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 and outdoor "pocket parks," you really feel like you’re a million miles away from the Las Vegas Strip. 

“Crystals is going to be something different,” said Frank Visconti, president of retail for MGM Mirage. 

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 absolutely 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 one of the outdoor pocket parks. Featuring an abundance of trees, art pieces and quiet surroundings, these outdoor nooks are reminiscent of hidden areas you find in downtown areas of big cities. For a brief 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 Visconti. 

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. 

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. 

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.

For an exciting night out on the town, dine at Eva Longoria Parker's Beso and treat your taste buds to savory Latin-inspired dishes. Dance the night away at Eve, the nightclub located on the top floor. Unlike most nightclubs, Eve features plenty of windows so you can take in views of the Strip. 

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? Keep in mind that there isn't a public parking garage and you will have to valet park your vehicle. 

In addition to Crystals, the 18-million-square-foot CityCenter features Aria, Mandarin Oriental, The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences, Vdara and Veer Towers. CityCenter is considered to be one of the largest green projects in the country. 

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