Liquid Assets
Aria's New Poolside Blowout

The sun is high. The Strip's fountains are at full blast. And for some reason, your blackjack dealer is wearing board shorts.

In our experience, that usually means it's pool season.

Welcome to Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria, a sprawling open-air water palace that just happens to be the first pool party at the newly minted glass tower known as CityCenter, open now.

The vibe might be familiar from your afternoons sipping cocktails on top of the Mirage, but you're about to meet that scene's older, rowdier brother. You'll have the same shade trees and parasols, but with louder speakers, looser morals and a crowd that embodies the studied anarchy that is a Vegas pool party. In short, all the makings of the first great scene of the season.

If you want a little privacy—or just a place to stash your winnings—you can book one of the 16 cabanas in the back and have the benefit of a daybed and your own 40-inch flat-screen (so you won't have to miss Oprah). More importantly, you'll get a pass to one of the private wading pools, in case any members of your party feel unduly stifled.

Hopefully someone's willing to help them with their sunscreen.