Discover the perfect balance of relaxation and socializing at Bel-Aire Backyard and Bel-Aire Lounge, two vibrant retreats located just inside Durango Casino and Resort. Bel-Aire Backyard’s opening at the beginning of spring 2024 brought a new pool option to Las Vegas with a calmer, wellness-focused space to contrast the city’s many party pools. The outdoor pool space blends seamlessly with the indoor-outdoor space of Bel-Aire Lounge with a food menu of its own.
A Luxurious Retreat: Enjoy Poolside Bliss at Bel-Aire Backyard and Vibrant Evenings at Bel-Aire Lounge
“As the stunning mainstay of Durango Casino & Resort, Bel-Aire Lounge seamlessly blends sophistication with a high-energy atmosphere,” Mustafa Abdi, Senior Director of Nightlife Marketing for Clique Hospitality, told us. “Bringing together old-school glamor with contemporary flair, our chic cocktail bar is decked out with modern furniture and touches of gold and brass. All complemented by the electrifying sounds spun by talented DJs. Alongside its captivating sounds, bartenders craft specialty cocktails that tantalize the palate, while guests enjoy a selection of sweet and savory small plates that complete the experience.”
Both venues feature a number of shared menu items, with each offering some exclusive dishes and a special cocktail menu (including poolside pitchers). “Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a regular at Bel-Aire Lounge, there are certain classics you can’t go wrong with,” Hassib Wahab, Director of Marketing for Clique Hospitality, said of the menu. “I’d recommend newcomers try out our smooth and rich espresso martini, made with Grey Goose, Kahlua and espresso, priced at $19, or our sweet and fruity signature Pink Flamingo, made with Patron Silver, Pierre Ferrand orange curaçao, orgeat, lime and pitaya, priced at $28. When it comes to our light bites, you can’t go wrong with the signature sweet and spicy Durango Roll, made with ahi tuna, barbecue eel, grilled pineapple, bubu arare crunch, chili aioli, sweet soy and micro shiso, priced at $25; or the savory flame-grilled wagyu sliders, made with aged white cheddar cheese, Louis sauce, sweet pickle and balsamic onion, served with a side of crispy fries and priced at $24.”
“First and foremost, Bel-Aire Lounge focuses on the quality of our products and ingredients,” Roman Sarmiento, Executive Chef at Bel-Aire Backyard and Bel-Aire Lounge, said of the food and beverage program. “We’re very lucky to have passionate local vendors here in Las Vegas who source the best of what’s needed for our venues. Not only can you taste the difference, you can feel the difference.”
“Bel-Aire Backyard’s outdoor setting offers us the chance to engage in elevating classic summertime items to provide an upscaled version of a poolside experience. Our offerings like the Summer Watermelon Salad, made with watermelon, feta, cucumber, mint, sliced red onion, Marcona almonds and a lemon vinaigrette, priced at $18; our signature Bel-Aire Burger, made with an Angus burger, soy butter glaze, aged white cheddar cheese, Louis sauce, butter lettuce, tomato & sliced red onion, served with a side of fries and priced at $18; the Mediterranean chicken paillard, made with Arugula, roasted tomatoes, olives, fresh oregano, white balsamic vinaigrette, caramelized lemon, priced at $28; and the steak frites, made with grilled 10 oz Prime New York Strip Loin, bone marrow herb butter and creamy peppercorn sauce, priced at $45, all offer guests delicious takes on summertime favorites. The expanded menu at Bel-Aire Backyard reflects its unique position as an all-day outdoor destination in contrast with Bel-Aire Lounge’s more nightlife-centric selection.”
The retro vibes at Bel-Aire Backyard include warm weather pastels straight out of Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso video. “Bel-Aire’s atmosphere is what really sets it apart from the average lounge experience,” Abdi explained. “We’ve meticulously crafted an experience that combines classic sophistication with a modern sense of luxury to bring a unique and lush experience to our guests. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of Bel-Aire invites guests in with an elegant design, and our excellent staff ensures guests are catered to meticulously to create a memorable experience. We have top-notch servers and excellent mixologists crafting amazing evenings and ensuring luxuriating comfort for our guests. Our team makes Bel-Aire Lounge stand out as a welcome space for locals and visitors alike.”
“The warm and welcoming atmosphere of Bel-Aire invites guests in with a design marked by the elegance of marble and the warmth of brass and gold. Inspired by the surrounding desert landscapes of Las Vegas, the interior design by the acclaimed design firm Avenue features soft and organic curves throughout. The interior and outside patio are anchored in muted, warm colors, while accents of brass and gold create a distinctive and elegant finish to Bel-Aire that reinforces the overall design philosophy of a venue where old-school glamour and contemporary flair meet for a uniquely chic and luxurious experience.”
“Bel-Aire Backyard is designed to be an effortlessly cool oasis in the sun,” Wahab said of the space. “With a subtly cool color palette featuring neutral tans and faded blues, the distinct striped upholstery evokes the nostalgic feeling of a backyard pool. Combined with the luxurious daybeds and cabanas to offer guests the opportunity to relax while they dine, Bel-Aire Backyard is made distinct from other venues for prioritizing luxury in dining and relaxation hand-in-hand, creating the ultimate poolside oasis.”
In addition to the venues’ wellness programs, the pool and restaurant offer numerous events throughout the week and the year as a whole. “At Bel-Aire, we understand the importance of special events to give guests a place to regularly celebrate with their friends. Abdi told us about the venues’ events. “Starting at 8 p.m. every Thursday, Bel-Aire Lounge invites ladies in for a Ladies’ Night with a complimentary welcome cocktail and encourages them to stay for an amazing soiree featuring a live set from a female DJ and half off the whole bill at the end of the evening. We also offer monthly events including Ladies Love Maria, a special Ladies’ Night featuring local favorite DJ Maria Romano; La Casa Groove, a night of electronic beats and melodic saxophone as DJ Sax Duo Roger Gangi and Rocco Barbato partner with Pepe Jimenez for a night of infectious rhythm; and Paradise Fever, an immersive music experience dedicated to evoking the spirit of New York City’s most amazing nightlife landmarks from the late 70s & early 80s hosted by music enthusiast and DJ Neek Lopez.”
