The luxury pool at Azure recently received a swanky upgrade, from its cabanas to its cocktails. Here, Josef Wagner, executive director of food and beverage for The Venetian and The Palazzo, dishes on Palazzo’s paradise.

What sort of changes have you made at Azure?
JOSEF WAGNER: We have upped the experience with exceptional service, new furniture, a revamped menu, and marketing campaign for Azure to really create an upscale luxury pool experience.

What’s the atmosphere like, and how does it differ from other hotel pools?
JW: Azure is a more refined and luxury pool experience with a European touch, and we offer top-of-the-line amenities. Our guests are looking for a less crowded, less noisy experience. The pool here is surrounded by lush gardens, which assist to create a French Riviera feel.

What are some of those top-notch amenities?
JW: The new upgraded cabanas now offer beautiful Samsung 50-inch flat screen TVs and XBox. Guests receive a frozen fruit [treat] once they arrive and we also have Hed Kandi, a European DJ compilation that takes over Azure every Saturday.

Tell us about the cocktail program.
JW: It was created by our beverage director, Philippa Hayes. Our ultimate goal was to offer cocktails utilizing the freshest ingredients to achieve with special garnishes like edible flowers and candied orange peels to upgrade the experience. We are able to offer drinks now via our punch-style cocktail tubs. They cater to our daybeds and cabanas and generally guests get mojitos or sangria with giant straws, cups, and a ladle.