Summer has arrived in Las Vegas

With the strong euro pushing up the cost of holidaying in Europe, Stateside is the place for Brits to jet-off to this summer season, where the weak dollar makes for bargains galore! If that’s one reason to visit Las Vegas right now, here are a few more.

Last year, Vegas proved, yet again, that it knows how to entertain better than any other destination, welcoming an A-list of artists, from Nelly Furtado and Daughtry, to Snoop Dogg and STYX to a series of poolside concerts. This year promises to be even better with new pool oases and unsurpassed entertainment that already includes Kanye West and Smashmouth. To see everything that is happening in Vegas right now, go to VisitLasVegas.co.uk.

One of the first pools to introduce European-style sunbathing to Las Vegas, Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay, is still enticing sun worshipers. Also offering this poolside perk to visitors are the GO Pool at Flamingo Las Vegas and BARE at The Mirage, which also invite guests to let go of their inhibitions and say goodbye to those pesky tan lines.

The newest aquatic destination to open in Las Vegas is WET REPUBLIC. Opening this month, WET REPUBLIC is a 53,000 square-foot ultra pool at MGM Grand featuring the only two saltwater pools on The Strip. In addition to the main pool area is an open-air ultra lounge featuring signature cocktails, premium bottle and pitcher service and sophisticated cuisine. A sundeck will transform into a stage that will host renowned DJs and entertainers.

TAO Beach, located on the roof of TAO Nightclub at The Venetian, is hosting its second pool season, starting this month. In addition to cabanas featuring high-definition plasma televisions, X-box consoles, iPod and DVD rentals, guests enjoy poolside manicures, pedicures, massages and order an exotic meal from the menu at TAO Asian Bistro.

Last summer, Mandalay Bay Beach completed a US$30 million expansion with the Beachside Casino, the first of its kind on The Strip. Home to the Beach Bar & Grill, it also features climate-controlled beachside gaming and a range of cabanas atop the three-story casino. The Villas Soleil offer exclusive amenities and a spectacular view of Mandalay Bay Beach.

Some of the hottest pool parties are happening off the Las Vegas Strip. The Palms Pool & Bungalows returns with Ditch Fridays beginning in May. Hosted by resident DJ Skribble of MTV fame, the parties feature live performances, fashion shows, prize giveaways and more. The three-acre paradise consists of three pools, four outdoor bars, a separate dining area, waterfalls and lavish cabanas.

The ever popular Rehab at Hard Rock Pool and Beach Club returns for its fifth season. In this adult beach-club atmosphere, floating palapas become dance floors with the music of famous DJs like Tiesto, Jonathan Peters and Scooter & Lavelle. Party-goers enjoy the Beach Bar & Grill or placing a bet right along the water’s edge at the gaming tables. The Friday Night Live (FNL) Concert Series begins on 2 May with Puddle of Mudd. In its second season, FNL will feature Eeek-A-Mouse, Dropkick Murphys, Stephen Marley, Smashmouth, Steel Pulse, De La Soul and Jonny Lang.

In Vegas, you can get a tan while enjoying live music by some of the top artists in the world. Taking place in the Sandbar Backyard at Red Rock Resort is the Summer Concert Series. Launching on 25 April, Red Rock will welcome GRAMMY Award-winning artist Kanye West and special guests Lupe Fiasco and N.E.R.D. Also appearing throughout summer are Dierks Bentley, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Peter Frampton and UB40.