MAVERICK IN THE NEWS

When we touched down in Vegas, my friend Ben and I felt like kids about to be let loose in the biggest sweet shop on Earth. It's not for nothing that "Sin City" is known as a Disneyland for adults.

Having both been to Vegas before, we thought we were ready for anything - and knew that embarking on a 10-day trip might be a bit much for our bank balances, waistlines and livers to deal with. But we never dreamed we would end up as witnesses to a Las Vegas wedding.

Our cabbie from the airport - a Vegas veteran of more than 30 years who had seen it all - confirmed our fears when he said, with genuine shock: "Ten days!? Are you guys crazy? That's a disaster!" Clearly many, many people have managed to lose their cash and dignity in less time than we were planning to spend there.

Those thoughts faded when we checked into The Aria, one of the city's newest and most luxurious hotels. Passing through a massive but tastefully-decorated casino we reached our Sky suite - with a ground space bigger than my house.

After freshening up in a bathroom larger than my lounge we prepared to hit the packed freeway - The Strip - for cocktails and a great steak at the Strip House. In the interests of beating jet lag I had a beer while winning a few dollars at the poker table before hitting the sack 28 hours after I last slept - we were truly in the city that never sleeps.

It was on a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon (www.maverickhelicopter.com), which is not far from the city, that we were enlisted as witnesses. Flying into one of the natural wonders of the world is something everybody should do before they die. We had chosen the sunset trip, which allowed us to be in the heart of the canyon to witness the rocks of different hues changing as the sun went down, then seeing the lights of the city going up on our return. in our eight-seater helicopter were just two other people - Zoran and Stacey, a couple from Australia who announced, after we had got through a couple of bottles of champagne on the floor of the Grand Canyon, that today was their first wedding anniversary.

What's more, they were getting their vows renewed at the Little White Wedding Chapel - where the likes of Britney Spears and Frank Sinatra have tied the knot - and would we like to come? It was an offer we couldn't refuse. Which was why a few hours later we found ourselves at Caesar's Palace - ironically the setting for part of the film The Hangover - being shown to our limo by a driver, in a Fifties suit with jet-black slicked hair, desperately trying to look like Dean Martin.

Casually mentioning that they hadn't invited a single one of their friends to the ceremony, Stacey told us: "I never thought we'd be in Vegas getting our vows renewed with two total randoms as witnesses." Only in Vegas! The brightly-lit gaudy chapel more than lived up to expectations - cherubs adorned the walls while fake white flowers were suspended from the white pews.

As we entered, a fat American girl and a skinny American boy in their late teens were waiting to be married in one of the chapel's famous drive-thru weddings... except they didn't have a car or even a witness - they had to employ the receptionist.

A James Brown lookalike preacher led them outside and asked if they took each other to be their husband/wife... and that was it. But for Zoran and Stacey it was a proper wedding ceremony - she got to walk down the aisle and he wore a "tuxedo" T-shirt for comic value, while we dutifully fulfilled our roles, signing as their witnesses. After the event it seemed so surreal.

The love theme continued as we watched a performance of La Reve at the theatre in the Wynn resort, about a woman who falls into a deep dream and decides whether she loves her man. The purpose-built dome theatre was the backdrop to an amazing acrobatic performance, with artists diving into the water which rises from the floor. Encore, also part of the Wynn resort, quickly became my favourite casino and hotel - its casino is one of the few in Vegas where you can actually see the light of day.

If you're thinking of buying a timeshare, check out the new Planet Hollywood Towers and test out one of their huge suites - they can even accommodate a hot tub in your room - and at a more affordable rate than some of the high-end hotels it offers good value. As a non-gaming hotel it's also nice to escape the constant noise of the fruit machines that pollute the air in most other hotels.

For a real escape from the buzz of the city, though, it's worth indulging in a bit of pampering. Try the Trump Spa, an intimate venue where their signature body wrap was enough to make you forget about the chaos of Vegas for a couple of hours. Caesar's spa, on the other hand, is huge and even has an ice room where it snows. A two-hour massage and facial left me feeling like I was walking on air. Another drink-filled last night left me with another hangover, although discovering I'd won £900 helped me recover.

