two-story, 10,000-square-foot Tiffany & Co. store. This location features all your favorite charm bracelets, diamond engagement rings, limited collections and much more. Since the store faces Las Vegas Boulevard, there's a bench where you can sit down and admire the view. 

"This is not your typical Tiffany store," Visconti added. 

Just to the right of the entrance of Tiffany & Co., you'll find Gallery Row, which includes Dale Chihuly's work at The Gallery at CityCenter, as well as The Art of Richard McDonald, Rodney Lough Jr. and Centerpiece.

Offering the world's finest selection of Akoya and South Sea cultured pearl jewelry since 1893, Mikimoto revolutionizes the classic image of pearls by designing jewelry to fit in with today's look. 

Crystals also features H. Stern, a renowned international jeweler famous for its original and innovative designs in gold, diamonds and precious gemstones. This brand is featured in magazines and chosen by top celebrities for red carpet appearances. This is H. Stern's first location on the West Coast, and only the third in the country. 

Retailers opening their first locations in Las Vegas include Tom Ford, Kiton, Miu Miu, Paul Smith and Porsche Design, Robert Coin, along with de Grisogono, Marni, Boutique Tourbillon and Mikimoto. Stop by and check out Assouline, which sells books ranging from $30 to $50,000.

The mall has five entrances, including a sky bridge leading to Mandarin Oriental. You may also choose to take the tram, which goes to Bellagio and Monte Carlo and back. The tram station is located on the third floor. At the MGM hotel's main entrance, hotel guests can take a shuttle to Crystals. The shuttle leaves 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., every hour on the hour. The shuttle leaves from Crystals' main entrance back to MGM from 11:15 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., every hour on the quarter hour. 

Driving? Aria offers a public parking garage to park your vehicle. 

As much as we all love the hustle and bustle of the Strip, sometimes it's nice to have a change of pace. A day at Crystals allows you to do just that. 

--Review by Jeannie Borbe