There are pools and then there are luxury pools. The recently opened Wet Republic at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino is an example of the latter. This 53,000-square-foot venue has it all — and more — starting with its two large saltwater pools, a first for a Strip resort. With its six dipping pools, six tricked-out bungalows, 10 party cabanas with bottle service, custom menu and world-class entertainers, Wet Republic introduces a brand-new concept in poolside luxury.
“We call it ‘daylife,’” explained Anthony Olheiser, the MGM Grand’s director of nightlife. “We’ve taken all of the best amenities you find in a nightclub outdoors. Wet Republic is the ultimate nightclub-like experience in the sun. Las Vegas is a 24/7 town. People want to be pampered at all hours of the day.”
Water World
Wet Republic is a pool first and foremost, and sun worshipers will find plenty of space to sprawl out and work on a tan. A 4,100-square-foot pool deck has 18 daybeds, 18 lime-green water lounges located within the pool’s six-inch-deep wet deck and more than 80 oversized deluxe chaise lounges surrounding the two main saltwater pools and its six flowing waterfalls.
Clients taking a dip won’t miss a beat either, thanks to eight underwater speakers pumping sounds spun from an elevated disc jockey booth that overlooks the pool and connects to a covered 2,500-square-foot open-air lounge. Wet Republic promises to bring in world- renowned DJs and big-name entertainers, too. Rapper Ludacris already appeared at a spring kick-off party.
Poolside Pampering
Visitors with the urge to splurge have their options.
“It’s all about service. We pride ourselves on taking care of our guests,” Olheiser said of the top-of-the-line VIP bungalows.
Six play areas offer three private spas, private restrooms and the look of a modern living room bathed in beiges, browns and ruby red. It’s not your average outdoor space, unless, that is, your backyard contains a 50-inch flat-screen television, a king-size daybed, teakwood furniture, an Xbox 360, an iPod docking station, a DVD library, a fully stocked mini-fridge, ceiling fan, telephone and wireless Internet connection. The 10 cabanas, which are just slightly smaller, have similar amenities and clients can schedule poolside massages at any time throughout the day.
Those not splurging on a private cabana, however, can still retreat from the heat and head to the lounge where Olheiser said they’ll be “out of the sun, but still be in the mix.”
The covered pool lounge has a nightclub look and feel. The focal point is a stunning 60-foot verde marble-topped bar with a custom glass base inset with chartreuse silk and bamboo. Cream-colored couches, lounge chairs and ottomans rest on dark wood floors, while white onyx tables have a dual purpose: table and dance platform.
Culinary Creations
Wet Republic goes beyond the norm when it comes to the menu. In addition to offering bottle service, bartenders mix up signature cocktails with names like “Skinny Dip” and “Guilty Pleasure,” while whipping up innovative cocktails such as Veuve Clicquot snow cones and Red Bull vodka drunken popsicles. Should a client desire a bottle of Louis XIII de Remy Martin, they’ll fetch one for a cool $15,000.
Food is just as tantalizing. From Kobe beef sliders to lobster gazpacho gelee to tuna tartare and lettuce wraps, the poolside fare is far from ordinary. Even the desserts — frozen strawberries with Grand Marnier fudge and marshmallow s’mores — offer a taste of the good life. “We tried to think of everything,” said Olheiser.
Seems like they did.
THE DETAILS
Wet Republic is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cabana rental fees and cover charges apply and vary depending on the day of the week. Guests must be 21 years or older. Dress code calls for fashionable swim attire.
Wet Republic at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
702-891-3563
www.wetrepublic.com