They say when you're winning that's the time to leave Las Vegas - but in the words of Arnie, "I'll be back!". Steaks ..and high stakes

As well as the casinos, Vegas prides itself on being a hotbed of global gourmet delights. Here are some of my culinary highlights...

Wolfgang Puck's Spago, The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace - my favourite restaurant in Vegas. Outstanding fine dining six-course tasting menu from $95.

Strip House, Planet Hollywood - great steaks and cocktails. Mains $30.

Craftsteak at the MGM Grand - possibly the finest steak in the city. Three courses for $85.

Sushisamba at the Palazzo - fantastic sushi fused with Peruvian cooking. Dishes from $8 to $30.

Sirio Ristorante at the Aria- brilliant pasta and meat mains from $25 to $49.

Botero, The Wynn- great fish from $32, steaks up to $52 for a 20-ouncer.

Rick Moonen's Rm Seafood at Mandalay Bay - delicately cooked seafood. Alaskan Halibut was perfect for $24.

Jasmine at The Bellagio - Sunday Fountains brunch is the best buffet in Vegas with a view of the famous fountains. Unmissable for $65.

Brio Tuscan Grill, Town Square - great value locals restaurant in complex just off The Strip. Tasty mains for less than $20.

What's the deal - Premier Holidays has three nights at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino from £789pp, at Aria Resort and Casino from £849pp and at Encore from £905pp including return flights with BA from Heathrow for January and February departures. Book at www.premierholidays.co.uk or call 0844 493 7531.

For more info on Las Vegas go to www.visitlasvegas.co.uk

By Justin Penrose 11/14/2010

Guest at the Four Season Hotel expect the best of the best, and head concierge Adrian Little is there to provide it. With 12 years of experience, he knows quite well what guests want and whom he can call on to handle those request.

Here are the seven services that he keeps on his speed dial:

1. Cupid's Pet Service. Anytime a guest needs someone to watch their pup. Little gives Cupid's Pet Service a call. 785-2968.

2. Layers Bakery. "In my opinion, the best cakes and cookies in Las Vegas," he says. Until the new Green Valley location opens in September, a limited menu is available from Layer's commercial kitchen. 121 E. Sunset Road, 221-2253.

3. Beck-N-Call. "Not only do they provide the best messenger service in town, they also give VIP tours of Vegas, which we always recommend to our guests who have never been to Vegas before." 990-2062.

4. Maverick Helicopters. Little recommends the "Canyon Dream" tour to any guests who want to venture to the Grand Canyon. 1-888-261-4414.

5. Nannies and Housekeepers U.S.A. "We can relax knowing that our guests' children are being looked after by the best nannies in the business." 451-0021.

6. Settebello Pizzeria. Serving the best authentic Italian pizza in town. In the District, 140 S. Green Valley Parkway, Henderson, 222-3556.

7. Pink Jeep Tours. The best way to tour the Hoover Dam. "The tour guides have a wealth of information." 895-6777.


Vegas Seven Issue 07/11/2010-08/11/2010

It is with great pleasure to announce that the Maverick has been selected by the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association as the best Tour in Las Vegas!

Make sure to visit our Facebook page by searching for the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association. To commemorate this occasion, it would be wonderful to have you as a group member and if you would post a signature recipe or special insider tip about Maverick.

Congratulations again! You have made an impression on the concierge throughout the city and we look forward to honoring the Maverick.

Karen Rosington
Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association 05/2010

Boasting superior quality of service and utilizing state-of-the-art $2 million helicopters, Maverick Helicopters offers luxury tours of the Grand Canyon and the Las Vegas Strip. And there's no experience quite like it.

When the propellers start whirring and the copter shakes off the ground, the exhilarating ride begins. Equipped with individual headsets, passengers are given running commentary of the sights below by their knowledgeable pilot. The helicopter soars over old copper mines, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Colorado River, with views better than an airplane flight could ever provide. Once the Grand Canyon comes into view, that's when words fail and all one can do is take in the magnificence of the natural wonder.

