Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

Tall, slim and sleek, Encore stands side-by-side with Wynn hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Both signature resorts from Wynn Resorts Chairman and CEO Steve Wynn display feminine curves and an upwards arch that almost appears to abstractly mimic the arch of the valley's mountain skyline.

Elegant and refined, yet not highfalutin' or stuffy, some are calling Encore the younger, hipper sister of Wynn.

"Encore is truly an independent and unique brand unto itself," said Rob Oseland, chief operating officer for Encore. "It is the preeminent luxury resort in Vegas."

Even so, Oseland does not predict any sibling rivalry between the two properties, which are meant to work together, share services and integrate flawlessly.

Exquisite style flows through Encore's public and private areas with custom pieces such as carpet, furniture, lamps and fine artwork hand-chosen by a top-notch design team. These pieces intermingle with tasteful and spectacular horticulture, making Encore a living piece of art. Natural light permeates the 40,000-square-foot atrium at the hotel's Strip entrance, where more than one chirping bird has been spotted flying between the live trees.

Decorated with art and custom furniture, the suites at Encore are larger than those at Wynn Las Vegas by at least 100 square feet. Oseland said the rooms were enlarged in response to the desires of guests at Wynn Las Vegas. "We learned what worked and what didn't with Wynn, then duplicated and accentuated those good things for Encore," said Oseland.

Inside the suite, guests will find first-rate amenities such as overstuffed pillows, a pillow-top bed, L-shaped sofa and secondary flat screen television in the bathroom mirror. Lights throughout are easily controlled from the front door, and can be dimmed or brightened depending on the mood. Likewise, guests can control their window shades remotely without ever getting out of bed.

There are two points of entry between Encore and Wynn, (one between the properties' convention spaces and another between the Esplanade at Encore shops and theaters). Eleven high-end shops fill the Esplanade. 

Along with class and character, Encore is also about convenience. Parking and check-in is located close to the suites' elevator bank, saving guests from the hassle of dragging their luggage through the casino.

The casino itself has a private, luxurious feel, tucked between walkways and surrounded by columned pavilions, canopies and draperies. For high rollers, Encore is also home to high limit gaming and baccarat, as well as a unique Sky Casino for those placing a $300,000-minimum bet.

While Wynn hotel already provides the high-volume eating experience with its buffet and some of its other larger restaurants, the restaurants at Encore are scaled down to provide a more intimate experience. Whether it's a relaxed and romantic fine Italian meal at Chef Theo Schoenegger's Sinatra's or the pan-Asian café creations of Chef Jet Tila at Wazuzu, all of Encore's restaurants are owned by the hotel, "and the chefs are paid by us to be here every night to cook for you," said Oseland.

Guests can also dine on steaks and chops among voluptuous sculptures by Fernando Botero at star chef Mark LoRusso's Botero Steak. At Chef Marc Poidevin's French-inspired Switch, the walls come to life mid-meal and your surroundings appear to change before your eyes.

Later in the evening, Victor Drai's XS nightclub lives up to its name, spreading its decadent nightlife vibe out into Encore's pool area. With a European-style pool, center bar with gaming and large main pool, the sparkling pool area is a centerpiece of the hotel and can be admired from just about every vantage point, including most restaurant terraces.

Between its opulent design and relaxing body treatments, the full-service Encore Spa brings new meaning to tranquility and comfort, while the salon offers a full menu of services and even has pedicure chairs overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.

All of these charms combined with its impeccable service and attentive staff will have Vegas visitors cheering "Encore."

-- By Aleza Freeman