The desert oasis offers pools, parties and relief from the heat
Not a gambler? It’s time to slather on the SPF lotion, rent a cabana and check out the DJ-driven parties in Las Vegas. Known as much for its pools and parties as its casinos, Las Vegas can be quite a cool oasis even when temperatures soar above the century mark.
The desert hot spot offers many fun events and venues for those looking to chill in the sizzling summer heat. Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at the Bellagio features synchronized swimmers and divers who perform in, on and above the water. Just watching the acrobatics within the blue waters gives you a feeling of relief from the searing heat outside. Plus, the theatre has great A/C.
ROOFTOP PLUNGE
At the non-smoking, non-gaming Vdara Hotel and Spa, located at the newly built CityCenter, you can enjoy a rooftop plunge into the pool, and one of the best views of the city. Even though at high noon, the sun could fry an egg up there, you can take refuge in one of the spacious cabanas while enjoying food and drinks from the café.
If outdoors is not your cup of iced tea, the LEED gold certified resort has a great smoothie bar where you can rehydrate with delicious smoothies and juices. While there, if you’re in the mood for some bubbly, the bar also offers an assortment of champagnes and celebrated wines.
HEAVENLY MASSAGE
At the 18,000-square-foot Spa & Salon at Vdara, treatments include natural ingredients from herbs, flowers, fruits, vegetables and oils. If you prefer, as I did when visiting Vdara’s rooftop pool, you can enjoy a complete spa experience with a refreshing juniper and cypress detoxifying herbal massage in one of the six specially designated spa cabanas. The ceiling fan felt so cooling and heavenly on my body that I didn’t feel motivated to move a muscle. You can also sip on iced mineral water and munch on fresh fruit refrigerated in each cabana.
I hadn’t set foot in a nightclub in quite some time, so when I entered the cavernous HAZE in Aria, I left reality at the door. The atmosphere and music were exhilarating.
OUTDOOR SWINGS
After an hour, I switched to Bar Vdara—much more my preferred setting of sophistication mixed with whimsy, right in the heart of the hotel. Though it was still a balmy 80 degrees outside, the outdoor swings overlooking the reflecting pool became the perfect place to taste one of the bar’s summer seasonal cocktails. I chose the apple and pear drink made with delicious pear puree, apple cider, house sweet and sour, Cruzan single barrel rum and cinnamon sugar rim. My friend chose the Agave Kiss: Herradura tequila, Chambord, double cream, raspberries and a dark chocolate rim.
For a dining experience not to be missed, head over to MGM Grand and enjoy L’Atelier de Joel Rubuchon, Zagat’s rated “Best Las Vegas Restaurant.”
So, while “Sin City” might be baking in the desert summer heat, it’s still a hub of excitement, with many options to
play it cool.
