Spring, and spring break, are fast-approaching, and while that means many things -- warmer temps, shorter skirts, generally happier people -- we're focused on one in particular: Vegas pool party season (which generally includes the three former mentions as well). These wild, all-weekend -- and sometimes all-week -- events kick off in March and feature plenty of raucous behavior, only further encouraged by a prevalence of booze and bikinis. While many casino resorts are remaining tight-lipped on their opening dates and lineups, we've got the scoop on the JUST announced opening dates for four of the season's hottest parties.
-- Jane Reynolds, Oyster.com
A five-pearl property, Encore at Wynn has huge rooms, fine dining and one of the best pool parties on the Strip. Encore Beach Club, exclusively used for pool parties, is open every weekend for seven months of the year, and with a March 6 start date, it's one of the earliest launches of the 2015 season.
The area, which includes Surrender Nightclub, is a whopping 60,000 square feet and includes three tiered pools. It's home to a wide array of resident DJs, including famous acts like Deadmau5 and David Guetta. This year, the opening weekend will include DJ performances by Brooke Evers, RL Grime, and Jermaine Dupri.
The popular spot includes several bungalows that share an infinity plunge pool, and are always filled with a fun and rowdy crowd. The complex may be pretty large, but still expect to fight through mobs of around 4,000 people to get to the stage or a bar.
The iconic Hard Rock is home to a rockin' pool party, which was a pioneer in launching the whole daytime party scene in Vegas. The sprawling complex includes three different pool areas, including Nirvana Pool, which is only open to hotel guests; but the Paradise Beach Club is where the Rehab party takes place every Saturday and Sunday.
The opening party on March 14 will have a spring break theme, with Dee Jay Silver hosting the event. Daybeds and cabanas are of course available to rent, and the doors open at 11 a.m.
Much like the interior, the pool complex at MGM Grand is large and expansive. There are five pools (one adult-only) that are color-coded and have entertainment-themed names like "Producer's Pool" and "Director's Pool." You'll see both kids splashing around and bachelor party groups taking shots between the bustling, landscaped areas. But on the weekends, Wet Republic has the most raucous scene.
Every year, the pool party includes events like bikini contests, and guests can reserve VIP bungalows equipped with private whirlpools, flat-screen TVs, misting systems, chaise lounges, and drink service. VIP cabanas are also available for reservations; they include many of the same amenities as the cabanas, but they're missing the whirlpools.
Wet Republic opens for every Saturday and Sunday of the season on March 14, but the official "grand opening weekend" kicks off on April 11 with a performance by DJ Calvin Harris. Other appearances throughout the season include Steve Aoki and Tiesto. Performers from years past have included the likes of LMFAO.
Considered by many to be the best LGBT party in Vegas, Temptation Sundays at Luxor may not reopen till May, but at least they're giving us all the scoop! (Hint, hint: Tao Beach Club.) Host J.Son, along with resident DJ Matt, will start the party -- and plenty of various DJs and celebs will filter through for guest appearances.
Guests can buy general admission tickets or opt to rent cabanas with fully-stocked fridges, flat-screen TVs, rafts, bowls of fruit, and newspapers (hey, you never know). Daybeds -- with towel service, rafts, and bottles of water -- are slightly less expensive but also grant you a bit of VIP status.