H2O heaven: The best pools at Las Vegas hotels

Water world: Wet Republic, at the MGM Grand, is one of the best pools in Las Vegas.

By Mark Chesnut

Las Vegas may sit in the sun-scorched desert, but it’s a great place to get wet. Swimming pools at Las Vegas hotels are often as grand and over-the-top as the attention-getting lobbies and casinos that are just a few steps away. Here are a few great places to wet — sorry, whet — your appetite.

Active travelers can enjoy the vibe at Mandalay Bay Beach, where an 11-acre sand beach, multiple swimming pools, a lazy river ride and a jogging track provide multiple free-time options. The venue also hosts a Beach Concert Series; upcoming shows include Colbie Caillat and Gavin Degraw on Aug. 18, Ziggy Marley on Aug. 31 and Sugarland on Sept. 2.

Also recommended for lively entertainment is WET Republic at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, where the creative spinning of live DJs emits from underwater speakers in the pool, and VIP bungalows and party cabanas add to the decidedly hip atmosphere.

Live DJ music is also served up regularly at the Bare Pool Lounge at The Mirage Hotel and Casino, where guests can also indulge in services including chilled cucumbers for the eyes, iced towels rolled in flavored water, frozen fruit skewers and icy popsicles.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers a number of pool areas in its 200,000-square-foot outdoor facility, including Nirvana (formerly called the HRH Beach Club), Breathe (formerly Relax Pool and Bar) and Paradise Beach (formerly Rehab). Each area has its own unique ambiance. Nirvana, which spreads across five lush acres, offers plenty of amenities, including sandy beaches, swim-up blackjack and a gaming lounge. Perched above Nirvana is Breathe, which overlooks the Las Vegas Strip. Paradise Beach is known for its tropical scenery and laid-back feel, complete with beaches and Caribbean-blue water.

Pampering is a big part of the experience at Vdara Hotel & Spa — and that extends to the poolarea, where the spa staff offers massage treatments in private cabanas every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through late September. Guests can choose from five treatments from the poolside massage menu, featuring products from the all-natural Akhassa skincare line.

Related resources

• Cheap Las Vegas flights
• Henderson hotels
• Las Vegas vacations

Mark Chesnut is a freelance travel writer, editor and publisher of LatinFlyer.com, which focuses on travel to Latin America. He obtained flying fish status with the YMCA.

Tagged: Hotels, Las Vegas