Landing at a lookout inside the Canyon overlooking the Colorado River, passengers are free to roam around the area, take pictures and enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, beverages and champagne. The excursion lasts three and half hours and hotel pickup is available. After the trip there's no better way to commemorate your journey than with a DVD of your particular voyage, complete with pilot commentary. Interested visitors should plan their trip early in case of inclement weather.

Jack Houston
Las Vegas Magazine 03/29/09 issue

Did you miss it? We have the "Weekend Window" segment just for you.

Maverick Helicopters was on the air! The company was showcased in a "Weekend Window" segment filmed by Outpost Media that was broadcast Feb. 8, 2009 on the popular ABC morning news program "Good Morning America." Using Flagstaff, Ariz. as a base, Maverick Helicopters took visitors and a film crew on a tour of the Grand Canyon's South Rim.

Maverick Helicopters was on the air! The company was showcased in a "Weekend Window" segment filmed by Outpost Media that was broadcast Sunday, Feb. 8 on the popular ABC morning news program "Good Morning America." Using Flagstaff, Ariz. as a base, Maverick Helicopters took visitors and a film crew on a tour of the Grand Canyon's South Rim. The footage is spectacular as it was shot shortly after a snowstorm.

"We've been shooting these 'Weekend Windows' for 'Good Morning America' for years and have worked with a lot of wonderful helicopter tour companies," says producer Michael Harris of Outpost Media, based in Seattle, "and Maverick Helicopters tops them all. Not only was our pilot Ron Suess a wealth of information about this spectacular place and a joy to work with, but the aircraft were the best we've ever seen—not just to facilitate our production needs, but for seeing the Grand Canyon as tourists. It was my crew's first visit to the canyon and, although we do so many of these travel pieces, at times we actually forgot we were working and had a lot of fun!"

Maverick Helicopters has been offering tours of the Grand Canyon's South Rim since early 2005. These tours are highly regarded because of the luxurious seating and outstanding visibility of the company's ECO-Star helicopters, as well as the VIP-quality attention shown to guests by its entire staff. There are two tours you can book to see the Grand Canyon's South Rim—the Canyon Spirit and Canyon Dancer.

In The ABC Reality Series, Jason Mesnick Took One Lucky Lady On A Helicopter Tour Of Las Vegas And The Grand Canyon

When the propellers start whirring and the copter lifts off the ground, the exhilarating ride begins. When it comes to romance, Maverick Helicopters has the desired flight plan. In season 13 of the "The Bachelor," the tour company offered its services to handsome single dad Jason Mesnick.

The 32-year-old account executive from Seattle is attempting to find his soul mate among 25 bachelorettes on the popular ABC reality TV series hosted by Chris Harrison.

In week three, Natalie, a 27-year-old human resources recruiter from Chicago, won an individual date with Jason. A fashionista at heart, she took her time primping and put on a sexy strapless black dress. When Jason saw Natalie, he told her she looked fantastic—but that the outfit was "missing something." Then he presented her with a diamond necklace and bracelet worth more than $1 million to wear during the date.

They got into a limousine and made a toast to getting to know each other better. The limo took them to a private jet that was bound for Sin City.

"I feel like I'm in a dream," whispered Natalie.

And the dream got even better! When they landed at the Henderson Executive Airport, located just south of Las Vegas, Jason and Natalie exited the jet and saw a helicopter with the colorful Maverick Helicopters' logo situated nearby. "I was thinking, 'Is that helicopter waiting for us?'" said Natalie.

Indeed it was. They boarded the luxurious ECO-Star helicopter outfitted with comfortable leather seating and took off. The trip began with a loop up above the fabulous Strip so that they could take in the spectacular skyline.

"This is crazy," mused Natalie, as they held hands and cuddled while the pilot expertly guided the helicopter across the breathtaking desert valley. "I feel like the luckiest girl in the world."

The scenery got even better as they passed over Lake Mead and flew by the manmade wonder Hoover Dam. Jason mentioned that seeing these amazing places from their own private helicopter made him feel like he was part of a "celebrity couple."

