Perfection the goal of the geniuses who created
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Perfection was also obviously on the minds of the geniuses who
created The Resort at Pelican Hill, a tribute to the acclaimed architect
of the High Renaissaince Andrea Palladio, on the coast of Newport
Beach. Imagine, if you will, an ultra-luxe resort on 504 pristine,
serene acres overlooking the ocean with the finest accommodations:
bungalow guest rooms with hand-crafted wood-beam ceilings, villas
with butler service. Both have high technology, limestone fireplaces
and 500 thread count linens. Amenities include a private clubhouse
and pool, 36 championship holes of Tom Fazio-designed golf (the driving
range uses Nike Platinum One balls exclusively), a 22-room spa of
unequaled indulgence with 22-foot high rotunda. But wait, Pelican
Hill looks like it has been there forever-elegant classical proportions,
gold and bronze patinas, herringbone brickwork, century-old olive
trees, Italian wrought-iron light fixtures, It is apparent from the
exquisite details at Pelican Hill that this property represents the
cumulative careful thinking and astute observations of the visionary
perfectionist Chairman of Irvine Company and his eagle-eyed globe-trotting
captains, many of whom honed their skills at Ritz-Carlton. Two distinguished
chefs-one Italian, one French-preside at three unique dining experiences.
Andrea is the domain of Gianluca
Re Fraschini who sources the best
ingredients to match his time-honored preparations. We tasted 100-year-old
Balsamic vinegars here and incredible Italian wines with our osso
bucco. And pastas are heavenly, made in a dedicated temperature-controlled
Pasta Room. Executive Chef Jean-Pierre Dubray assures quintessential
standards are met. In the resort’s sun-filled Great
Room, a
graceful living room that seems out of 16th century Europe, we shared
Champagne with the resort’s polished General Manager, Thierry
Grandsire who along with Managing Director Giuseppe
Lama, lead a
team of carefully trained young and smiling employees. No request
seems impossible for them and they are totally dedicated to making
sure a guest is comfortable, satisfied and uplifted in their care.
It is at the spa that one really feels this commitment in the most
caring way. Spa Director Kasia Mays has created a menu that features
rejuvenating treatments and heralded therapies from around the world
in an out-of-this-world setting of candles, lavender and honey maple,
all designed to induce relaxation and quiet comfort. This is a haven
where wild aromatic sage and fennel mix with on-shore ocean breezes.
Outside, millions of iridescent glass tiles make up the magnificent
136-foot coliseum-inspired circular pool (the world’s largest).
And a children’s Camp Pelican serves the little ones. This
resort is sheer bliss: its features redefine the words “luxury” and “ultimate.” Chic
yet casual, Pelican Hill embraces guests like a small Tuscan village
terraced on a sea swept hillside. Currently you can experience this
incredible place for rates starting at $695 and that includes an
ocean view bungalow, a bottle of Prosecco, a complimentary of your
choice, breakfast for two and early check-in and late check-out.
At Pelican Hill, there is always complimentary valet parking, no
resort fees and free wireless Internet. Visit www.pelicanhill.com.
This resort has as its tagline “The Possibility of Perfection.” To
us, it is no longer a possibility, it is a reality.