If you’re looking for the ocean, you probably won’t find it in Las Vegas, but you will find beaches. It’s still hot in Vegas, and the Mandalay Bay knows how to please its sun seekers by creating a beach escape in the desert.

Earlier this year, the Mandalay Bay unveiled a $30 million Beach expansion, upping the ante with the first beach casino on The Strip and more premium poolside seating than any other resort in Las Vegas. New for 2007 season are 1,000 additional beachside and poolside chairs and lounges, doubling the previous availability. Redefining the fun-in-the-sun theme, Mandalay Bay Beach offers 11 acres of tropical-inspired poolside bliss and more exclusive cabanas than any other Strip resort. For those seeking to expand their personal space, the new Beach or Poolside Day Beds will host up to six guests, featuring canopy shades, televisions, safes and cabana host service.

Directly on the sand and just feet from the crashing waves, a new three-story, climate-controlled, glass-fronted casino offers another amenity for beach-goers. Sliding glass panels provide open-air access to the sand and surf while still allowing respite from the heat in the air-conditioned casino.

The casino’s first level offers guest dining the in the shaded, open-air Beach Bar & Grill, with an expanded menu of true culinary temptations, sit-down service, but no shirt or shoes required. The second floor is the ultimate player’s paradise: beachside gaming with views of the beach, and beach attire is preferred. Even the dealers are dressed for a day at the beach. The Beach Casino is also the place to catch Mandalay Bay’s Concerts on the Beach.

At the top are the five Villas Soleil, boasting views of the entire Mandalay Bay Beach. Ranging in size from 250 to 500 square feet, these five villas accommodate up to 16 guests and include cabana service and access to the private third-level pool, available for a summer evening viewing of a concert, or an all day affair.

For an exclusive beach-front experience rent one of the 10 Beach Bungalows and Cabanas, located right on the sand. Garden Bungalows are beach-front but with separate access, and feature a private pool area with two hot tubs. More options for a private pool experience are at the 51 poolside cabanas, a few steps from the Lazy River. All beach rentals include personalized service, a beverage-stocked refrigerator and complimentary raft and tube rentals.

The Mandalay Bay Beach offers visitors glistening white sun-kissed sand, picture-perfect waves, cool blue water, and poolside gambling – and a chance to experience the best of both worlds:  the beach experience and Las Vegas.