In the midst of the master-planned Green Valley community in Henderson, right off the 215 expressway and minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, rises a full-blown resort with everything you need for a Vegas escape, from an upscale spa to one of the chicest nightclubs around.

The Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino has an elaborately and elegantly themed design that feels like a South American hacienda, including a real vineyard out back. Speaking of which, "The Backyard," an eight-acre area behind the resort, is as good as any place to start the highlight reel. From an attached nightclub, the party spills out into a patio that features beds (each with televisions, music and drink service) and one of the best views of the Las Vegas Strip around. This flows into one of the hottest swimming oasis in Las Vegas, complete with a sandy beach and pool cabanas - each with a personal plunge pool. The "backyard" also has an amphitheater for live music, and the 30,000-square-foot, European-style Spa at Green Valley Ranch, complete with hair and makeup services.

Overlooking all of this is the posh Green Valley Ranch Resort, which includes nearly 500 rooms and more than 70 suites. Each room in this boutique-style hotel has high-end amenities, from handsome furnishings to famously comfy beddings.

All the fun you can stand lies on the other side of the resort, with its 94,000-square-foot casino. A brand-new expansion added a 240-seat race and sports book featuring five movie screen size video walls and 50inch plasma televisions, as well as a 22-table, 24-hour, non-smoking poker room and additional casino floor space featuring new slot and video poker machines.

The gaming area is lined with dining options such as Sushi + Sake. Green Valley Ranch has great steaks at Hank's Fine Steaks and Martinis; award-winning, and all-you-can-eat indulgence at the Feast Buffet. The resort's expansion also added Tides Oyster Bar, where diners can get their fix of New Orleans-style pan-roasts, gumbos, Po' Boys, and an extensive raw oyster bar - all while watching the big game on one of several big-screen TVs. Terra Verde is the newest restaurant to open featuring a great Italian menu.

Families will enjoy the 4,200-square-foot arcade and the 10-screen theater. And a few steps outside, they'll be amazed at a whole new world of food, fun and shopping at The District at Green Valley Ranch, an urban-style shopping village with over 35 retail stores and 15 restaurants.