Lavo

They say “you ain't seen nothin' until you've sampled Vegas” and it's especially true of her nightclubs. Interiors on a par with the decadence of European palaces, Las Vegas nightclubs compete within a hierarchal ranking system – the bizarre and opulent being at the must-visit end of the scale. Tao bucked the trend for intimate lounge clubs when it opened at the Venetian Hotel in 2006, replete with Asian temple inspired art-works and a 20 foot golden Buddha statue at it's heart. It took pink champagne and chandeliers to whole new heights – it's halls decked out with Gothic Renaissance fixtures and rows of emerald green bottles.

The visionaries behind Tao were partnering duo Richard Wolf and Marc Packer – also responsible for the top ranking Tao Asian Bistro in New York. Their newest enterprise Lavo within the Palazzo Hotel Resort has since pipped Tao to the post as the hottest place to be seen in Vegas. Drawing celebrities of Paris Hilton and Black Eyed Peas caliber, the Moroccan-inspired lounge club heralds a new breed of night-time entertainment with burlesque “Voyeur Models” and guest celebrity DJ's such as Lupe Fiasco headlining nightly.

Simplicity was key to the Lavo layout, since the concept club was designed to closely emulate the decadence of Moroccan Royal baths. Sweeping tiled arcs partially conceal low-ceilinged booths, flanked by huge nude paintings and sensual golden lighting. The sweeping marble bar forms the center piece of the lounge room, raised up on a platform and complimented by a low slung aluminum ceiling – reflecting the hive of activity below. Entrance to the heart of the club is via a fountain-flanked runway high above the dance-floor, incepted to be a statement entrance so people below could marvel at Hollywood's A-listers.

Much like Tao, Lavo combines the glitz of a lounge club with a sensual dining experience. House specialties such as Maine Lobster and Center Cut Filet Steak are perfectly complimented by a world-class wine list, inclusive of the San Felice Chianti Classico 2003 and a Yellow Label Veuve Cliquot. Cocktails range from the relatively tame Mojito, to passionate Soleil and Lovellini creations designed to be sipped at leisure.

Lavo's dance-floor is the highlight of the Palazzio, and although relatively smaller than that of Tao, can still pack in up to 200 people. A giant mushroom shaped dome emits laser floor displays and strobe effects, providing the most light of the entire club. It's worthy of note that most people upon the dance-floor rarely indulge in high-energy movement. The whole crowd seems to sway rhythmically – more intent on looking the part, than letting a hair go out of place. But this is Lavo – the club where if you order Dom Perignon, a caped crusader flies it to your table in complete Superman get-up; the club where even it's guests adorn walls and poles like the sumptuous regal furniture. It's the place to see, and be seen – providing your wearing your Jimmy Choos!