Finally, as the sun was setting, the helicopter reached the pinnacle point in the journey—the Grand Canyon. What could be more romantic? The red hues were so richly vibrant, it was almost as if the rocks were on fire. Later in the evening, long after Jason and Natalie had finished their tour and were exploring the fine restaurants and nightlife in Las Vegas, they took a moment to recall all that had happened during date.

"Everything was amazing," said Natalie. "I think the most surreal moment was in the helicopter and seeing all those things created by nature and also the Hoover Dam. Being up there with you in the helicopter was my favorite part."

Although Natalie didn't get a rose at the end of the date and wound up leaving the show, she did have an experience she will remember for the rest of her life. And it was the kind of experience everyone can enjoy! If you're in Las Vegas and want to explore some of the natural and manmade wonders in the area, then take a Maverick Helicopters tour. In fact, choose the one Jason and Natalie took on "The Bachelor"—the Wind Dancer package. Whether you bring someone special—or not—you're sure to fall in love!

This romantic date has been posted on YouTube, Bachelor Show and Twitter.

There is so much to see and do in the Grand Canyon area, families often miss many of the fun activities. Of course, there is the awesome view from the rim of the canyon itself; however, the next time you think about sharing this truly American wonder with your kids, consider making this trip more than just a spectator sport!

The city of Williams is “The Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” Located on historic Route 66, this place is a little gem. Just a few hours from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Williams is a quaint and picturesque town. The reconditioned Lodge on Route 66 is the perfect place to stay while you’re there. Rooms have kitchenettes, fireplaces, cable TV and comfortable beds. I loved my suite there. And for a snack, make sure you stop in at Twisters, a 1950s-style soda fountain and gift shop.

From Williams, The Grand Canyon Railway will take you up to the South Rim where you can spend some time exploring before the return trip, or you can stay at the canyon and return in a day or two. The railway is a fun experience for both kids and adults. Five classes of service make this an affordable adventure for every budget, and each car has a different atmosphere. But no matter what car you ride in, the fun won’t stop from the moment you board until the time you step off of the train two hours later. Entertainment is the key on this railway. And during the trip don’t be surprised when the train is robbed. They’re not Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but these robbers are every bit as fun to watch as Paul Newman and Robert Redford. With music, costumed entertainers, food and drink, as well as spectacular scenery and wildlife along the route, The Grand Canyon Railway is a must-do for every family visiting the area. To put it simply, it’s pure fun. And from November 9- January 13 they offer a Polar Express trip, complete with a reading of the story, hot chocolate, Santa Clause and a sleigh bell for every kid!

Next, there are the mule trains that go half-way down the canyon for day rides and all the way down for over-night rides. But for a different view Maverick Helicopter Tours operates two kinds of helicopters, including the new “ECO-Star,” which is truly the Rolls-Royce of helicopters. This quiet and spacious copter has room for eight and provides every passenger with a fabulous view. And while you’re on your flight a video camera records your personal experience, including what you say, so it’s a good idea not to mention you’re having a had hair day unless you want it recorded for posterity. There are two canyon tours- a short one (if you can call 25-30 minutes short), and a long one which lasts about 45-50 minutes. All ages are welcome on the tours. Everyone will leave with a new perspective of the canyon and its magnificent majesty.

A family vacation at The Grand Canyon involves more than looking a t a hole in the ground. There are plenty of wonderful activities for everyone, and don’t forget to bring your camera. You’ll want to remember everything about this magnificent part of the country.

Los Angeles Family Magazine – November 2006

We were somewhere over Tropicana Avenue by the time the nerves finally settled in my stomach. The pilot was still playing the James Bond theme into out headphones as the ECO-Star helicopter we were riding in flew over Sam Boyd Stadium. I could even see my house from up there. Although I possessed a moderate fear of heights, I had been promised I would have nothing to fret about. I didn’t believe it at first, but the smooth ride to the Grand Canyon testified to Maverick Helicopters’ credibility.

The company, which provides day or night airborne tours of the Strip and surrounding areas, has been in operation for 10 years on Las Vegas Boulevard South near McCarran International Airport. Between locations in town, Sedona, Ariz., and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Maverick flies more than 20 ECO Star helicopters, which cost about $2 million each.

Aside from technology that provides a quiet ride and air conditioning, the price comes with features that help Maverick keep its safety record clean, and keeps nerves like mine firmly in check.

“It’s an experience; it’s not a flight. It’s a tour,” say s Bryan Kroten, director of sales and marketing. “The most common thing is ‘It’s much better than I thought it would be.’ In ideal situations it’s smooth. You’re gliding across the sky.”

The trip begins with a view of the Strip and outlying Las Vegas Valley. Our pilot, Jim Ogletree, pointed out McCarran International Airport and the Thomas and Mack Center on the way to more magnificent spectacles such as Lake Mead. Ogletree informs us the largest man-made lake in the country is equal to the size of Rhode Island. As a native Las Vegan, I should’ve known that fact.

“When people have questions, they ask,” Kroten says. “If someone is interested in history, [the pilot] can gear it to history. If someone is interested in facts, he can gear it to facts.”

The 2 ½-hour trip is full of sights. Being up off the ground gives a vantage point only ever seen on film. The desert is full of color. Here, the rust-colored rocks of the Bowl of Fire show off the genius of nature while the strength behind Hoover Dam is as clear as the horizon. And the Stratosphere is interesting when you’re looking in the windows from the outside.

“There’s no way I would spend eight hours in a car,” says Virginia Morris, a passenger from England, while standing on a plateau 3,500 feet into the canyon. “It’s beautiful… but the only way to see the sights of Las Vegas is to not gamble so much and take a helicopter ride.”

The landing spot in the canyon is set up with picnic tables, where pilots set crackers and cheese and serve Champagne and soft drinks to passengers. As he pours a soda for a passenger, Ogletree says, “[Passengers] are so taken by the experience of riding in the helicopter,” that uneasiness goes away. .

Making arrangements for the un-frequent flyers is easy compared to others requests Maverick receives. The company flies night rides up and down the Strip and to the Valley of Fire, but the company also is open to the quirky desires, including marriage proposals and V.I.P. excursions. .

“It’s a fun job,” says Ray Medina, the office manager. “People are always happy. People lost their money gambling, they’re angry. People here are happy [how] they spent their money.”

944 Magazine – November 2006

While there are many ways to experience the massive Grand Canyon and the surrounding wonders of the West, few will leave you literally feeling on top of the world. One of the first-class approaches to surveying the natural beauty of this region is from the skies. For years, Maverick Helicopters has been providing the most discriminating of travelers with a lavish eagle’s-eye encounter with the Grand Canyon. Rest assured, this is no ordinary tour of the canyon. Aboard a Maverick helicopter, you will embark on a luxurious adventure of a lifetime, beyond compare.

Maverick has long sustained a leadership position in the tour industry by providing VIP guest service, exhilarating excursions and maintaining the latest in cutting-edge avionics. Maverick features the largest fleet of Eco Star helicopters in the world! These new, multi-million dollar, sate-of-the-art Eco Star jet helicopters feature a 23% bigger cabin with wrap-around glass and front-facing theater-style seating for maximum visibility for up to seven passengers. Add to that DVD recording capabilities, surround sound stereo, climate-controlled cabins and personalized narration from highly experienced and knowledgeable pilots. You will also have an opportunity to take home a personalized sky-cam recording of your journey to share with family and friends.

Departing from the South Rim, basic tours transport you in style over the picturesque Ponderosa Pine landscape of the Kaibab National Forest and above the mighty Colorado River. Longer flights descend deeper into the heard of the canyon and venture to more secluded areas.

Departing from Sedona, you can enjoy a tour to the Grand Canyon or of the surrounding areas and view formations like the Snoopy Rock. And if your explorer’s spirit is not yet pacified, Maverick tours also offers airborne excursions to Death Valley, Monument Valley, Bryce and Zion National Parks, and Yosemite National Parks.

For a change of pace, the spectacular Vegas Nights tours offer breathtaking night flights high above the glowing neon mecca of the Las Vegas Strip. A truly unforgettable and unique experience, you’ll begin the evening with VIP check-in and complimentary champagne. Soon after your departure you’ll soar down the world-famous Strip and Glitter Gulch, passing all the legendary landmarks and rows of resorts.

Maverick Helicopter Tours gives you the freedom to combine various tour elements, extend your flight time, add on river rafting or an exclusive H2 Hummer tour. Or, if you know exactly where you wish to go and what you would like to see. Maverick will personally design a flight just for you to anywhere you desire.

Affluent Traveler – Fall 2006

Arizona’s natural wonders and rejuvenating open-air lifestyle continue to facilitate a wealth of adventure travel, nature-based tourism and Southwest heritage options.

“Wells Gray Tours has been offering winder trips to Arizona for about 30 years,” said Roland Neave, CEO/owner of the tour operator company based in Kamploops, British Columbia. “It’s a very popular destination for Canadians looking for a winter escape to sunshine, warmth and a great variety of indoor and outdoor experiences.”

Forests of Ponderosa pines in the north, arid deserts to the south and the Colorado River hugging its western border boost the state’s travel diversity. One of the seven natural wonders of the world- the Grand Canyon- may attract a few travelers, too, or more like 5 million annually, to be specific. With so much to discover in Arizona, sightseeing option s have become just as varied as the landscapes they showcase.

WHAT A VIEW

Sedona, the heart of Arizona’s Red Rock Country, is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful destinations in America with its massive monoliths and geological formations. Bryan Kroten, national director of sales and marketing for Maverick Helicopters, provides visitors an alternative way to take in the area’s natural features.

“Our helicopters can accommodate up to seven people at a time, and our fleet can handle groups of all sizes, whether it’s a 10-minute flight over Sedona or a longer adventure to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim,” Kroten said.

Maverick offers five different excursions, each varying in time and area covered, and gives its customers the option to purchase a sky-cam recording of the trip. Kroten mentioned the Sedona Dream tour as the most popular with groups. The 30-minute flight carries passengers over the area’s famous red rock formations, ancient Sinagua Indian ruins, Cathedral and Bell rocks, and Boynton and Secret canyons.

NTA- Courier Article- March 2007

Every year, nearly 5 million tourists visit the Grand Canyon to experience its beauty and inspiring views. It’s a sight worth traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles to see. But having to deal with large crowds and jockeying for a quick glimpse over the canyon rim can leave some disappointed.

A popular alternative is to visit the canyon by air, which not only provides a more solitary encounter, but also offers a geographical perspective that’s hard to beat. And when it comes to selecting how and when to get there, options abound.

Twice labeled by the Travel Channel as one of the 10 Best Helicopter Thrills in the World, a Maverick Helicopters’ Grand Canyon flight sounds like an adventure worth taking. Some passengers are so awed by the experience they cry, notes Bryan Kroten, the Las Vegas company’s director of marketing.

“It’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience,” he says.

Maverick offers several Grand Canyon tours, including departures from Sedona, Ariz., Las Vegas and the canyon’s South Rim. Sedona flights start at $499.

“For people in Sedona and Phoenix, it’s the easiest way to see the Grand Canyon,” Kroten says, adding that flights leaving from the South Rim run as low as $149.

Summerlin Magazine – February 2007

Boasting superior quality of service and state-of-the-art $2 million helicopters, Maverick Helicopters offers luxury tours of the Grand Canyon and the Las Vegas Strip. And there’s no experience quite like it.

When the propellers start whirring and the copter shakes off the ground, the exhilarating ride begins. Equipped with individual headsets, passengers are given running commentary of the sights below by their knowledgeable pilot. The helicopter soars over old copper mines, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Colorado River, with views better than an airplane flight could ever provide.

Once the Grand Canyon comes into view, that’s when words fail and all one can do is take in the magnificence of the natural wonder. Landing at a lookout inside the Canyon overlooking the Colorado River, passengers are free to roam around the area, take pictures and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beverages and champagne. The excursion lasts three and a half hours and hotel pickup is available.

After the trip, there’s no better way to commemorate your journey than with a DVD of your particular voyage, complete with pilot commentary. Interested visitors should plan their trip early in case of inclement weather.

Las Vegas Magazine - March 2007