Day clubs on the Strip have a tendency to look like sunnier, splashier versions of their after-dark brethren: young, attractive crowds packed shoulder to shoulder, bouncing in place to brain-rattling soundtracks provided by star DJs.
It's a great time, if a less crass version of college spring break sounds like the way you want to spend your Saturdays. If you're the type who might like to read a magazine by the pool, well, not so much.
Hence the Aquatic Club, an adults-only pool debuting in April at the Palazzo that intends to fill the middle ground between thumping party pool and family-friendly hotel swim spot. Taking over the area formerly home to Azure, the Aquatic Club is inspired by vintage racket and swim clubs, with a retro vibe, contemporary amenities and whimsical touches thrown in to keep the mood light and guests pleasantly surprised.
"The Aquatic Club stands apart from what already exists in the Las Vegas day club and adult-pool lineup. It's purposefully different in almost every regard," said Lisa Marchese, chief marketing officer for the Venetian, Palazzo and Sands Expo Center. "It's the perfect fit for someone who has opted out of or simply needs a break from the frenetic energy of the Las Vegas day club. Imagine a nice backbeat vs. a pounding one, crafted cocktails vs. pricey bottle service and retro swim fashion vs. little to none."
The staff will be uniformed in bathing suits from designer Tory Burch's Tory Sport line, and the cabanas will feature striped decor along with original murals inspired by the abstract impressionist movement. The soundtrack will change daily: Fridays focus on hip-hop, Afro-Cuban and world music; Saturdays might include some retro jazz; Sundays will close the weekend with live acoustic tunes and easy electronica to soothe hangovers or get started on the next one with drinks from the bloody mary bar.
And lest the Aquatic Club's vintage vibe stray too far toward staid, a variety of entertaining experiences are also planned. Think floating table tennis, surprise shows by synchronized swimmers and the Prohibition Treat Trike, delivering booze-infused ice-cream bars and pops to help beat the heat. Guests after a serious drink can check out pop-up tastings from distilleries and mixologists or order pool-friendly classic cocktails and original drinks. A food menu by Wolfgang Puck means you can pair your frose with sushi, salad or pizza.
Whether you want to run the (floating) pingpong table or just kick back and relax, the Aquatic Club will be equipped to satisfy. So go ahead and bring that magazine. This is what it looks like when day life grows up.