Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ Pool District is a Summer Wonderland

Now into its second full year of operation, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas is comfortably ensconced in its niche as one of the Strip’s most luxurious casino-resorts, featuring top-end accommodations, gorgeous public areas, a well-curated food-and-beverage program, and now, outdoor options that are hitting their stride this summer. In fact, the poolside cafes, a dayclub, multiple pool experiences, pop-ups, gaming, a cinema experience and myriad bars in and around the resort’s 6-acre pool district all combine to offer hotel guests and visitors alike a taste of Mediterranean-themed decadence. Here’s a roundup of what’s going on under the summer sun at the Fontainebleau this pool season, which runs through mid-October.

La Côte

Drawing inspiration from the French Riviera, La Côte poolside cafe is a posh, sun-splashed indoor/outdoor venue that represents the best of the Mediterranean in design, ambiance, food and beverage. Open to the public this year (only hotel guests could visit last summer), the cafe sports a rich, comfortable feel with an air-conditioned interior open to the neighboring Grand Pool. Patrons can also choose to drink or dine on the umbrella-shaded patio in their swimwear, although the venue’s casual atmosphere fits any style of dress. Menu highlights include Egyptian Falafel, Harissa Butter Shrimp and grilled kebabs, but the Ahi Tuna Tartare, mixed with caramelized harissa, avocado and a bit of Espelette pepper for zing, is a don’t-miss dish. On the cocktail program, La Côte Piscine, a refreshing mix of Whispering Angel rose, lychee, mixed berries and lemon, perfectly encapsulates the upmarket theme.

Sun Club featuring Veuve Clicquot

In a pop-up activation that’s tailor-made for Vegas-style decadence, the resort’s adults-only Legacy Pool has been completely refreshed and transformed into Sun Club featuring Veuve Clicquot, specifically to spotlight two newly-created cuvees from the venerable Champagne house. The pool area’s design has been enhanced by Veuve Clicquot’s branding, with furniture, umbrellas and life-preserver-ringed ice buckets all adding pops of Veuve’s signature yellow to the resort’s otherwise-classic, blue-and-white decor. And this is all to introduce two new, branded cuvees that the maker claims are perfect for summer imbibing: RICH and RICH Rose, both recommended to be served over a single, ice sphere that Veuve Clicquot claims cuts down slightly on the drink’s sweetness while creating an exquisite presentation. The activation will run through the end of pool season.

LIV Beach

As dayclubs have become major revenue generators for Las Vegas casino-resorts, competition among Strip properties has spawned a constant game of one-upmanship by the clubs, which typically boast top DJ talent, a thumping party scene and celebrity clientele. In addition to attracting throngs of beautiful bodies, The Fontainebleau’s LIV Beach is itself a stunner, operating in the upper echelon of the segment. On a recent Sunday afternoon, the dayclub’s tiered, colosseum-style venue was pulsating with bodies, booze and tunes in an upscale, party atmosphere. Service here is efficient, professional and personal, as expected considering the bottle-service prices. F&B minimum-spend rates for daybeds, tables, cabanas and villas vary by day of week and level of DJ popularity, with this season’s world-class lineup featuring top-level names like David Guetta, John Summit, Tiësto, Dom Dolla and others. And the Wagyu burger here – a relative bargain at $21 – is an unexpected gourmet delight. Tickets and VIP reservations are available here.

Oasis Pool

With six pools (each offering a distinct experience), four bars and a 2,300-square-foot gaming area, the property’s handsome Oasis Pool deck is a sprawling, water wonderland catering to a wide demographic. The large, meandering Grand Pool is divided into three segments traversed by walking bridges. Hotel guests enjoy towel service, complimentary use of lounges and ubiquitous umbrellas, and a soundtrack that complements – rather than overwhelms – the upscale ambiance. In-pool and deck-top daybeds are extremely popular, as are the large cabanas – priced by day of week – fitted out with all of the expected high-end accouterments like fans, misters, large-screen TVs, refrigerators, sofas and lounges. A full menu of drinks, snacks and meals is available to order. Nearby, the boutique La Mer and Gigi’s Grotto pools offer a modicum of serenity for adults.

Oasis Cinema Club

Featuring fan-favorite comedies, classics and blockbusters projected on a massive poolside screen, Oasis Cinema Club offers family-friendly movie nights at no charge for hotel guests. A recent Sunday-night showing of “Despicable Me 4” had families spread out comfortably throughout the pool deck, with many also enjoying a swim. A special menu serving up elevated takes on movie theater concession classics like gourmet popcorn, paletas, ice cream and snacks complements the experience.

Gaming Area

Rather than using in-pool tables favored at some other Strip resorts, the Fontainebleau’s spacious casino gaming area is located exclusively on dry land, just steps from the Grand and La Mer pools. And there’s plenty of room in the beautifully-decorated, airy spot to accommodate multiple Blackjack tables, TVs, a craps table and an inviting bar.