Tops go back on as Moorea Beach Club reaches out to more patrons

Veteran habitues of the Las Vegas pool party scene probably have noticed a bit of a change this summer at Moorea Beach Club, the upscale pool venue at Mandalay Bay.

Moorea -- the club shares its name with an island in French Polynesia -- was, until this year, a European-style pool. In fact, notes Chris Baldizan, Mandalay Bay's vice president of entertainment, "Moorea was probably one of the first European bathing pools in the city."

But, Baldizan says, "while we felt (the European theme) was a great amenity for the property, we didn't feel it was being utilized in the best way possible."
So, this year, the tops are back on, and that switch "allows us to reach out to more people -- and not only people here on the property, but guests who aren't necessarily staying at Mandalay Bay. It gives them a reason to come here and gives guests already here a reason to stay here."

Admittance still is for those 21 and over. The crowd tends to cater more to locals during the week, Baldizan notes, with a more diverse mix on weekends, when Moorea Beach Club offers DJs, promotions and special events.

The pool is "intimate," Baldizan says, and the surroundings are lush, replicating a South Beach sort of vibe.

Six pavilions were added this year to the four that have been at the club since day one. All offer about 250 feet of space and include a private pool and lounge area, TVs and other amenities. Prices, Baldizan says, range from food and drink minimums of about $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the day.

Also available are daybeds -- which, like pavilions, include personalized service -- which start at about $150 food and drink minimums, and chaise lounges.

Amenities include an infinity whirlpool and poolside massages. Drink offerings include everything from beer to champagne to Moorea's own signature drinks, while the food menu offers such favorites as steak sandwiches and hero paninis.

Music is provided by DJs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and Moorea Beach Club recently hosted its first live guest performance, by Ke$ha.

Such special guest appearances are likely to become more common. "It's kind of a natural for us," Baldizan says. "So many artists come through this property, between the arena and the House of Blues and the theater."

Meanwhile, a new DJ booth is being built in a more central location at the pool. So, Baldizan says, "we foresee doing a lot more with DJs, and, hopefully, some more guest appearances."

Moorea Beach Club is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. There's no cover for locals Sundays through Fridays. Otherwise, cover is $20 Mondays through Fridays for both men and women; $50 for men and $30 for women on Saturdays; and $40 for men and $20 for women on Sundays.

For more information, call 324-3656.

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.