Green Valley Ranch covers up for its Pond pool party

Body bingo, free margaritas and pasties.

That pretty much sums up the Pond pool party at Green Valley Ranch.

Resort-hosted pool parties tend to be similar, as they all involve swimming pools, bathing suits, booze and music, so Green Valley Ranch Pond is relying on the little things to set the Pond apart.

Female guests receive a pair of pasties to wear if they want to shed their tops to avoid tan lines, says Michael Waltman, the hotel's food and beverage director.

For five years, the Pond operated as a European-style pool, offering women the option to sunbathe topless. The city of Henderson had an ordinance banning such pools, but management didn't realize that until another hotel tried to launch one of their own, Waltman says.

Enter the pasties. Women have a variety of decorated ones to choose from, too, including ones featuring googly eyes and the Green Valley Ranch brand.

They even will be incorporated into body bingo on Tuesdays. Bingo numbers, written on the pasties, will be called out and the woman with the winning pair will receive a spa package, Waltman says.

If you need additional motivation to take in your fun and sun at the Pond, there's always hookah service. Hookah pipes and flavored tobaccos, even a Red Bull-infused tobacco, are offered poolside, starting at $20. Frozen grapes, Evian mists and sunglasses cleaning are among the amenities offered for free.

Management prides itself on the intimate feel of the pool, Waltman says. Two standing showers in front of the bar add to that mood, giving guests a close-up view of anyone who wants to rinse off.

All this action is set to music, from reggae to Top 40, spun by resident DJ Jace One.

Admission is free for locals; a different event is featured every day. Local women will receive free margaritas from noon to 2 p.m. on Tequila Tuesdays while pitchers of Cuervo Platino margaritas will sell for $20.

Cabanas and daybeds are available ranging from $100 to $300. The Pond is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m daily. For reservations, call 617-7744.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.