Most people probably think of a flamingo's natural habitat as some lush, tropical oasis. Whether or not that's true, well, only Wikipedia knows for sure, but that image goes perfectly with the Flamingo's pool area, which is just that – a lush tropical oasis.

It's a sprawling paradise (and we don't use that word lightly) of pools, lounge chairs and three bars stocked with frozen margaritas (among other drinks, but let's focus here). There's a sand volleyball court, a waterfall, a trillion palms trees (that's a rough estimate) and music hand-picked by DJs spinning at different locations.

For an adults-only swim, the Flamingo offers up its Go Pool, a private topless pool area complete with its own bar and DJ.

Cabanas throughout the pool area (both in the lower pools and the Go Pool) up the paradise quotient to something more like...heaven? Utopia? A better paradise? Whatever it is, it comes complete with TVs and if you're in a Go Pool cabana, it comes with an XBox 360, too.

Although the whole pool area is huge enough that you could probably manage to steer clear of kids if you wanted, the Go Pool's secluded location and age requirement, make it that much easier to keep the delighted squeals of screaming fifth graders from shattering your peaceful reprieve from reality.

And while laying by the pool, getting some sun and maybe striking up a conversation or two shouldn't be too taxing, you might still get thirsty, which is fixable, because the pool houses three bars (including that previously mentioned one in the Go Pool area) that run 2-for-1 drink specials on all sorts of fruity, icy, delightful concoctions sure to put a smile on your face (if not a brain freeze in your skull).  

Whether you're in town with the family, the friends or looking to make some new family and friends, the Flamingo's pool area is a natural habitat for chilling by the pool, having a drink and experiencing a good time. Or, like we said, paradise.

-- Jamie Helmick