The luxury and opulence of Tuscany is re-created at The Resort at Pelican Hill.
by Laurette M. Veres
The luxurious and Mediterannean-inspired Pelican Hill.
Dramatic views of the ocean set the stage for an unforgettable getaway. Can’t make it all the way to Italy? Not to worry, The Resort at Pelican Hill’s gorgeous seaside setting, Italian-inspired design and romantic ceremony locations not only make up for it, but make it the most exclusive venue on the California coast.
You’ll know you are someplace special just by looking at the cars in the valet lot. Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bentleys join the Rolls Royces parked around the lobby. Amenities abound with two Fazio-designed golf courses, a 23,000-square-foot spa and world-class dining. A large fleet of chauffer-driven Mercedes Benz GL450s and Cadillac Escalades is standing by to shuttle visitors around; your guests will thank you.
Get top-notch service and treatment at the spa!
Embodying the vision and principles of Italy’s most renowned Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio, Pelican Hill feels like a piece of Tuscany right here in America. The buildings are designed to bring the outside in and the inside out. At every turn, you’ll recognize how they are in perfect harmony with the environment.
The views at Pelican Hill are movie-set worthy. The resort sits atop 504 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Crystal Cove State Park, one of California’s protected coastal areas.
For the Ladies
What better way to celebrate friendship than a day of pampering at The Resort at Pelican Hill’s five-star spa? Enter through the dramatic 28-foot Palladian rotunda, and immediately relax to the sound of the tranquil water wall. Slip into your plush robe and enjoy pre-service herbal tea. Gather in the Aqua Colonnade with herbal steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools and soaking tubs. Enjoy personalized spa treatments and heralded therapies from around the world.
For the Guys
Two challenging Fazio-designed golf courses are carved into the bluffs and spill out along the ocean. Bring a camera because the views are incredible. Many holes are played from the tee box, over a canyon to a landing pad and over another canyon to the green. The pull of the Pacific Ocean and the uneven terrain make reading putts almost impossible. Luckily the forecaddies know every inch of the greens and will help you keep three putts to a minimum. The 6,945-yard North Course is a little more challenging, while the South Course features changing vegetation as it slips down to the ocean. On the right day, you can watch the whales swim by the tee box.
The rolling hills and the golf course make this destination incredibly scenic.
Spend a Day in the California Sun
Make new friends at the largest circular pool in the world. It’s one of three gorgeous pools on the property; all have grand views. The resort will shuttle you down to the ocean, where you can watch the Pacific’s powerful waves roll in as you sit in the sand or walk the beach. Guided hikes/tours happen every day through Crystal Cove State Park on the 50,000-acre Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. For a more civilized excursion, head to the nearby chic shopping town of Newport Beach.
Lodging
Like everything else at Pelican Hill, the rooms are over the top. From the 847-square-foot bungalows to the 3,561-square-foot four-bedroom villas, luxury and comfort are in every detail. The spacious accommodations have two, three or four bedrooms, plus gourmet kitchens, luxurious bathrooms and private terraces with stunning ocean views.
Every family wants a memorable vacation. Time spent at The Resort at Pelican Hill will never be forgotten.
Essentials:
www.visitnewportbeach.com
www.pelicanhill.com
