Aria competes with larger pool parties by being ‘a little more high-end’

There's never a second chance to make a first impression, as the saying goes, and when guests visit the new Liquid Pool Lounge, a good first impression likely will be a given.

This marks the first season for Liquid, located at Aria at CityCenter. And, in crafting the pool event's maiden season, the goal was to "create a great atmosphere," says Jodi Myers, president of The Light Group.

However, toward that end, "we wanted to do something a little different" than, perhaps, some of the louder, more hyper parties around town, Myers says. "We wanted (Liquid) to be a little more exclusive."

Thus, Liquid is "a little smaller, a little more high-end," Myers says. "There's definitely a fun party, but it's not to the extremes of a Rehab or a Wet Republic."

The pool area's design is "very chic and simple," Myers says, with a decor that features palm trees, greenery along the walls and a simple color scheme of white with orange accents.

There's a 1,200-square-foot main pool, as well as two luxury pools for guests of Liquid's "very spacious" private cabanas, Myers says. Those cabanas are equipped with such touches as 40-inch flat-screen TVs, video game setups and refrigerators.

"And the really great thing," Myers says, "is, the (Aria) spa works with us, so if you want to get a spa treatment from the Aria spa, they'll come down to do it."

Liquid also is "the only pool in Vegas that has a full kitchen," Myers says, offering up a "fun, light" menu by executive chef Brian Massie.

"It's available to everybody. We have restaurant seating as well, and the menu is playful and sophisticated."

The drink menu, meanwhile, includes tropical offerings built on fresh fruit bases, including Liquid's signature Liquid Passion.

Music is provided via DJs working a state-of-the-art sound system designed by John Lyons.

Admission to Liquid Pool Lounge is limited to those 21 and over, and locals are "very welcome," Myers says. Thursday is industry day, "when locals are free and there are different parties we throw, from bikini contests to just fun things to get the locals out."

Otherwise, admission is $10 for ladies and $20 for men Sundays through Fridays, and $10 for ladies and $40 for men on Saturdays.

For more information, call 693-8300.

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.