In addition to the daytime menu provided by Wolfgang Puck, the fridges come loaded with exotic sodas and drinks, with other edibles lining the miniature pantry. But the most interesting treats are not edible—well, at least not entirely. According to man about town and gossip guru Robin Leach, in his reputable Luxe Life column, in addition to disposable cameras, condoms are also available in the private huts.
If the vibe doesn't seem just right, Strauss has employed a mood director for the entire pool area. The pool disposition attendant will make sure relaxation keeps top billing, roaming with spritzers, cleaning your sunglasses and bringing out fresh fruits, yogurts and specialty drinks every half hour.
The Asian décor doesn't mimic the restaurant or the club, it redefines itself as a separate extension, obviously related but not replicated. Plucked from a tropical retreat in Bali, the setting is fresh yet authentic, with many of the design elements imported from the East. The group had the option of refinishing the floor but opted to keep the older cement, embracing the cracks for a rustic style rather than trying to hide them.
"We wanted to create an authentic ancient garden," Strauss said. "We wanted something different, not the polished modern look you see everywhere else. It's our goal to transport you away from Vegas while being in the epicenter of Vegas."
Where you can see over the lush foliage and giant columns spewing five-foot tall flames, you can see almost every major property on the Strip.
The bar is flamboyantly displayed, and as we have seen downstairs, one Buddha is never enough. The main drink station is adorned with almost a hundred gold heads of the champion of enlightenment.
Another smaller pool is nestled in the back corner and might be the best spot to be. In front of it is a giant daybed where local ladies rule. The plush retreat is permanently reserved for those local females who have been given a special bracelet, granting them admission and space on the giant pillows large enough for 40 gals. And, yes, it is European-style bathing.
Also in that corner will be spa services provided by Canyon Ranch Spa Club.
"A full daytime experience seven days a week," Strauss said, gazing proudly over the newly painted Tao logo across the 4-feet-deep pool. "We are looking to extend our brand, and this was the perfect place to do it."
Perfect in more way than one, but none more than the fact it is located directly above Tao nightclub. The daytime entrance is from the Venetian guest elevators, but the pool deck becomes part of the party every Saturday night, the stairs from the club leading right to the rooftop. Altogether the space is now 62,000 square feet, one of the largest clubs in the country. The grand opening for the pool will be May 5, with Usher and Jay Z having private parties both the night and the day of, respectively. Starting Sunday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. will be Sunset Sessions, a recurring industry party tapping a different time slot.
"That time has done well in places like Miami, the Hamptons, St. Tropez and Ibiza, so we are trying it here," Strauss said. "We are elevating the entire arena of pool service."
Justin Jimenez firmly believes we should draft beer, not people. And he always sees better through the bottom of an empty glass. The associate editor for Las Vegas Magazine, he can be reached at
[email protected].