
There is nothing more refreshing than a relaxing weekend at a luxury resort. After a stressful winter, I was so looking forward to a few days away with my friend Sherene in sunny Southern California! We wanted the most luxurious property we could think of: someplace with access to the beach, a sparking pool, a relaxed atmosphere…and great shopping nearby! This is why we selected The Resort at Pelican Hill for our fabulous girls weekend! Sherene was my college roommate, and she is like family to me. We needed a weekend away to catch up!
Nestled between the beach cities of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill is just 15 minutes from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport. I was in Laguna visiting my sister, so I picked Sherene up at the airport, and we zipped over to The Resort at Pelican Hill for the best girls weekend…ever!
It is no surprise that The Resort at Pelican Hill has been voted the #1 Resort in the United States by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, as well as the 2012 Grand Resort by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Resort.


There is nothing like The Resort at Pelican Hill. From the majestic circular Coliseum Pool overlooking both golf courses and the ocean, to the residential feel of the Bungalow Guest Rooms. Upon check-on, Sherene and I decided our Bungalow exceeded the comforts of home! The spacious private terrace was our favorite spot to relax over some girl talk, get some sun, and even take a nap. The sunset from our terrace each evening over the Pacific was a memory we will never forget. Our single-story Bungalow was 847 square feet—spacious enough to spread out and relax!
The feel of the resort is truly an Italian Seaside Village. The service is exceptional, from the detailed introduction from the bellhop at check-in, to the waiters who are available to bring your favorite snacks and drinks to your cabana poolside. {The cabana was one of the highlights of our stay!}
Let me tell you a little more about this pool. It is in a perfect circle 136 in diameter, with beautiful tiles that sparkle in the sun. This pool is one of my favorite places in the world, because there is a view of the sky, ocean, and golf course. Luxuriously finished cabanas provide the perfect hideaway, with cold soft drinks in the refrigerator, a television and BOSE audio system, and food and beverage service available from the casual Coliseum Pool & Grill. After some morning shopping at Fashion Island, which is conveniently accessible via complimentary Resort coach service, we spent the rest of Saturday at the cabana! We talked, we napped, we visited with other resort-goers, and we sipped cold drinks.

The service and grounds really set Pelican Hill apart from other resorts we have stayed at in the past. But there are also some other special things to note. First, there is no resort fee for use of the pools, fitness center and spa facilities. There is also complimentary valet parking, as well as parking available right outside your Bungalow. Complimentary wireless Internet access is also provided to guests. I love that there are no “surprise charges” at checkout!
Tomorrow, we will tell you all about The Spa at Pelican Hill, Newport’s only Five-Star rated spa!