HIT THE DECKS
DOES ANYTHING SAY VEGAS LIKE LYING BY THE POOL AND GETTING HOSED OFF BY SEXY FIREFIGHTERS? WE DIDN’T THINK SO. HERE’S WHAT’S NOT TO MISS.
Does anything say Vegas like lying by the pool and getting hosed off by sexy firefighters? We didn’t think so. Here’s what not to miss.
GARDEN OF THE GODS POOL OASIS, CAESARS PALACE
The eight-pool complex surrounded by Roman statues has 44 plush cabanas, a waterfall, poolside spa services by Qua Baths & Spa, and swim-up blackjack. Party like it’s 160 BC: Rome meets Tahiti in new coconut cocktails like the Voconuts, a fresh coconut filled with Belvedere Mango Passion vodka, VOCO vodka coconut water, lime juice, agave nectar, and club soda. Cabana life: New Champagne Sundays mean that if you rent a cabana, you’ll get a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Start early: Mimosas and Bloody Marys are bottomless on Saturdays and Sundays—but only between 9 and 11 am. 702-7317280; caesars.com
THE AQUATIC CLUB, THE PALAZZO
The former Azure is revamping, and the vibe is now less Côte d’azur, more timeless American swim, racquet, and lawn club. Hydrate: Look for new (old) cocktails like the Bees Knees and Red (or Green) Snappers, plus a rotating selection of boozy ice pops, all served by pool staff dressed in Tory Sport. Weekend is like: Friday: Ping-pong on a floating table to hip-hop;
Saturday: Retro Americana with 1950s-inspired synchronized swimmers; Sunday: Live acoustic music, plus poolside manicures, Bloody Mary bar, and Frosé all day. Order in: Canyon Ranch Spaclub poolside massages; new custom sushi, fish tacos, and samplers from Wolfgang Puck’s Solaro. Where to be: Hide away in cabana 131, people-watch from more central cabana 125. 702-767-3724; venetian.com
POOL BACKYARD, RED ROCK CASINO, RESORT & SPA
Three acres of dedicated pool grounds include 19 cabanas, an island fountain, and the 21-andover Cabana Club (opening Memorial Day weekend), where DJS spin every Saturday for a crowd of nearly 300. Cabana life: Cabana 5 sits between two dipping pools and has a huge daybed. Summer selfie: Littleknown perk: Order any cocktail served from a fresh-cut pineapple or coconut. Eat this (and that): New menu items at the Sandbar poolside café include lemon blueberry beignets, watermelon salad, an avocado bowl, and chilled king crab. 702-797-7973; redrock.sclv.com
ENCORE BEACH CLUB, ENCORE
The three-tiered pool complex is known for its opulent day club scene: 40-foot palm trees, 26 cabanas, and eight bungalows— and a killer DJ rotation that this year includes David Guetta, The Chainsmokers, Diplo, and Alesso. Where’s the fire? Over the booze-pouring Ferris wheel? Order the new Champagne shower with a Nebuchadnezzar of Veuve Clicquot, 20 bottles of house bubbly, and a fire truck hose-off by the ladies of EBC ($25,000). Bet it all on: Blackjack, in the pool’s gaming pavilion. Come back for: Nightswim, on Friday and Saturday nights at Surrender and Sundays at XS, this year featuring Norwegian dance superstar Kygo, starting his residency on April 30. 702-7707300; wynnsocial.com
MGM GRAND POOL COMPLEX, MGM GRAND
Four swimming pools, three whirlpools, a lazy river, fountains, waterfalls—the 6.6-acre complex is beyond big. Director for a day: Of the movie-themed pools, the Director’s and Producer’s Pools have the most cabanas. The complex now has 30, including four new fully outfitted cabanas. Bring the family: The 8,000foot-long lazy river is the longest on the Strip, and this year look for ping-pong and water volleyball. Or not: Hakkasan Group’s Wet Republic features major performers like Steve Aoki, Kaskade, and Calvin Harris on the decks. (Reserve a bungalow, with king-sized daybeds, teak furniture, and private security.) Hydrate: Try the new Berry Skinny: Skyy Wild Strawberry vodka, Ty Ku liqueur, club soda, cranberry, and blueberries. Day drinking was never so virtuous. 702-891-1111; mgmgrand.com .