A Luxurious Escape in Southern California
The Resort at Pelican Hill is a Tuscan-style retreat nestled above the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach. Designed to resemble a hillside village in northern Italy, this 504-acre resort offers a serene and exclusive experience that feels far removed from the hustle of Southern California. The property features 204 bungalows and 128 villas, each situated along olive tree-lined paths and terraced gardens. This thoughtful layout ensures that even when fully booked, guests can enjoy a tranquil stay.
Privacy is one of the standout features of the resort. Each bungalow boasts vaulted wood-beam ceilings, limestone fireplaces, and marble bathrooms, with patios offering ocean views. Villas take exclusivity a step further by including butler service, full kitchens, and access to a private clubhouse and pool. The resort also offers 36 holes of golf designed by Tom Fazio, a massive spa, and a stunning 136-foot-diameter circular pool lined with over a million hand-cut glass tiles.
The Best Room: A Private Paradise
The Four-Bedroom Oceanview Villa is the crown jewel of the resort’s villa collection. Spanning 3,581 square feet, this two-story residence provides an elevated home-away-from-home experience. With sweeping wraparound terraces overlooking the Pacific and the Ocean North golf course, the villa is ideal for entertaining, sunset cocktails, or gatherings of up to 10 guests.
Inside, the villa includes two master suites, two additional bedrooms, and multiple ensuite marble bathrooms. The interiors are designed like a well-appointed coastal estate, featuring a formal great room with vaulted wood-beam ceilings and a limestone fireplace. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with Wolf appliances, Sub-Zero refrigeration, granite countertops, and a built-in wine cabinet. Additional amenities include an in-unit laundry room, multiple walk-in closets, pre-stocked kitchen pantries, and personalized aromatherapy options. The private garage accommodates two cars and offers direct access to the villa’s interior, making it perfect for long stays or family retreats.
A Unique Guest Experience
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by name, and a welcome drink is available at the lobby bar. The resort’s standout perk is its private parking garages for each bungalow or villa, allowing guests to bypass the lobby entirely. This feature, combined with full washer and dryer sets, gives the resort a residential feel, enhancing the sense of ease and seclusion.
Villa guests enjoy around-the-clock personal butler service, while bungalows have access to standard resort staff who are attentive and accommodating. Sheets have a thread count of 490, and all toiletries are full-sized. While there is no private pool for individual rooms, the Coliseum Pool is a major highlight. This massive circular pool, with over a million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles, offers a luxurious setting for relaxation and socializing.
Dining and Activities
The resort offers three main dining venues, each with a distinct take on California coastal cuisine. The Pelican Grill serves refined steakhouse staples, while the Coliseum Pool & Grill provides a more casual, all-day menu. Caffè & Market and Caffè II offer breakfast and quick bites with barista-made drinks and house-baked pastries.
For a unique experience, guests can opt for the Villa & Vespa Experience, which allows them to rent a custom-branded Vespa for their stay. This whimsical addition adds a touch of Italian flair to the already Tuscan-inspired setting.
Final Thoughts
The Resort at Pelican Hill delivers a rare form of luxury in Southern California. With its emphasis on privacy, exceptional service, and attention to detail, it offers a sun-drenched retreat that feels effortless yet high-touch. Whether you're looking for a romantic escape, a family vacation, or a week of world-class golf, this resort has something to offer.
Score: 9.5
What Our Score Means:
- 1–3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here.
- 4–6: Solid if you're in a pinch—but only if you're in a pinch.
- 7–8: Very good. We'd stay here again and recommend it without qualms.
- 9–10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?
Rates:
- Bungalows from $1,165 per night
- Bungalow Suites from $1,525
- Three-bedroom Villas from $2,655
All rates subject to seasonal change.
