Get your spa on poolside at three Las Vegas resorts

By Erin Ryan

Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011 | 9:42 p.m.

The Vegas heat drives us to water in droves, like wildebeests crowding the Mara River (only with cocktails and aviator shades). It’s relaxing just to sit by one of the lush hotel pools on and around the Strip, but imagine how much more relaxing it would be if you were getting pampered like you would at the hotel spa.

Caesars, Rio and the Flamingo saw the wisdom of this vision and started offering poolside pampering this summer. Here’s a quick taste of what’s on the luxurious menus:

Caesars Palace Qua Baths & Spa

In a private cabana overlooking the secluded Jupiter pool, guests can enjoy Swedish and deep tissue massage or a la carte items such as body scrubs and mists, hair conditioning and a pressure point treatment with chilled marble stones. If you crave a more active form of meditation, try the In-Water Qigong, a practice that uses controlled breathing and movement to promote the circulation of Qi within the body.

Rio Spa & Salon

Guests of Voo Pool and Voodoo Beach have the option of massages for their feet or their whole bodies in a poolside chaise. If you’re with your significant other, the couples’ massage offers a romantic treat in a private cabana. Once you’ve fully decompressed, bring the energy back up with poolside Zumba.

The Spa at Flamingo Las Vegas

The tropical GO Pool is a refreshing backdrop for a classic massage that incorporates Swedish techniques and cool-compresses. The Chill Out Massage works your head, neck and shoulders with cooling gels, revitalizing tired muscles and dissolving aches and pains. For a different twist on pampering, try a specialized sunscreen application.