Cigar Aficionado

When the Mirage opened in 1989 as the largest hotel in the world at the time, with its unrivaled opulence, star headliners and theatrical exploding volcano, few visitors noticed the ultra-luxury Villas, a boutique resort within the resort. That was mainly because you couldn’t pay to stay in them.

The posh digs were only for “whales,” the invited high-roller gamblers who don’t pay for anything. That’s changed recently. Today, anyone who can afford it can stay. What’s more, the Villas at the Mirage remain one of the few Las Vegas lodgings that are cigar friendly inside and out, with ashtrays and matches in just about every room.

The very large units also have substantial outdoor space as they are at ground level, allowing for backyards full of grass, outdoor kitchens and dining areas, weatherproof TVs, music, a range of pools and putting greens, depending on the unit. Included are round-trip limo transfers, which deliver you to a private entrance and check-in area. Newly renovated, they are split between two styles. Eight are the tropically inspired Lanais. The one- to three-bedroom units cover 1,800 to 3,600 square feet.

The larger Villas have a French Colonial style with crown molding, fabric-covered walls and lots of marble. These come in two- and three-bedroom options, with 6,500 to 8,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor living ($1,500 a night for the one-bedroom Lanai to $3,500 for the largest three-bedroom Villa). All feature a massive great room. The master bedrooms boast dual walk-in dressing areas, jetted tubs and enormous walk-in showers, many with steam.

The master in the largest Villas features separate his and her bathrooms. The Villas and Lanais have their own private 24-hour kitchen, regularly cater backyard grilling parties and include round-the-clock butler service. Beauty and spa treatments can be enjoyed in your room. Villa guests get VIP access to show tickets, reservations and the very private Shadow Creek golf course, the top layout in Nevada.

Visit mirage.mgmresorts.com