By Kate Silver

The Beachside Casino is part of a $30 million expansion project on The Beach at Mandalay Bay, which was already an impressive destination to begin with: a giant beach surrounding a 40,000-square-foot wave pool with room for 5,000 sun worshippers to practice their solar religion on 2,700 tons of pristine sand. You thought you were in the desert? Think again.

The Beachside Casino is adjacent to the sexy and sophisticated Moorea Beach Club, where guests can enjoy cocktails and European-style bathing. And now Moorea Beach Club is sexier than ever: It has expanded by almost half its size and has the vibe of an exclusive, music-filled, private club, a feeling that carries over to the Beachside Casino.

“The Beachside Casino plays off Moorea Beach Club to create a fun, upscale, sexy, and unique environment,” says Hornbuckle.

Mojito in hand, I move out of the casino and up to the top floor, to the Villas Soleil: five villas ranging in size from 250- to 500-square feet. They’re like super cabanas with spectacular views of The Beach. It’s the ideal spot for a private retreat, and as luck would have it, there’s one available. Once inside the rooftop room, my eyes fall on the element I was hoping for: a sun bed. This vacationing thing can be exhausting. Of course, I was exceedingly lucky to be able to get one on the spot. It’s best to reserve in advance.

I’m three stories above the swelling waves and glistening bodies soaking in the cool water…and I’m immensely satisfied. Happy to be out of the searing elements, I take the last drowsy sip of my drink and surrender to a tropical dreamland. My last memory before falling asleep is glancing around the glass enclosure of my cabana, with its contemporary design, flat-screen TV, MP3 player, shower, wet bar, patio, and, of course, sun bed.

As I drift off, I vow that the next time I come, I’ll reserve one of the Villas Soleil in the evening to coincide with the Mandalay Bay Concerts on The Beach series. This will be the perfect spot to look out on the stage in the middle of the wavy waters and see Joss Stone, Pat Benatar, The Bangles, and others. While concertgoers swim, float and enjoy the music, I can take in the entire experience from above. With privacy, comfort, a wet bar, and some of the best views in the city, you can bet I won’t be dozing off that time.

For more information on the new Mandalay Bay Beachside Casino or the Mandalay Bay Concerts on The Beach series, call 877-632-7700 or visit mandalaybay.com.