Las Vegas Weekly

April 6, 2010 · 1:02 PM

Pools of paradise are aplenty and awe-inspiring along the Strip

By Robin Leach

The pool at Aria.

Photo: Kirvin Doak Communications

With the growing popularity of Las Vegas’ pool destinations rivaling the lure of its legendary nightclubs, thousands of tourists have discovered that our daylife is just as hot as the nightlife. There’s no doubt now that the pool scene, just like our nightclubs, outsizzles the competition of any other city on Earth. This summer promises to be bigger and better than ever with the debut of three pools all in Las Vegas’ newest destination, CityCenter.

Guests of Aria at CityCenter have an escape to a sensual paradise with three distinctive pools. Shielded by a lush landscape of yucca, acacia and palm trees, guests enjoy unique overhead water features and three hot tubs. Dozens of umbrellas fill the expansive 215,000-square-foot pool deck. Aria’s lavish cabanas pair superior service with high-tech indulgences such as 42-inch LCD televisions, iPod docks and Wi-Fi access. Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria by The Light Group is an adults-only experience offering the ultimate in poolside opulence with a state-of-the-art sound system and world-class DJs. Liquid’s grand opening Thursday features renowned spin-master DJ Tiesto. Luxe cabanas are equipped with 40-inch flat-screen televisions and offer chaise lounges, plush daybeds and access to two semi-private dipping pools.

Next door at Bellagio, there are five Mediterranean-inspired pools, including two heated lap pools set amid citrus trees and landscaped gardens, hand-carved Italianesque stone fountains and Mediterranean-designed tile. High above Harmon Circle on the third level of Vdara Hotel & Spa is a pool experience like no other. Featuring phenomenal views of CityCenter, the sleek 40,000-square-foot poolscape is filled with comfortable chaise lounges, plush daybeds and spa service cabanas.

The platinum playground for partygoers, glitterati and celebrities, Wet Republic at MGM Grand, Las Vegas’ first ultra pool, has 53,000 square feet and features two saltwater pools and six jetted spas. On April 24, reality TV stars Kim and Khloe Kardashian will host sister Kourtney’s 31st birthday bash poolside for this season’s official grand gala opening. Before the opening, Kendra Wilkinson and Audrina Patridge played hostesses and got their feet wet at Wet Republic. The larger MGM Grand pool complex provides nearly 7 acres of dynamic swimming and sunbathing areas with four swimming pools, including one lap pool, three large whirlpools, a lazy river, sparkling fountains and tropical waterfalls.

Mandalay Bay ups the pool scene ante with Mandalay Bay Beach Spanning 11 acres, guests can body surf in the wave pool, relax in the lazy river, make sand castles on a beach of California sand, hit the jogging trail and retreat to private cabanas, bungalows and villas. Steps from the waves is the three-story, glass-fronted Beachside Casino. Country singer Gary Allan will kick off the Concerts on the Beach series April 17. Next door is the adults-only Moorea Beach Club. There’s also European-style -- yes, topless -- sun worshiping at Bare Pool Lounge at The Mirage.

Every casino resort along the Strip has fabulous pool facilities for visitors to escape the heat and enjoy soothing and scintillating poolside getaways this summer.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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