The Resort at Pelican Hill

"Just one hour south of Los Angeles, The Resort at Pelican Hill calls Newport Beach's stretch of gleaming coastline home. The sweeping coastal retreat houses the largest circular pool found in the US, with over one million hand-cut glass tiles at the bottom to dazzle both kids and adults alike. During the summer months, the pool becomes home to the daily “Morning Splash,” with floaties and inflatable fun for all. The resort’s 332 bungalow and villa accommodations feature several “Imagination Amenities”—complimentary to resort guests and ideal for ages 2–10—including a squeaky clean bath bucket of fun soaps, cups, and toys, and an easel with drawing supplies to create a special art nook in any accommodation. Other kid-friendly programming includes the Mommy & Me Gelato and Manicure experience and youth yoga for ages 3+. Villa rentals are available in two-, three-, and four-bedroom configurations and range from 2,200 square feet to 3,581 square feet. Panoramic terraces with ocean views, gourmet kitchens, and on-call personal butlers are just a few more perks to enjoy." - Nina Kokotas Hahn

"The Resort at Pelican Hill will host a pop-up with Gucci Osteria featuring a high-end California Italian menu for three dinners and two brunches. The six-course dinners are priced at $280, while the brunch tasting menus cost $195." - Matthew Kang

"For five-star luxury, two oceanfront golf courses, and stunning views, choose The Resort at Pelican Hill." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"How did the resort strike you on arrival?It has a luxurious Tuscan vibe, with well-manicured hills overlooking the Pacific, beautiful villas and bungalows, and Roman aqueduct-style architecture. At 504 acres, it's huge—so huge that you'll likely need your car to get to your room. It's also surrounded by 50,000 acres of protected green spaces. What’s the crowd like?You'll see couples on romantic getaways, girlfriends celebrating bachelorettes and bridal showers, and families with kids of all ages. The good stuff: Tell us about the digs.There are 204 bungalows (847 to 2,486 square feet) with interiors that feel like your rich aunt's guest bedroom. Think: plush reading chairs, rattan furniture, wood-beam ceilings, and limestone-framed fireplaces. Villas are next-level luxury; the two- to four-bedroom layouts clock in at 2,200 to 3,581 square feet. All offer ocean views, terraces, kitchens, dining areas, and personal butlers, plus access to the Villa Clubhouse, a cushy lounge with a pool, fitness center, and relaxation rooms. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed feels very luxurious. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Both the bungalows and villas have amazing deep soaking marble tubs. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is included in the $40/day resort fee. Room service: Worth it?It's much what you'd expect from a nice hotel in Southern California: breakfasts like oatmeal ($17) and crab cake Florentine ($29), an all-day menu including sandwiches, salads, pastas, pizzas, and meats ($16 to $49). Anything to note about the staff?All the service here is above and beyond—hands down. Anything stand out about other services and features?Flanked by Roman-style columns, The Coliseum Pool is Pelican Hill's grand centerpiece; it's famously known for its glowing blue bottom, made from 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles. It's surrounded by a series of terraced decks, private cabanas, and ocean views. The resort is also located a short walk (15-20 minutes) from Crystal Cove State Park, a 3.5-mile-long stretch of pristine sand, coves, and tide pools that's popular with surfers and sunbathers. Bottom line: Why are we choosing Pelican Hill?You get the stunning visuals you'd expect in Tuscany, no passport required." - Archana Ram

"The Resort at Pelican Hill, located in the ultra-exclusive Newport Coast zip code, has a luxurious Tuscan vibe , well-manicured hills overlooking the Pacific, beautiful villas and bungalows, and Roman aqueduct-style architecture. At 504 acres, it's huge—so huge that you'll likely need your car to get to your room. It's also surrounded by 50,000 acres of protected green spaces. You'll want to leave plenty of time to relax by The Coliseum Pool, the resort's crown jewel." - Archana Ram