FIVE FAB VEGAS POOL PARTIES

I know a place
Where the grass is really greener
Warm, wet and wild
There must be something in the water
Sippin’ gin and juice
Laying underneath the palm trees (undone)
The boys break their necks
Tryna creep a little sneak peek (at us)

– California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg), by Katy Perry

Spring has sprung and so have the poolside soirees that reign supreme from mid-March through the “dog days” of August, up to and ending in October. Record highs exceeding 90 degrees have already been charted here in the Southwest, where the air is hot and dry with a mixture of the desert, teen spirit, Coppertone, and possibility.

Aside from hitting the beaches off the PCH in SoCal, the next best place to be is poolside at your property of choice here in Las Vegas where the libations flow unfettered in consort with the harmonious sounds of an EDM DJ laced with ecstasy that will have you tripping the light fantastic to your heart’s desire. Saṃsāra? No. Nirvana? Perhaps.

Las Vegas and pools have been synonymous since the development of the original Flamingo by legendary gangster Bugsy Siegel. In fact, the cost overruns attributed to the design and redesign of the pool contributed to the untimely death of Siegel. With the unsuccessful opening of the Flamingo, Mafia kingpin Charles “Lucky” Luciano demanded Siegel return the $5 million he had been given for the construction. Siegel refused the demand and Luciano ordered Siegel’s execution.

However, one need not give his or her life in the pursuit of grabbing UV rays, but rather only be willing to part with a little do, re, mi and one’s inhibitions to partake and revel in a day of debauchery and decadence. So, without further ado, my list of the Five Fab Vegas Pool Parties:

1. Encore Beach Club

Aside from James Bond, no one does it better than Steve Wynn. Wynn Encore’s answer to daylife is a stunning complex of pools, bright orange daybeds, five-star cabanas, palm trees, champagne, cocktails by the pitcher, delectable grilled food, and pretty people dancing in the blazing desert sun (We don’t mind sand in our stilettos). Prince Harry took a liking to the fabulous party, as have many other celebrities. Arrive early, as it can be hard to get into, especially when world-famous DJs and hosts like the recently sheared David Guetta, Diplo, and Skrillex are making an appearance. Daytime hours are currently 11 am – 7 pm Fridays and Sundays, and 10 am – 7 pm on Saturdays. (702) 770-7300 encorebeachclub.com

2. Wet Republic

The powers-that-be at Wet Republic run DJ mecca Hakkasan during nighttime hours, so you can imagine the day-drinking soaked party that descends on MGM Grand. Bungalows come with private Jacuzzis and security detail, and there’s a menu of “skinny” drinks for those worried about keeping their sun-kissed figures bikini-ready. There are even two saltwater pools for those who think they’ve seen it all. Check the official calendar for details. (702) 891-3715 wetrepublic.com

3. Daylight

Things get wild at Daylight – a 50,000-square-foot sun emporium at Mandalay Bay. The stage is a whopping 1,500 square feet, leaving plenty of room for DJs and performers like Bass Jackers and Tyga. Daylight hails from the same people who brought Vegas 1Oak and Light, so expect an alcohol-soaked daytime dance party with Daisy Dukes and bikinis on top. Daylight Beach Club opens at noon on Thursdays and Sundays and 11 am on Fridays and Saturdays. (702) 693-8300 daylightvegas.com

4. Drai’s Beach Club

You could travel the world, but nothing comes close to the Strip’s ultimate rooftop party atop The Cromwell Las Vegas. Drai’s huge open-air rooftop beach club sits 11 stories high and is pulling in the crowds. The venue has two large pools bedecked with VIP cabanas and a stunning Strip view. There is also a private pool on a second level, with five additional bungalows overlooking the Strip. The rooftop pool is open 10 am – 6 pm Monday – Thursday and the Beach Club is open 11 am – 6 pm Friday – Sunday. (702) 777-3800 draisbeachclub.com

5. Marquee

Three-story bungalows lord over this Cosmopolitan hotspot, which is decked out with infinity pools, cabanas tricked out with private hot tubs, and a party deck to melt your Popsicle! Laid out on the 17th floor of the hotel (check-in is on casino level), Marquee, like its nighttime namesake, brings in the most sought-after house DJs, such as SAVI and DJ VICE. Open for the 2017 season daily from 11 am –sunset. (702) 333-9000 marqueelasvegas.com

Situated at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, these pools serve as an amenity to hotel guests, a home for day and nightlife experiences, and a space for special programmed and private events with a sophisticated splash by yours truly, Las Vegas DMC and event planners extraordinaire: Destination Fabulous.

Nevada gurls
We’re undeniable
Fine, fresh, fierce
We got it unlocked
Strip side represent
Now put your hands up
Ooh oh ooh
Ooh oh ooh

Nevada girls, we’re unforgettable,
Belinda

Sources:
Songwriters: California Gurls – Written by Calvin Broadus, Hudson Elizabeth, Lukasz Gottwald, Benjamin Levin, Mike Love, Max Martin, Bonnie Mc Kee, Brian Wilson • Copyright © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Cypmp
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