A&E

Zouk Group aims to reinvent Vegas nightlife at Resorts World

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A rendering of Zouk Nightclub’s entrance
Photo: Resorts World / Courtesy

Like travel, tourism and hospitality in general, the Las Vegas nightlife industry has been decimated by the pandemic. But as with other parts of the big Vegas machine, it’s poised for a powerful comeback.

AYU Dayclub rendering

AYU Dayclub rendering

Long before we knew anything about COVID-19, every time a notable Vegas nightclub would close—the most recent example being the infamously huge and short-lived KAOS at the Palms—commentators would trip over themselves to declare the end of days. And then another new venue arrives, continuing the constant evolution of this particular portion of Vegas entertainment.

Resorts World, the first brand-new major casino resort on the Strip in more than a decade, wouldn’t be building nearly 100,000 square feet of this stuff for a summer 2021 opening if Vegas nightlife didn’t have a bright future. And it wouldn’t be partnering with one of the world’s fastest-rising nightlife groups to do it.

“We wanted a partner that understands the assets we bring to the property, and how they will work in conjunction with the overall resort experience,” says Andrew Li, CEO of Singapore-based Zouk Group. “We see ourselves as part of the Resorts World Las Vegas team and vice versa. As our first project in the U.S., where better to make our mark than the entertainment capital of the world, and the biggest opening that Las Vegas has had in the last decade? Everything that Resorts World is bringing to the table is fresh and exciting, and we can’t wait to be part of that vision.”

RedTail rendering

RedTail rendering

The 29-year-old Zouk Group is already a global operation in the nightlife, entertainment and dining sectors, with concentration in Singapore and Malaysia. In addition to its multiple brands and ownership of the Five Guys burger franchise, it operates the ZoukOut music festival and programs cruise ships owned by Resorts World’s parent company, Genting.

At the $4.3 billion, 3,500-room Resorts World across the Strip from Wynn, Zouk will create what Li describes as “an ecosystem of immersive entertainment and lifestyle concepts,” consisting of four distinct environments: the Vegas version of Singapore’s Zouk Nightclub; AYU Dayclub, designed to transport guests from the desert to Southeast Asia’s idyllic islands; a social gaming bar called RedTail, another Singapore transplant built around versatile programming, drinks, shareable food and giant beer pong; and high-energy restaurant FUHU, serving aromatic crispy duck, lobster noodles and more.

“We are bringing the best of our portfolio, and we can’t wait for you to experience it,” Li says.

Technology is at the center of Zouk’s approach, particularly at the nightclub venue, which will be able to transform and reinvent itself based on the theme of the night, Li says. The actual size of the club will also be adjustable.

FUHU rendering

FUHU rendering

Combine this partnership with the property’s team-up with AEG on the innovative, 5,000-seat Theatre at Resorts World, and it’s easy to view this master plan as the next step for the Strip.

“Resorts World aims to reinvent the traditional integrated hospitality experience in Las Vegas across every sector, including nightlife,” says Scott Sibella, president of Resorts World. “We will introduce a world-class entertainment complex with a variety of unmatched nightlife experiences for our guests and visitors.”

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Brock Radke

Brock Radke is an award-winning writer and columnist who currently occupies the role of managing editor at Las Vegas Weekly ...

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