Palazzo’s Azure pool parties cater to those seeking more sophisticated setting

Every pool party has its own sort of vibe. And, at Azure, the pool party at Palazzo, the vibe is opulent, sophisticated and upscale.

Very definitely upscale.

This is the second summer for the poolside event, and Sebastien Silvestri, vice president of food and beverage for Palazzo and The Venetian, said the goal this season is to up even further the sophisticated vibe established last year.

"The fact is, we are very different than any other pool scene in town," Silvestri said. "It's one of the most spectacular and beautiful pools, I think, I've ever seen."

That's due to both lush landscaping and plush amenities, both of which are designed, Silvestri said, to "take a bit of the French Riviera and bring it to Las Vegas."

Azure's landscaping and layout are designed to cater to two varying universes of pool party guests. First, the layout and landscaping help to create comparatively private spaces for those who are seeking privacy, calm and a low-key ambiance. But, at the same time, the layout also offers spaces for guests who seek a more high-profile presence, so that those who are seeking to be in the center of it all can do that, too.

Azure's services are designed to compete with the finest available anywhere, Silvestri said, from Evian spray mistings to iced towels to complimentary, and decidedly upscale, munchies.

Beyond all that, Silvestri said, "we have the Canyon Ranch SpaClub that has its own cabana there, and we do poolside massages."

Guests also may order off of a menu of appetizers and light dishes created by Wolfgang Puck, as well a roster of "awesome" drinks, and enjoy a weekly Sunday brunch, Silvestri said.

Even the music that creates the aural backdrop to Azure is, while upbeat, a bit less intense than the soundtrack of many other pool parties around town.

"We want to have something that's sophisticated and comfortable," Silvestri said, so that "you can spend a day in luxury, relaxing and enjoying the experience."

Guests may take advantage of an assortment of cabanas -- which offer such amenities as plasma TVs -- as well as daybeds and lounge chairs.

The bottom line, according to Silvestri: Azure can offer its guests "a full-day experience" and "affordable luxury" to boot.

Cover is $20, and "we'll take care of locals," Silvestri said. "Locals have been very important to us."

Azure at Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is open to guests 21 and over. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays (although three-day-weekend holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Day typically mean an added on Monday, too).

For information, call 607-1218 or visit www.azurelasvegas.com.

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