Though Vegas revelers don’t need much reason to flaunt their swimsuits, the thought of lounging by a posh pool makes the idea even easier to imagine. Of course, this is Sin City, so it goes without saying that the oases listed here go well beyond mere lifeguards and diving boards and float into a world of decked-out cabanas, gourmet tapas and DJ booths. Our editors checked out pools all along the Strip and have singled out 10 that really make a luxurious splash.
Marquee Dayclub
The Cosmopolitan’s answer to the adults-only Vegas pool party is one of the hottest on the Strip. It’s a vibrant pool scene by day and an extension of the popular Marquee Nightclub by night. There are daybeds in the shallow water, but the seats to snag are the eight cabanas that sport their own plunge pools. If you need a bit more space, reserve one of the three-story bungalows that feature party decks on the roofs. The real bash is in the pool, though, when resident DJs set up shop onstage. Marquee opened for a sneak preview in mid-March, but its grand opening party is on April 6 with the EC Twins.
DAYLIGHT Beach Club
By the same group that brought us LIQUID, the Strip’s newest beach club will premiere over Memorial Day weekend—just in time for the summer. Located at Mandalay Bay, the Ibiza-influenced day club will include three wet decks with a glamorous pool as the centerpiece, making 50,000 square feet of flexible outdoor space. When The Light Group creates a new club, top DJs are practically expected; and with DAYLIGHT’s 1,500-square-foot stage, it’s a given that stars such as Skrillex, Baauer and Nicky Romero are in the lineup. The much-anticipated pool venue will offer daybeds, cabanas and bungalows so you can savor the delightful cuisine (think sushi) and cocktails with creative names such as “The Clooney” and “The Baja.”
Encore Beach Club
While there are seven pools throughout Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, the hottest spot is Encore Beach Club. The 60,000-square-foot, three-tiered oasis is lined with cabanas outfitted with flat-screen TVs, mini-bars and plush seating; but the real spot to snag is one of the eight über-luxe bungalows that feature their own infinity pools, private bathrooms with showers and cooling systems. Live music is pumping all weekend long: themed parties on Fridays, headlining DJs and music artists (think Steve Angello and Will.i.am) on Saturdays, and “Daystar Sundays” with top electronic dance music stars such as Avicii and Eric Prydz. Encore Beach Club has technically been open since mid-March, but the grand opening party is on April 6 with David Guetta.
Vdara Hotel & Spa
This casino-free and non-smoking hotel offers a peaceful escape from the clamor of the Strip, and the laid-back vibe continues on Vdara’s 40,000-square-foot pool deck, which fully opened on March 22. Unless you reserve a cabana or lounge chair—not such a bad idea considering the building’s mirrored façade intensifies the sun—this quiet oasis is exclusively for guests of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel. The sleek pool space is lined with white chaise lounges, daybeds and cabanas. Book one of the airy cabanas that come stocked with loungers, ceiling fans, misters, TVs, media hubs and plenty of refreshments—you can even get a massage in the spa cabanas. Vdara’s poolside lounge serves made-to-order cocktails and gourmet tapas such as yellowtail tuna ceviche.
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas
If you’re looking to escape the party animals that swarm most Las Vegas pools, you’ve come to the right place—and at the right time: The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas changed its guests-only pool policy this year, so as long as you reserve a cabana at the eighth-floor pool deck, you don’t have to book a room. Snag one of the elegant cabanas (painted inside with a cherry blossom motif) for a cool $350—hotel guest or not—and you’ll score a complimentary mini-bar stocked with refreshments (including a bottle of Moët Ice champagne), fresh fruit, plush robes and even a flat-screen TV with a PlayStation 3.
TAO Beach
This vibrant pool scene sits atop TAO Asian Bistro and Nightclub at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, and is one of the hottest (and most extravagant) beach clubs on the Strip. The elaborate Balinese décor is exotic—think Buddha statues lounging poolside and orange tented cabanas. The 12 poolside cabanas are tough to nab, but definitely worth it as they’re stocked with HDTVs, DVDs, gaming consoles, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and customized mini-bars. There are also Asian-inspired daybeds scattered throughout TAO Beach. When you get hungry, you can order some Asian bites such as Thai lobster and shrimp spring rolls. It officially opened in mid-March with TAO-tinis and TAO-jitos flowing as top DJs continue to spin beats from the booth.
LIQUID Pool Lounge
One of the newcomers to the Las Vegas pool party, LIQUID is ARIA Resort & Casino’s daytime hideaway—and the only pool open to the public at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel. Eight sleek cabanas replete with flat-screen TVs and plush seating line two VIP pools, while lounge chairs and daybeds surround the main 1,200-square-foot pool. It’s a Sin City marriage of luxury and entertainment: Top DJs and performers pump beats through the state-of-the-art sound system, and the 50-seat poolside restaurant serves delicious bites like coconut shrimp and specialty cocktails such as the Sicilian Summer cocktail. The CityCenter retreat officially opened for the season on March 14, though until mid-April, you can only party Thursday through Sunday.
Azure
The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino’s answer to its sister hotel’s TAO Beach, Azure offers a luxury party scene that’s perfect for indulging while soaking up those desert rays. Chic cabanas sporting top-notch amenities (think iPads) and sleek daybeds surround the trio of pools; but the most unique aspect is the rotunda that overlooks the famed Strip, where you can get a poolside massage courtesy of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Canyon Ranch SpaClub. When hunger strikes, don’t hesitate to order some of the delicious cuisine; Forbes Travel Guide Tastemaker and star chef Wolfgang Puck serves mouthwatering dishes ranging from sushi to pizza. But don’t miss out on the refreshing libations such as the frozen Paradis with Bacardi peach, Pama liqueur and orange and cranberry juices.
Caesars Palace
The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace features six different pool experiences ideal for sun worshipping in the Las Vegas desert. The Apollo Pool on the southwest side of the hotel provides the best sun exposure, and has five cabanas and seven canopied daybeds for escaping the heat, while the Fortuna and Neptune pools are the spots for mingling, martinis and even games of blackjack. The Temple Pool includes cabanas and daybeds, plus an iconic Caesar statuary and columns, making it one of the most luxurious of the six. The Jupiter Pool is a relaxing oasis with its tucked away locale in the northwest corner. But if it’s a party you want, Venus Pool Club is the place to be—it’s a secluded European-style pool with margarita and mojito carts, 11 cabanas, and 14 daybeds.
Bellagio
The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Bellagio’s pool area evokes an Old World vibe—picture lounging poolside at a Mediterranean villa with cypress trees, manicured gardens and intricately carved fountains. Bellagio sports five distinct pool courtyards, all of which are as luxurious as the next, with cabanas outfitted with HDTVs, fully stocked refrigerators, pool rafts and personal hosts; but for the ultimate VIP experience, soak up the sun at the exclusive Cypress Pool. Reserve one of the plush chaise lounges or four oversized daybeds (large enough to seat four to six people comfortably) and you’ll have a dedicated host there to bring you everything from chilled towels to frozen cocktails. And if you’re still not relaxed, book a poolside massage courtesy of Spa Bellagio.
Photos Courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International, Robert Miller, The Bellagio and Cae
