Visionaries can take the ordinary and turn it into the extraordinary. Ronald F. Boeddeker is such a man. As he was looking out over the desert between Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada he envisioned the oasis that is currently known as the Lake Las Vegas Resort. The central feature of this resort is Lake Las Vegas. This man-made lake was completed in 1994 and provided fertile ground on which to build the lavish resorts that line its beaches.

Located 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Las Vegas Resort has distinguished itself with its world class hotels and golf courses. If you are looking for the Las Vegas experience without all the crowds and tourists, then Lake Las Vegas is the place to visit. The first hotel to open on the shores of Lake Las Vegas was the Hyatt Regency. Recently this resort has been purchased by Loews Hotel and thus became their first hotel in Nevada.

With over 500 rooms and suites, this resort is situated along Lake Las Vegas and the Reflection Bay Golf Club. Raquel Sanchez of the marketing department describes the target market as "directed toward business, convention and family travel." This 4 diamond hotel required little modification when Loews took over the property. They did upgrade all the guest room televisions to 32" flat screens. Each of the hotel rooms will have a view of the 320 acre Lake Las Vegas.

"Loews loves Kids" and "Loews loves Pets" are two unique programs that will enhance the family feel of the resort. Loews has many activities that will keep the family busy during your stay. Activities include sailing, golfing, and Saturday ballroom dancing lessons.

Loews also allows guests to bring their pets with them on vacation. Loews Lake Las Vegas has 28 rooms that are specially designated for pets. Your pet will receive a water bowl and mat in addition to a specially designed menu from room service.

Loews has many dining options including the popular Marssa Restaurant. This restaurant features items inspired by the Pacific Rim and Japanese sushi. Enjoy fresh seafood while looking out over the lake and hills that surround the resort.

Across the Lake Las Vegas sits the recently opened Ritz-Carlton Hotel. This hotel is the first hotel for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel chain in Nevada. You can expect the best when you visit this resort. This 5-star hotel will impress and is up to the high standards Ritz-Carlton has set.

Each of the 349 rooms on the property will have a view of the lake, mountains or Montelago Village. All the rooms are fitted with elaborate marble bathrooms and luxurious linens. In select rooms you will even find a balcony to spend a quite evening on enjoying the scenery.

Located on this property is the only casino you will find currently in the Lake Las Vegas community. Casino Montelago has numerous slot machines and table games. Located in one corner of the casino is a bar where you can watch all the action.

After a wonderful day of activities be sure to check out the Ritz-Carlton Spa. The spa staff will be able to help you relax. They offer manicures, pedicures, massages and steam rooms. In addition they have a state-of-the-art fitness facility so you can work out during your vacation.

If you are looking for something a bit more private or have a group that wants to stay in the same place try the Lake Las Vegas Vacation Villas. These properties are homes that can be rented out around the community. Depending on the property you choose, these homes can sleep anywhere from 2-12 people.

If you are staying in one of the town homes located in the Lake Las Vegas Vacation Villas, the elevator will take you directly to your unit. Privacy has been made a priority at these properties. You will be able to prepare you own meals in the spacious kitchens in each unit. This is a wonderful way to experience Lake Las Vegas.

There are so many things to do on your visit to the Lake Las Vegas Resort. In addition to the fantastic hotels you will also find 3 world-class golf courses. The first golf course to open at Lake Las Vegas was Southshore. This private golf club has played host several times to the Wendy's Three-Tour Challenge. Designed by Jack Nicklaus this golf course winds through the hills that surround Lake Las Vegas. The elevation changes the golfer experiences are dramatic and give the golf course character. Several holes run along Lake Las Vegas.

The next golf course to open was Reflection Bay. Also designed by Jack Nicklaus this course has also hosted the Wendy's Three-Tour Challenge. The wide fairways and big greens give the player opportunities to score well on this golf course.

Some of the best holes on the golf course are on the back nine. Number 17 is one of my favorite holes. This par 3 is surrounded by water on three sides. Playing near 170 yards from the back tee you need to hit a precise shot. Any shot short or right will find the water. A shot hit left might be lucky enough to catch the bunker. If the wind is blowing you will need to take extra care.

The latest golf course to open at Lake Las Vegas is the Tom Weiskopf-designed Falls Golf Club. Located near the entrance to Lake Las Vegas, you will find similar elevation changes as on Southshore.

This par 72 golf course has some of the most breath taking views in the entire resort. As you are playing the 12th hole be sure and take in the view when you finish this hole. You will be looking down at the entire Lake Las Vegas Resort. What a spectacular view!!! Be sure to bring your camera.

If you are a golf traditionalist you will love the forecaddie program that has been recently introduced at both Reflection Bay and The Falls Golf Club. This program allows your group to use the services of a forecaddie during your round. All of the caddies are specially trained by a nationally known caddy company. Caddy Master has train and managed caddies at clubs such as Augusta National, Pebble Beach and the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

The caddie is optional at both golf courses, but the Falls Golf Club includes the price of the caddy in the full rack rate price. This rate does not include the gratuity you should give to the caddy. If you have never played with a caddy it can be a wonderful experience. Having that extra person there to select clubs, read putts and form strategy can be the difference between winning and losing your game. In recent years many clubs have instituted forecaddie programs. Not only does this allow caddies to share their knowledge of the golf course with guests, but it also gives the average golfer a chance to feel like a professional. I recommend you give the caddies a try.

If the rest of your family doesn't golf, there are many other activities to do at the Lake Las Vegas Resort. Hiking, biking and exploring the area surround Lake Las Vegas are extremely popular among guests. If you enjoy water activities gondola rides and individual water crafts are available to rent. Lake Las Vegas doesn't allow water skiing on the lake but you will be able to rent electric watercraft to explore the many nuances of the lake.

Shopping is also very popular at the Lake Las Vegas Resort. Located in the Montelago Village, there are numerous stores to please any shopper's tastes. This village has been fashioned after the small, quaint villages you might find in Europe. The shops include golf related stores, a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company and even a Starbuck's. What village wouldn't be complete without a Starbuck's?

As you are walking around the village be sure to check out the small ice skating rink that is located on the lake during the winter months. This floating rink is large enough to hold around 15-20 skaters comfortably. It is not very often you can ice skate in the desert.

When you get hungry be sure to try one of the many restaurants that are scattered around the village. You will be able to find several Italian restaurants, a deli, and some delicious Italian Gelato depending on what you are in the mood for.

The Lake Las Vegas Resort is one of the hidden secrets that Las Vegas has to offer. Without the crowds, the Lake Las Vegas Resort still is a true Las Vegas experience. Nowhere in the Las Vegas Valley will you find a better collection of golf courses and hotels in such a small area.