The 1950s-era Hacienda resort was imploded on New Year's Eve 1996 to clear the way for Mandalay Bay. This casino resort's upscale tropical theme may be subtle, but its grand opening – during which Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and John Goodman cruised through the front doors on motorcycles – certainly wasn't. Today, a Harley-Davidson crew might look out of place in the regal ivory-hued lobby or on the swish casino floor.
Not trying to be any one fantasy, posh Mandalay Bay's standout attractions are many, and include the multilevel Shark Reef Aquarium , a walk-through aquarium where overarching windows reveal thousands of tropical fish and a shallow pool that lets you pet pint-sized sharks. Down the resort's romantically lit passageways lie a pair of top-tier spas. World-class chefs have also staked out claims at M-Bay, including atop one of the gold-tinted hotel towers.
Eleven acres, 2700 tons of imported California sand, 6ft waves in a 1.6 million gallon wave pool...at Mandalay Bay Beach , kids float along the lazy river on inner tubes and surf competitions are held on artificial waves. When the stress of gambling in the air-conditioned beachside casino becomes too much, you can retire to a rooftop cabana villa or unwind at Moorea Beach Club, where sultry topless sunbathing happens in summer.
