LUXE LAS VEGAS POOLS

Aquatic destinations making a splash

By Heather Turk

Golden Nugget’s pool has a waterslide that runs through a shark-filled aquarium

Given that Las Vegas is known for its scorching hot summers, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of luxurious pools for guests to cool off in around town.

Las Vegas’ dynamic dayclub scene has only flourished over the past couple of years, offering adults age 21 and older the chance to soak up some sun while splashing along to some poolside beats. The city’s legendary TAO Beach Dayclub actually just reopened at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas in April after undergoing an extensive twoyear transformation. Now able to accommodate 3,000 guests, the 47,000-square-foot Asianinspired tropical oasis is more than twice its original size and boasts two bars, 21 cabana rentals (seven with private plunge pools) and several Instagram-worthy art installations. There’s also a new DJ booth that will showcase a variety

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Tiësto, one of Ayu Dayclub’s resident headliners, performing poolside in 2021

of top acts throughout the season — including Swedish superstar DJ Alesso and platinum-selling Australian DJ Fisher, both of whom have residencies at the venue — and an updated poolside menu featuring such sumptuous selections as oversized sushi boats and sashimi carved tableside. taogroup.com/venues/tao-beach-dayclub-las-vegas

One of the city’s newest dayclubs also has Asian influences. Inspired by the beauty of Southeast Asia’s idyllic islands and featuring 18 private cabanas, the 41,000-square-foot Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World Las Vegas opened last July with a performance by Miley Cyrus. The concert was actually streamed on the resort’s 100,000-square-foot LED screen for passersby on the Strip to watch as part of its grand opening celebration. The club will continue to feature an impressive roster of talent that spans a variety of music genres during its second season in operation, including resident headliners Tiësto, Zedd, deadmau5, DJ Snake, Louis The Child, G-Eazy, Jack Harlow, Madison Beer and Becky G. zoukgrouplv.com/ayu

AZILO Ultra Pool at SAHARA Las Vegas is in the midst of celebrating its first full season as well. Featuring Moroccan décor, lush greenery, 10 cabana rentals and a 240-foot LED wall, the 30,000-square-foot sanctuary not only has a DJ performing on its open-air stage Thursday through Monday, but also specials to keep the party going every day of the week. Guests can see such notable acts as “The DJ Violinist” Marlon Dasoul performing on Mondays; DJ Stephi K playing a mix of hip-hop, house, rap and other genres on Thursdays; DJ SupaJames and DJ Greg Lopez

AZILO Ultra Pool

Élia Beach Club

The beautiful Ayu Dayclub

Stadium Swim has attracted several athletes since opening in 2020, including Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell and San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer

Photo of Tiësto and Ayu Dayclub courtesy of Resorts World Las Vegas; AZILO courtesy of SAHARA Las Vegas; Élia Beach Club by Alex Jerome; Stadium Swim by Black Raven Films playing a mix of Top 40, EDM, rock and old-school music on Fridays; and DJ Eric Forbes playing a variety of musical styles on Saturdays. azilolasvegas.com

Just a short trip off-Strip, revelers can journey to the Mediterranean at the Mykonos-inspired Élia Beach Club. Showcasing some of the biggest international Latin artists, hottest country music acts and emerging electronic dance DJs, the 55,000-square-foot oasis at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has beautiful stonework accents throughout, its own sand-bottom pool, a spacious shaded bar and an additional pool and bar area on its second floor. There are also 21 woodframed cabanas available to rent and — new for its second season — sophisticated culinary offerings like half lobsters and customizable skewers. eliabeachlv.com

For a pool party atmosphere that’s sure to leave sports fans cheering, Stadium Swim at downtown Las Vegas’ Circa Resort & Casino broadcasts all of the latest sporting events on a 143-foot-diagonal, 40-foot-tall, 14-million-megapixel LED screen. Not only can sports fans watch the action from one of six temperature-controlled pools at the three-level pool amphitheater, but they can also see the latest betting odds and place their wagers on site. A DJ playing music to keep guests excited between plays further adds to the winning atmosphere, as well as two hot tubs and 30 cabana rentals. circalasvegas.com/stadiumswim

While Stadium Swim is one of Las Vegas’ most unique adults-only pools, downtown Las Vegas is also home to one of the city’s coolest family-friendly pools. Named one of America’s Most Amazing Hotel Pools in 2018 by CNN Travel, The Tank at the Golden Nugget has a 200,000-gallon aquarium as its centerpiece that’s home to 300 sharks, stingrays and other fish. Guests can choose to safely swim around the aquarium’s inhabitants — which include sand tiger, zebra, nurse and blacktip reef sharks — or speed past them on a clear waterslide that runs through the aquarium. The three-story pool complex has several other amenities guests can enjoy, too, including a hot tub, five live gaming tables, a secluded adultsonly pool and 17 cabana rentals. Paid admission is based on daily availability (hotel guests get in for free), so be sure to arrive early. It’s not often people get the opportunity to swim with sharks in the desert! goldennugget.com/las-vegas/amenities/h2o-pool