W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Kicks Off Salvation Summer Sunday Pool Party (Photos)

This Memorial Day saw the kick off even to the summer seasons: the start to the W Fort Lauderdale Hotel's weekly Salvation Sunday pool parties. Every Sunday through September the hotel will be hosting a full-fledged pool party at the WET Deck pool patio from noon to sunset. The parties lure both locals and tourists with weekly featured drink specials, live music, and stunning rooftop pool complete with a private cabana area, hot tub, and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The events are organized in partnership with the Gerber Group, a nightlight hospitality event planning company that oversees a total of 18 nationally-branded venues, including Whiskey Blue and Living Room in Fort Lauderdale. At the W Fort Lauderdale, Bacardi and Moët & Chandon are often the official drink sponsors. On Memorial Day 2015, the drink of choice was Moët Ice Imperial, the first champagne meant to be served over ice.

The premiere Salvation Sunday pool party event took place on Memorial Day Monday for a holiday-themed rooftop extravaganza. Part of the festivities included a pop-up fashion show hosted by Ola Feroz Swimwear. An entire cabana was dedicated to showcasing the summer 2015 line created by the local, Boca Raton-based swimwear designer.

During Salvation Sunday patrons can pull up a chair at the outdoor WET bar where they can indulge with a number of food and drink specials including frozen drinks, mixed drinks, cocktails, beer, and small plate dishes. The drink of choice on Memorial Day was Moët Ice Imperial served in a white plastic Moët champagne glass with ice, raspberries, blueberries, and mint. 

If you're feeling fancy, a private cabana might be the way to enjoy this summer's Salvation Sunday's pool parties. Cabana amenities include a private area patrolled by security, two to four pool lounge chairs, parking validation stickers, frozen grapes and cucumber wet towels, a small fruit plate and bottled water, a TV, free WiFi, and a private bathroom (WOW cabanas only).

"These parties are a lot of fun each summer," said Gerber Group event coordinator Richard Enderlin. "They're a chance for locals — especially those who are in the biz — to come out, relax, and enjoy all that W Fort Lauderdale hotel has to offer."

Salvation Sunday is free to attend, but there is a $5 valet parking validation fee at the hotel lobby. RSVP is strongly encouraged to ensure the pool deck has space available. The W Fort Lauderdale Hotel is located at 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For cabana reservations call 954-414-8300. Visit wfortlauderdalehotel.com and gerberbars.com.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.