Celebrate the season at The Resort at Pelican Hill

Holiday Escape

Celebrate the season at The Resort at Pelican Hill.

By Adam Toren

Photos courtesy of The Resort at Pelican Hill

The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, Calif., is the type of luxurious destination that you can visit over and over again without ever having the same experience twice. All of your stays will have one thing in common, though: They’ll all be amazing.

The resort, which is located just an hour’s flight from Phoenix, was recently ranked second among the world’s top 20 golf resorts, second among the world’s top 20 family resorts, and fifth among the world’s top 20 spa resorts, according to the 2015 Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice Awards. There are countless reasons why this getaway destination deserves these honors.

Family Time at the Villa

“We sincerely appreciate this marvelous feedback that our loyal Andrew Harper guests hold Pelican Hill in such high regard in so many areas, from the ocean view golf club and the luxurious spa experience to spacious accommodations and epicurean experiences designed for the comfort and enjoyment of families traveling together,” says Pelican Hill Managing Director Giuseppe Lama.

If you’re vacationing with your family in tow, The Resort at Pelican Hill does an amazing job of providing luxury, convenience, and comfort. Before you even arrive, guests work with highly trained staff to plan the perfect stay. Need an extra…well, anything to make your stay more comfortable? Attentive butlers, concierge, housekeeping, and front desk staff work around the clock to ensure your stay is effortless.

Here, there are 128 two-, three- and four-bedroom villas with magnificent coastal views. Villa guests enjoy a private clubhouse and pool and, with the holidays right around the corner, there are seemingly countless festive events to participate in.

Also, Piccolo at the Villas is an exclusive restaurant just for Villa guests, which provides small-portion samples of the world’s most celebrated culinary traditions.

Looking for something to do? Villa coordinators leave no stone unturned. They help arrange transportation, children’s and adults’ activities, reservations, and more. Essentially, you have a customized itinerary to paradise.

Ultimate Relaxation

The Spa at Pelican Hill is Newport Beach’s only Forbes Five-Star Spa. One step inside and you’ll discover why.

At The Spa, there are 22 treatment rooms, Acqua Colonnades, relaxation lounges, a fitness center, salon, personal training, day packages, Balanced Wellness Retreats, wellness classes, delicious cuisine, a boutique, and more.

Beginning next year, The Spa will introduce several fresh ways for guests and locals alike to relax, renew, and invigorate in the new year. An 80-minute body polish and full-day wellness retreat will join the extensive spa menu permanently, while seasonal winter experiences offer moisturizing, detoxifying, and restorative benefits.

“As another year begins anew, we welcome spa guests from near and far to strengthen and restore healthy habits for the body, mind, and soul,” says Pelican Hill Director of Spa Robin Dunivin. “Whatever intention brings you to The Spa this winter, I invite you to check in for a chance to win a monthly prize in our new Facebook contest.”

New services include: a Coconut Neroli Body Polish, Spa Suite Day of Wellness, Pomegranate Body Gelato, Sunday Marine Wrapsody, Winter Hair Repair, the Ready for Romance Spa Suite Experience, and more.

Tee Off

Avid golfers know that family vacations and The Spa aren’t the only reasons to come to The Resort at Pelican Hill.

When it comes to golf, you’d be hard pressed to find better scenery than the two award-winning courses that call The Resort home. According to Pelican Hill’s website, players of every skill level are rewarded with 36 holes that test your mettle, quicken your pulse, and stir your soul.

The resort even offers golf-themed packages for guests so you can have the entire experience from start to finish. If you’re interested in getting serious about your swing, there’s a golf academy with a variety of custom programs to choose from.

To learn more about The Resort at Pelican Hill and its accommodations, spa, and golf offerings, visit pelicanhill.com.

Holiday Happenings

The holidays are a magical time at The Resort at Pelican Hill. From Christmas-themed parties and teas to a New Year’s Eve toast and balloon drop, you can’t go wrong with the festive annual celebrations. If you’re coming another time of year, just check the resort calendar for other ongoing events—there’s something to do whenever you go.

Nearby Shops

While you might be tempted to remain at The Resort during your time there, Newport Beach is full of some amazing shops—many of them locally owned and niche-oriented—that are great places to pick up souvenirs. Some of our top recommendations include: Fashion Island, Corona del Mar Plaza, and of course, The Resort shops on site.

Beachside Fun

If beachside views are more your speed, of course Newport Beach and the surrounding areas are perfect. Even during the less busy fall and winter seasons you can still find some great views, fun seaside shops, and niche restaurants at places like Crystal Cove Beach, the Big Corona, and The Wedge—a local favorite.