In the exciting world of high-stakes action, Las Vegas is the number one destination for big-dollar buy-in casinos. Well, that is what the Americans would have you believe.

However, let's not forget Macau, Singapore, and Monte Carlo, and who could ever miss out on the magical Sun City in South Africa? There are so many great establishments in so many parts of this beautiful planet!

How to be better than just plain old 'good'

The top-notch poker room will spare nothing to offer the very best in comfort, security, and facilities. This gaming lounge is often an integral part of a seriously splendid hotel with its pool, wellness center, and 5-star eatery. It is pretty standard for high-rolling players to spend time in such exclusive places and relax in opulent ambiance; naturally, the service will always be 'par excellence.'

Welcoming onsite restaurants are hyped as a key part of the experience. Think of all that energy used, seeking the carefully calculated route to winning. That pure physical strength required to hold onto every fraying nerve - it's exhausting! The mystery, the subterfuge, and yes, the delicious secret satisfaction of knowing your hand is pure diamond-studded gold!

Everyone needs a calm space to recuperate! Dining in the land of the exclusive poker room is just the right and perfect place to find sanctuary.

Exclusivity has the added benefit of being located in opulent palaces dedicated to the thrill of the play. As a natural balance, they are also always focused on the well-being of their clientele. The spa, the massage room, the diet, the peaceful bedrooms, the pool, and the general sense of all-around care. The expectation of feeling pampered is the norm in such havens. It's all in one place and available to the few who can appreciate such heady rewards.

Couple that with the thrill of high-stakes poker and the chance to win really big. Of course, you could lose 'big too', but people who frequent these exclusive places can afford a downturn.

So where are these top spots, and what makes them so very special?

The Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Multi-stake games, stunning location, and gorgeous interiors give this world-class venue the hand of a lifetime. There's the luxurious hotel, which is made for relaxation and pampering, the crystal clear infinity pool that is so inviting, and restaurants that almost overshadow the city's cultural wealth. SkyBar rooftop cocktails are a must, as is the casino, on four levels, with exclusivity guaranteed in the upper-story luxury salons. Access-controlled high-limit areas help deliver a world-class gaming experience.

The Venetian, Macau

Possibly the largest casino in the world and a sister to The Venetian in Las Vegas. Five hundred fifty thousand square feet of luxurious gaming space is coupled with the best in shopping opportunities, top-class restaurants, and entertainment, to equal anywhere else. This is the place to go to play, to buy, and to dine. And maybe even check out the very best basketball players in action while you're at it.

Inspired by the romance of the Venetian canals, take a slow gondola trip to admire the ornate buildings and pools that reflect the grandeur of fine Italian architecture. Then, sip a skillfully prepared cocktail as you prepare for some exhilarating poker hands in the lavish tabled lounges.

Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco

If Europe is your gaming destination, nowhere is more delightful than the South of France.  Gracefully set within the charm of the Mediterranean coast sits the tiny Principality of Monaco, home to one of the most featured casinos in movies, magazines, and books – the celebrity-rich Monte Carlo Casino. How many spins of the wheel or shuffles of the deck have there been in this iconic establishment? How many fortunes have been made just steps from the beach and the sea, the cafes, bars, and the swaying palms?

There are gourmet delicacies, sophisticated aperitifs, wines, and champagnes for the tasting. The splendid, evocative interiors call out luxury. The stores exude super top quality as they offer their uniquely beautiful treasures. The sense in the air is one of pure romance.

Exclusivity is the word; privacy is the offer to those who seek the higher limits of poker playing fun.

Sun City Resort, South Africa

Set wonderfully in the glorious world of safari, open skies, rolling hills, and blue waters, it is a place where extravagance can flower brilliantly. Sun City is a creation that includes entertainment venues, fine dining restaurants, bars, and golf courses where you can flaunt your pro skills. The internationally famous casino provides plenty of scope for players looking for stress-free recreation or those who want to play with somewhat more at stake. The Salon Prive and the VIP lounge afford the exclusivity, the ambiance, and the comfort of any high roller's perfect room of success.

Likened to a country club under the African sun, this remarkable wonderland could be the birthplace of great winning hands of poker.

Bellagio, Las Vegas

Seven thousand square feet with 40 tables and two high-limit areas is the place to go for a poker game of a lifetime. You can mix and play with the crowd or find yourself in the Legends Room, an exclusive two-table enclave.

Watching your inscrutable neighbor for the slightest movement that could signal a clue is just as much a part of the game as knowing what beats what in poker. Keeping a skilled mind aware of the rules is the way to guarantee success.

As a part of the MGM group, there is no room for less than 5-star service and quality. The Hotel accommodation is second to none. The dining rooms cater to everyone – choose from the Steakhouse, the Poolside cafe/bar, or the impressive LAGO by Julian Serrano, lauded for taste and exuberant flavors.

Bellagio is not all play! Private cabanas, premium daybeds, the spa, and salon help you work gently towards rejuvenation. They encourage clients to relax and prepare for life's special moments.

If that is work, it sounds like a job we might all enjoy! Anyone lucky enough to gain entry might never want to leave. There will be plenty of celebrity spotting, but you will be low-key about this. Exclusive means exclusive, after all.