Pool season officially kicks off on Monday, March 11 — or at least it does at the new Durango Casino and Resort. On that day, the property will debut for the first time its Bel-Aire Backyard. Adjacent to the Bel-Aire Lounge, swinging glass doors lead to a sparkling blue pool with a fountain, big comfy lounges, and two poolside bars.

The 7,200-square-foot pool is enclosed by 13 cabanas and 46 daybeds and nearly 60 chaise lounges — set just above the water. The deck also has an oversized hot tub. The Backyard Grill caters to the pool area with many menu items found inside the lounge — plus dishes like miso sea bass lettuce cups, watermelon and cucumber salad, crab and avocado salad, and sushi dishes like the sushi yacht with a feast of assorted rolls and nigiri. Poolside brunch with a party vibe will take over on Sundays. And the bar has breezy cocktails like a tropical mojito with passionfruit puree and the Under the Palms with rum and hibiscus simple syrup.

Jose M Salinas- Salinas media gr

With more than 65,000 square feet, the backyard will play host to live DJ sets from noon to sunset Thursdays through Sundays and Friday sunset parties. Bel-Aire Backyard will be open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset.