Like an enormous Lapis Lazuli and Carnelian jewel centered with a sparkling emerald-cut Paraiba Tourmaline, the NoMad Pool glistens vibrantly under the Las Vegas sun; and on weekends, that jewel becomes the setting for Las Vegas’ newest dayclub sensation, JEMAA-The NoMad Pool Party.

A bit more intimate than many of the Strip’s more established pool scenes, JEMAA provides discerning guests with the best of the combined efforts of Make It Nice (aka the things we love about The NoMad Hotel, i.e., the hospitality of Will Guidara, a delicious menu by Chef Daniel Humm, and cocktails crafted by Leo Robitschek) and MGM Nightlife & Events (top-drawer musical talent); and the result is intoxicating, to say the least.

Taking his cues for the décor from Marrakech’s famed Jardin Majorelle, French designer Jacques Garcia has created a venue that is filled with exciting design touches – glazed tiles in Majorelle Blue, sturdy oversized wicker chaises and daybeds, plenty of space in the shade, hexagonal consoles, and rich, patterned textiles – that invite guests to sit, touch, recline, and luxuriate in the cossetted coziness.

To launch JEMAA with all due pomp and circumstance, a three-day fiesta featuring Mayer Hawthorne (Friday), Mark Ronson (Saturday), and DJ Five (Sunday) got underway and drove revelers into a collective frenzy.  I went on Saturday, and it was pretty great.

First, local House music mainstay, DJ Eddie McDonald – accompanied by live musicians on the saxophone and drums – spun a tantalizing mix that included such eclectic aural treats as “The Breaks” by Kurtis Blow and “Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In (The Flesh Failures)” by The Fifth Dimension woven into a day-centric House set.

Then I made my way to our cabanas, and grabbed a seat in the shade, in front of an especially extravagant poolside libation.  Looking rather like an enormous hurricane candle holder onto which someone had stuck a spigot, and then filled with a lot of ice and various juices, spirits, and fresh fruit, before topping with the crown of a pineapple, and adding a pair of miniature scarlet macaws to the brim; the whole concoction turned out to be the Macaw, one of Robitschek’s trio of crafted “Cocktail Explosions” (the other two being the Porn Star and the Pineapple Daiquiri).  With a warning for all of the “Cocktail Explosions” that reads “Serves 15.  Be Careful,” the Macaw contains tequila, aloe, grapefruit, lime, and cucumber, is described as ‘the Paloma’s Amazonian sister,’ and is deceptively refreshing.  Hint: No matter what you’re drinking, poolside, make sure you’re also hydrating with water (especially if you have any hope of parlaying your daytime groove into an all-night-long situation, instead of passing-out at dinner).

Another hint: Soak up Robitschek’s handiwork with any of Chef Daniel Humm’s delectable treats.  The Lobster Roll (with crème fraîche and apple, on toasted brioche) is a zesty delight; the Prawn Cocktail and Oysters are totally on point for any poolside party, while the Fried Chicken (with chili-lime yogurt) is a crispy, juicy flavor sensation that packs a spicy punch and borders on the addictive.  And while it’s far too healthy for my palate, the Moroccan Quinoa Bowl (honey-harissa, carrots, avocado, and pistachios, with salmon) looks lovely.

Later, on Saturday afternoon, seven-time GRAMMY-winning musician, songwriter, DJ, and producer, Mark Ronson (who recently won an Oscar, Golden Globe, and his latest GRAMMY for co-writing A Star Is Born’s “Shallow” with Lady Gaga, Andrew Wyatt, and Anthony Rossomando) took to the turntables in order to do-do that voodoo that he do so well; and then he did it – with gusto – to the delight of the sun worshipers who’d gathered to celebrate the Strip’s new temple of rooftop poolside pleasure.

Apparently, you really can raise-the-roof at an outdoor venue!

JEMAA – The NoMad Pool Party
NoMad Pool | Park MGM
Click HERE for info

Get into it!
#JemaaLV