Swim city: while Vegas is a desert town, water has made a significant impact on the city

Pool & Spa News, Nov 1, 2004 by Linda G. Green, Joshua Keim

5 The Mirage

In 2003, the Mirage finished a $7 million pool renovation that revitalized its quarter-mile of shoreline. Deep reds, yellows, hot pinks and oranges color the Polynesian landscape. By night, dazzling LEDs and fiberoptics light up a picturesque labyrinth of pools and lagoons, replete with cliffs, streams and a 150-foot Hurricane Slide.

6 Caesars Palace Las Vegas

A tribute to the ancient baths of Rome, the aptly named Garden of the Gods at Caesars houses four pools and two whirlpool spas, all decked with classically inspired marble statuary and Roman columns. At the circular Temple Pool, a giant rotunda with lavish fountains becomes the garden's focal point.

7 MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

The 6.6-acre Grand Pool Complex at the MGM Grand masterfully captures the look and feel of a glamorous Hollywood hideaway. Perfectly manicured greenery, giraffe-necked palms and bleached-white cabanas adorn each of the five pools. An observation deck perched atop the Backlot Pool's waterfall offers panoramic views of the quarter-mile-long lazy river.

8 The Flamingo Las Vegas

Shaded grottos and a large network of water slides flourish at the Flamingo's 15-acre pool lot. African penguins, silver pheasants and pink flamingos share the scene with sunbathers at the pool's wildlife habitat. That and a memorial to gangster and hotel-founder Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel make the pool a popular photo-op.

9 Monte Carlo Resort & Casino

The French Riviera meets Vegas-style extravagance at the Monte Carlo's pool compound, In 1996, it boasted the first wave pool at a Strip property. A naturally designed lagoon, a serpentine Easy River Ride, a kiddie pool and 11,000 square feet of waterfalls complete this family-friendly aquatic environment.

10 Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

The Rio is famous for the best buffet v in town. But a bigger assortment of waterscapes awaits guests in the hotel's backyard. Ipanema Beach is a complex of four free-form pools, a sand-bottom lagoon with beach entry and five spas. Colorful aquatic murals and brightly striped tents spice up the property's Carnivale vibe.--J.K.