THE VIBE: : Green Valley Ranch is perfect for people who are coming to Las Vegas but don’t want to be immersed in the city’s round-the-clock vibe. Located in Henderson, this elegant resort provides a retreat far from the typical tourist crowds yet it’s still close to the Las Vegas Strip and in the vicinity of several golf courses, cultural attractions and wonderful shopping opportunities. Prominently positioned on eight lush acres, the resort’s architecture and surrounding elements offer the feeling of a Mediterranean villa. The lobby has an elegant ambiance akin to European manor houses of centuries past. So basically staying at Green Valley Ranch is like traveling around the world. Well…not quite but hey, we like to pretend. GOOD TO KNOW:: For gamblers, Green Valley Ranch is home to a 16-seat live keno lounge, an action-packed race and sports book, more than 55 table games and 2,200 slot and video poker machines in addition to a 22-table poker room and a 400-seat bingo hall. WHY WE LOVE IT:: With sweet dreams in mind, the resort’s rooms and suites are located in an eight-floor tower — far away from the busy casino for that much needed peace and quiet time.  And since we know a thing or two about drinking, we will happily point you to the resort’s Drop Bar – a modern watering (or, er… alcohol-ing?) hole that boasts a chic vibe and doesn’t believe in empty glasses.  But there are other great things to do at Green Valley Ranch when you are not drinking. We like to soak up our booze with incredible food from the hotel’s restaurants or from The District at Green Valley Ranch, located just steps outside of the hotel’s front entrance. Within the resort is the variety of dining options including the finest in gastronomy at Hank’s, a steakhouse known for its impeccable service and high-quality prime cuts of beef. Another favorite among guests is Tides Oyster Bar, where the seafood is fresh and served with New Orleans spirit. For more casual meals, stop by Pizza Rock by Tony Gemignani, the Feast Buffet or the Grand Café, which is open 24 hours or stop by the fast food outlets in the food court. For shoppers, The District at Green Valley Ranch, an outdoor, urban-style retail and dining complex, is just a few steps from the hotel’s front entrance and is certainly fit for any shopper.  But if your shopping agenda is in the major leagues and you’re looking to completely submerge yourself in the motherland of retail (or otherwise known as the Strip’s Fashion Show Mall), the resort provides a complimentary shuttle to guests with service offered to and from Mandalay Bay on the Strip as well as McCarran International Airport. But when the time comes for relaxing, there is no better place to do that than at the resort’s stunning pools. In the property’s spacious backyard, there is one pool and Jacuzzi for all guests to use while other areas like The Pond and The Backyard, which has an incredible sand bottom — are for VIPs and special events. Featuring private cabanas, a poolside café and a Mediterranean-style lounge the upbeat atmosphere is also perfect for outdoor concerts and pool parties during the spring and summer months.   Whoever spread the rumor that off the Strip means out of the fun is full of bologna… or probably booze… because the only thing short in a Vegas vacation at Green Valley Ranch are the waiting lines.    INSIDER TIP:: Year-round pampering can be enjoyed in The Spa at Green Valley Ranch… actually according to us, a visit to the spa is a requirement. Equipped with an indoor lap pool, a steam room and a gym this lavish facility offers a variety of delightful experiences in addition to a menu of massages and body treatments — like the Watermelon Sugar Scrub, an exfoliating treatment that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed.