This rural Nevada resort is not quite Vegas, but it's ideal for the reunion where "everything that happens stays" right there.

Families looking for glorious weather with robin’s-egg blue skies, and lots of fun in the sun, will love Summerlin. Steeped in the beauty of its natural surroundings, Summerlin ripples along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley, at the base of the Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountain Range.

The Canyon’s natural desert terrain is world-famous for its vivid red sandstone landforms, dramatic panoramic vistas, and diversity of desert plants and animals, a result of more than 40 natural springs.

Summerlin is close to the livliness and fantasy of "The Strip" -- but not that close! The upscale master-planned community, 15 miles northwest of downtown Las Vegas, mingles its energetic flavors and lifestyle with a welcome respite for those who want to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Nevada desert.

Homebase for 4 Generations

Our 11-member family gathering was held at the elegant JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa ( 877/869-8777 ; 221 N. Rampart Boulevard, Summerlin, NV 89145), a proverbial private oasis in the desert. A destination in itself, the resort nestles among 22-acres of lush gardens, waterways, and towering palm trees. There are 548 luxury guest rooms (many connecting) and suites (up to 2,000-square feet) in both the Spa Tower and the Palm Tower.

Our spacious guest rooms were in the Palm Tower and offered stunning views of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Park to the west. Our oversized marble bathrooms were equipped with whirlpool bathtubs and separate showers. The kids especially loved the raindrop showerheads, making clean up time a breeze. The rooms all had walk-in closets, a cooler with complimentary water, and a coffeemaker. DVD players were available to rent.

After settling in we chose to have an informal dinner at Ceres, a favorite of guests, as well as the local Summerlin crowd. Here we found a wonderful selection of entrees, a great choice of salads and sandwiches, and a classic kid’s menu.

In the morning after breakfast, where we all enjoyed the wide array of choices at the buffet, our group decided to split up for activities.

A Resort You Never Have to Leave

We rented a private poolside cabana that provided both shelter from the desert sun and a relaxing retreat for our youngest (age 7) and eldest (age 91). The spacious cabana was equipped with a TV, fridge, telephone, lounge chairs, eating area and refreshing misting system. The staff at the Beach Hut brought ample towels and filled our fridge with bottles of water, and the wait staff from the Waterside Grill that features salads and light fare came around frequently to see if we needed anything. We all felt very special.

The grass-edged pool with a cascading tropical waterfall turned out to be major enjoyment for the kids and adults. Water volleyball was definitely a highlight. We also made use of the Jacuzzi, then moved on to some land games including horseshoes and bocce ball. Some of us were better then others at these sports, causing good-natured teasing and lots of laughter.

While we were enjoying poolside activities, a few of the adults opted for the pampering of the resort’s Aquae Sulis European Spa, modeled after the healing spas of ancient Greece, and chose the Spa’s “Sampler” a combination of body and massage techniques. After their treatments they all enjoyed the whirlpools, cascading waterfall showers, and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, and sauntered out refreshed and glowing. Throughout the day the fitness enthusiasts in our family utilized the cardiovascular and weight training activities as well as the aerobics studio.

Golf was also available on one of the eleven championship golf courses located within a short drive of the resort. The reservation desk arranges tee times and golfing needs for the golf enthusiasts.

Eating well is a favorite pastime on family vacations, and this was no exception. As the day progressed a few of our family members stopped for a snack and refreshing drink at the resort’s J.C.Wooloughan’s Irish Pub that has a selection of traditional Celtic pub fare. The Rampart Buffet with popular dishes from around the world, including pizza baked in a wood-burning oven, was another option we could have easily indulged in, but for dinner that night we all chose Shizen, one of the food outlets not managed by the resort but located on property. The Sushi bar was an option, but we all chose the Teppanyaki table, where we were awed by the chef’s choreography and antics as he prepared our various selections. There were lots of surprises and giggling. Another restaurant managed outside the resort is Spiedini Ristorante, a chic Italian eatery specializing in classic Milanese and urban Italian cuisine. One of our couples enjoyed a delicious and romantic dinner alone there.

Bringing you "back to Vegas," the Rampart Casino offered the adults all the pizzazz of a Las Vegas Strip. For the shoppers, in addition to the resort’s boutiques that lined the indoor promenade, complimentary buses were available to shuttle guests to and from the Fashion Show Mall on The Strip.

Venturing Onto "The Strip"

For our evening out on The Strip, we chose the highly acclaimed family-friendly Lance Burton Show ( 702/730-7160 ) in the Victorian theatre at the Monte Carlo Hotel (3770 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109). It turned out to be a fantastic choice, and was definitely embraced by the younger set. While seated and waiting for Master Magician Lance Burton to appear, we were treated to a film showing all the kids that had previously taken part in Burton’s shows. This segment evolved into an exciting highlight of the actual show, when he asks kids to join him onstage, and selects a few for his act. The participants were presented with a very special T-shirt, and then added to his film.

In the midst of blazing neon lights and non-stop action, Burton opens his show with disappearing and appearing doves. His amazing feats included a Solid Gold Lady that appears when $10 million worth of gold bars disappear from an open vault; Burton’s red Corvette that flies around the stage; and the Magic Zone, a murder mystery romp of disappearing and appearing cast members. His special guest star, comedic juggler Michael Gourdeau, had the kids shrieking with laughter, and the beautiful showgirls added much zest to the entertainment. This is a rare chance for the kids to enjoy and actually take part in a Vegas show.

Nearby Nature & Fun Attractions

At Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Park ( 702/515-5350 ; HCR33 Box 5500, Las Vegas, NV 89161) we drove the 13-mile scenic loop (others can opt to hike or bike) through the landscape created from a complex history of marine and prehistoric dune deposits and subsequent erosion. The Canyon is also popular for rock climbing on some of the country’s most challenging shallow peaks. For guided naturalist tours, as well as maps and brochures, be sure and stop at the Visitors Center.

Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix Family Fun Center (702/ 259-7000; 1401 N. Rainbow Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89108) turned out to be an awesome adventure for the adults and younger set. In addition to the Gran Prix track and sprint kart tracks, there’s an arcade and rides. The little ones were thrilled to get an official "Kiddie Kart Driver License"” with space to add their names. Check out the family specials and the wrist bands for the best deals.

Red Rock Resort Bowling Lanes (702/797-PINS; 11011 W. Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89135) the largest hippest lanes in town, are open 24/7; Red Rock Climbing Center ( 702/254-5604 ; 8201 W. Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89117) offers 8,000-square feet of climbing surface, and Cowboy Trail Rides & Dinner ( 702/387-2457 , Las Vegas, NV 89161) offers one- and two-hour excursions for adults and children 6 and older. For a touch of culture, the Las Vegas Art Museum ( 702/360-8000 ; 9600 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89117) showcases contemporary, international, national and regional art.

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead were together hailed upon completion as "the Eighth Wonder of the World." Located within an hour's drive of Summerlin, this is a great daytrip for all ages. The highest concrete dam and engineering marvel stands 736-feet-high and 1,244-feet-wide at its crest, and is 660-feet-thick at its base.Check their site for information on tours.

The Hoover Dam Museum (702 /294-1988) housed in the historic Boulder Dam Hotel (1305 Arizona Street, Boulder City, NV 89005) has artifacts preserved from the dam’s construction. Featured are 3-D interactive hands-on exhibits telling the human story of history’s greatest construction project, including a 20-minute film.

Photos by Mel Greenberg