Abby Tegnelia

Top 10 Pools To Relax At in Las Vegas

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World Class Pools to Relax and Refresh at!

“Daylife” pool parties in Vegas have exploded in the last few years, but sun worshipers who prefer a more relaxing environment have plenty of world-class pools to choose from. So pull up a lounge chair and order some champagne – this side of the Vegas pool scene is about relaxing and refreshing. Consider taking a look before you book, as most pools are for guests only and not every pool is open year round.

1. ARIA

ARIA Pool with Cabanas

Photo Courtesy of MGM Resorts

Lounge chairs at Strip pools are traditionally first come, first serve, but Aria lets its guests reserve ahead of time online. Once there, four sprawling pool areas (2 pools for regular hotel guests, one pool for Sky Suites guests, and a pool area at Liquid dayclub) offer everything from hot tubs and gorgeous shaded areas, to state-of-the-art cabanas and plenty of places to soak in the hot desert rays. Accompanied children are allowed, and raft rentals are available.

2. Bamboo Pool – The Cosmo

Photo Courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Photo Courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

The Cosmopolitan offers three pools, including the lush Bamboo for pool fans who prefer lounge music to house music – or who are simply recovering from the previous day’s festivities. While there, indulge in a poolside yoga class or chair massage. Open to hotel guests only (non-hotel guests may party at Marquee Dayclub), this pool also offers coffee in the morning, and cocktails from stunning teak bars in the afternoon.

3. The Beach at Mandalay Bay

The 11-acre Beach at Mandalay Bay brings the California coast to the desert of Nevada. The wave pool rocks waves up to six feet, as sunbathers tan on 2,700 tons of real California sand. Not staying at the hotel? Check the schedule for its outdoor concert series (March through October) that’s open to the public.

4. Cypress Pool – Bellagio

Cypress Pool at Bellagio

Photo credit: MGM Resorts International

Cypress Pool, inside the Pool at Bellagio (think citrus trees and Mediterranean tiling), is so private that every one of the 65 lounges (plus two daybeds) has its own host to attend to the hotel guest’s every need. Throughout the day, expect to be served cool-down treats like frozen fruit, smoothies, and Evian misters, plus food and cocktails made to order.

5. Jupiter Pool – Caesars

The most relaxing corner of the famous Garden of the Gods pool at Caesars Palace, the Jupiter Pool is a quiet escape in an otherwise lively resort. Relax in a cabana, daybed, or chaise lounge with other like-minded resort guests. If you perk up, consider heading next door to the Fortuna Pool for a hand of swim-up blackjack.

6. Mandarin Oriental Pool Deck

Mandarin Oriental Pool Deck

Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Nothing quite says luxury like Mandarin Oriental, and its oasis in Vegas does not disappoint. From the second a smartly-dressed valet opens your door to invite you into the hotel, you know you’re in the right place for an afternoon dip in the pool in style. The pool deck is open from 8 am to 8 pm, and even non-hotel guests may rent cabanas Monday through Thursday. And instead of slopping down chicken wings in your bikini like at more party-centric pools, Mandarin boasts a lovely, five-star Pool Café (it’s literally pool-side, so you don’t miss a thing) for lunch – and that’s open to non-hotel guests at any time. The pool’s restrooms include a sauna and other amenities, and the service is top on the line. The last time I was there, after sipping champagne all day and wishing I never had to leave, after an approximately 30-second wait for a cab to the airport, the valet called around the hotel’s car to personally support me. Ahh, no one does it like Mandarin.

7. Nirvana – Hard Rock

Nirvana is a beautiful oasis for Hard Rock guests who aren’t up for the party-centric Paradise pool, where the infamous Rehab party is held. Soft rock instead of house music, and booze and cabanas at a fraction of the price are additional pluses. On weekends, non-hotel guests may sunbathe at nearby Breathe, although cabana minimums might apply.

8. Palazzo Pool

Photo Courtesy of The Palazzo

Photo Courtesy of The Palazzo

Palazzo’s expansive pool boasts four acres of pools (including a family-friendly option), fountains, and Jacuzzis. Hungry? Wolfgang Puck’s Solaro serves pizzas and sandwiches in a casual outdoor setting, plus an array of juices from its juice bar. The pool is open only to hotel guests, but there is a dayclub, Azure, that is open to the public.

9. Soleil – Paris Las Vegas

There’s just something about Paris! Known for its yummy frozen vodka lemonade, Soleil offers Paris hotel guests a sprawling pool designed like a Parisian garden. The whole pool is on a high deck under the Eiffel Tower for to-die-for views. Poolside spa treatments are available, as well as snacks by the attached Café du Parc.

10. Vdara Pool & Lounge

Courtesy of MGM Resorts International

Courtesy of MGM Resorts International

Vdara, the non-gaming, smoke-free enclave at CityCenter is known as an escape from the Strip chaos, and its pool is no different. A maze of private corners and plunge pools, the deck offers fantastic views, plus a food menu to keep youngsters fueled (children under 14 must be with an adult). Take a deep breath and spread out on a cabana, daybed or sunbed – you’ll be glad you chose to stay at Vdara.

Bonus Pick: Flamingo Beach Club

Flamingo Las Vegas offers its hotel guests family-friendly fun, nestled in the hotel’s stunning gardens and wildlife habitat. Waterfalls, flamingos (naturally), and water slides will keep the youngsters entertained in the 15-acre pool grounds. Adults should grab a cooling fruity cocktail.

Did we miss your favorite spot? Join the discussion and let us know which pools you like to relax at when visiting Las Vegas!

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