With a paintbrush between his teeth, Lightening jumped out of the water and jabbed fuchsia acrylic paint onto a blank canvas while I did my best to hold the frame steady and not fall into the pool next to Flipper.

It wasn't my first encounter with dolphins on this trip. Earlier in the day I demonstrated the downward dog position to dolphins swimming by my yoga class at the Mirage hotel.

Our instructor told us that communing with animals and exercising is a great anti-depressant, or as she put it, "the best cocktail in Vegas."

A fellow yoga classmate had just arrived from Europe, and when I asked how she managed to exercise instead of sleep, she told me her secret: staying in one of the MGM Grand's special rooms with lighting designed to cure jet lag.

Just where is this tropical resort, you ask? It's the most unlikely place you'd expect to commune with nature: Las Vegas. Spas and wellness packages are the latest trend in this trend-setting city. Yes, you read that right. Sin City is now enticing visitors who want to redeem themselves or just detox in order to retox.

Hotel Vdar encourages you to "Do Vegas differently" by staying in a no-smoking, no-gaming and eco-friendly establishment.

The Aria rebelled against the Vegas rule of keeping the hotel lobby dark so people have no idea what time it is and are more likely to keep gambling. Instead, three-story floor to ceiling windows allow natural light to permeate the lobby that includes a glass wall depicting the Colorado River.


The MGM Grand has "Stay Well" rooms that feature air purifiers, a special coating that breaks down bacteria on surfaces, lighting for jet lag, healthy room service, aromatherapy and vitamin C infused into your shower. Even watching television is good for you here. Deepak Chopra welcomes you on a special health channel when you walk in the room.

If you're still not motivated to get in shape, go to the Cirque du Soleil show "Zarkana" at Aria, and you'll be in awe of their physiques. One local told me these dancers are never seen on the party circuit. They work out, perform their show and work out again, he said.

Instead of gambling, many visitors are heading to the blackjack-style tables at Aria's Tetsu restaurant. Michelin-starred chef Masa Takayama says Tetsu translates to "iron" in Japanese, which is why the Japanese version of Iron Chef is often called Tetsu. It's the idea that the chef cannot be beat, which is pretty much like all the tables in Vegas, except the "dealers" at Tetsu prepare a delicious meal in front of you.

I sampled sea bass that melts in your mouth, spicy octopus (it tastes better than it sounds) and Toro Tartare with caviar. You can even order the forbidden foie gras here. When I told our private chef that his cooking was a far cry from Benihana, he retorted, "We're not putting on a show."

Instead of a wine pairing, try sake; there are 100 different varieties available.

Even nightclubs are passé in the city commonly referred to as "Lost Wages." The latest fad is partying under the sun. Mandalay Bay is opening a Daylight Beach Club modeled after the Spanish Island of Ibiza. Resortists (Mandalay Bay calls visitors "resortists" because tourists come and go, while resortists never want to leave) sample cocktails while they splash.

I'd tell you more about the various kinds of drinks, but I stopped reading the menu when I saw the "The Clooney" cocktail. When the Daylight club opens (projected for May) I may have to revisit Vegas. Something tells me that "The Clooney" will raise my endorphins faster and higher than any yoga class with dolphins.

I guess there is such a thing as a guaranteed win in Vegas.

Reach Ruth Wertzberger Carlson at ruth@ruthcarlson.com.