You’re walking through the massive, gold-tinted lobby of Mandalay Bay, weaving past the slot machines and the smell of expensive HVAC scenting, and you’re looking for something specific. Not just the wave pool. Not the lazy river where kids are screaming and splashing. You want the toptional pool Mandalay Bay known as Moorea Beach Club.
It’s a vibe.
Honestly, the first thing people get wrong is thinking "toptional" means it’s a free-for-all. It isn't. It’s actually one of the most sophisticated, upscale corners of the entire Strip, and if you walk in expecting a rowdy spring break scene, you’re going to be surprised by how relaxed—and pricey—it actually is. Located on the second level of the pool complex, it overlooks the 11-acre beach area, but it feels like a different planet.
The Reality of the Moorea Beach Club Experience
Let’s get the "toptional" part out of the way. Yes, women are allowed to sunbathe topless here. No, it is not mandatory. In fact, on any given Tuesday in July, you’ll see a mix of people doing both. The staff calls it "European style," which is just Vegas-speak for "we’re adults here, so let’s act like it."
The atmosphere is strictly 21 and over. That’s a huge selling point. While the main Mandalay Bay beach is legendary, it’s also a chaotic sea of families and inflatable inner tubes. Moorea is where you go when you want to hear a DJ set that isn't interrupted by a toddler's meltdown.
The physical space is stunning. You’ve got these massive, cushioned daybeds, private pavilions, and "Opium" beds that look like something out of a high-end villa in Bali. The water in the pool is often a deep, inviting blue, kept at a temperature that feels like a bath during the desert heat. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about the swimming. It’s about the status of being "upstairs."
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Why Privacy and Security Matter More Than You Think
Vegas takes the privacy of the toptional pool Mandalay Bay very seriously. You can't just wander in. There’s a cover charge—which varies wildly depending on the day of the week and whether there’s a holiday—and a strict "no photos" policy.
Security guards are everywhere. They aren't just there to check wristbands; they’re there to make sure nobody is being a creep with a smartphone. If you try to sneak a photo of the scene, you’ll find yourself escorted out faster than a card counter at a blackjack table. This creates a weirdly safe, comfortable environment. You’ll see celebrities here occasionally, precisely because they know the "no cameras" rule is enforced with zero tolerance.
Money, Cabanas, and the Cost of Comfort
Let's talk cash. Vegas isn't cheap, and Moorea is a prime example of "pay to play."
Standard admission might run you $50 to $100 depending on the season, but that just gets you in the gate. If you want a place to sit that isn't the edge of the pool, you’re looking at rentals.
- Daybeds: Usually the entry-level for seating. Perfect for two people who want to lounge.
- Lily Pads: These are literally floating in the water. They’re cool, but you have zero shade.
- Pavilions and Cabanas: This is where the real spending happens. We’re talking thousands of dollars in food and beverage minimums.
A lot of people think they can just show up and find a chair. Bad idea. On weekends, this place fills up by 11:00 AM. If you haven't booked a spot through the MGM Resorts app or a host, you might find yourself standing around looking awkward while everyone else is sipping $24 mojitos on a plush cushion.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Etiquette
There’s a specific social contract at the toptional pool Mandalay Bay.
First, the "look but don't stare" rule is the gold standard. It’s a beach club, not a show. People are there to tan, read books, and socialize. It’s surprisingly chill.
Second, the dress code is still a thing. You can’t just roll up in gym shorts. They want "sophisticated" swimwear. While you can go topless once you're inside the gated area, you need to be fully covered (in standard swim attire) to enter and exit.
Interestingly, Moorea stays open during the "off-season" sometimes when other pools close, often referred to as "Moorea After Dark" or heated winter sessions, though the topless option is usually a seasonal summer thing. Always check the calendar if you’re visiting in October or March.
The Food and Drink Situation
Don't expect a buffet. The poolside menu is basically "Vegas Elevated." You’ve got your standard Caesar salads and wagyu sliders, but at a premium price point.
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The drinks are where they get you. A pitcher of margaritas can easily cost more than a decent dinner elsewhere. But you’re paying for the convenience of having a server bring it to your sunbed while a DJ spins house music in 105-degree heat. Honestly, the frozen drinks are a lifesaver, but drink water. The Nevada sun at the Moorea Beach Club does not play favorites, and dehydration hits fast when you're distracted by the music.
A Nuanced View: Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for a quiet place to meditate? No.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly afternoon? Absolutely not.
The toptional pool Mandalay Bay is for the traveler who wants the "Vegas Experience" without the "Vegas Strip" crowd. It’s for the person who wants to feel like they’re at a private club in Ibiza. It’s expensive, it’s exclusive, and it’s a bit pretentious. But that’s exactly why it has stayed popular for so many years. It offers a level of freedom and privacy that you just can't find at the Flamingo or Caesars Palace main pools.
One thing to keep in mind is the sun's position. Because Moorea is elevated and faces certain directions, the shadows start to creep in earlier than you might think. If you want maximum tan time, get there early. By 4:00 PM, large sections of the pool area can be in the shade of the massive Mandalay towers.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book in Advance: Use the MGM Rewards website or app. Do not wait until you arrive at the podium. Prices are always higher at the door.
- Hydrate Early: The "dry heat" is a cliché because it’s true. If you’re drinking alcohol, match every cocktail with a bottle of water.
- Respect the No-Photo Rule: Leave the GoPro in the room. Don't even try to take a "selfie" that happens to have the pool in the background. Security is trained to spot this and they will ask to see your camera roll.
- Check the Calendar: Some days are "industry days" where locals get in cheaper, which can change the vibe from "luxury getaway" to "local party."
- Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: If you are taking advantage of the "toptional" aspect, remember that skin that hasn't seen the sun in months will burn in twenty minutes in the Mojave. Use a higher SPF than you think you need.
The Moorea Beach Club remains a staple of the Mandalay Bay experience for a reason. It’s a well-managed, high-end escape that handles a sensitive concept with a lot of class. Just bring your credit card and your sense of chill.