"Perched on a peninsula in Rancho Palos Verdes and surrounded on three sides by open ocean, the resort unfolds like a Mediterranean village with terracotta roofs, Riviera-style stucco, ornate archways and wrought-iron balconies; its 582 villas, casitas and bungalows offer sunrise and sunset views from private balconies, and Nelson’s restaurant provides laid-back drinks and the occasional dolphin sighting." - Kristin Braswell