Because telling a friend about a great movie creates unachievable expectations in the imagination of the listener, I will make a conscious effort not to gush about The Resort at Pelican Hill. Bear with me, though. It is very tempting, indeed.
Southern California conjures up images for me of insouciant wealth that is enjoyed by those who truly know how to extract the most out of every day. This is usually done by extremely good-looking blond people of either sex in yellow Lamborghini convertibles, or equally sexy, non-East Coast driven cars. Drivers are either on their way to the beach, to botox, or to "take" a meeting. The latter is probably a movie deal.
Southern California also conjures up a few noteworthy upscale hotels, like the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, the Four Seasons Aviara, the St. Regis, and of course, Montage Resort. The latter was my favorite...until now. On the Newport Coast at Crystal Cove is a new arrival, and The Resort at Pelican Hill will shock all the competition into a new competitive awareness. There is simply nothing like this in the United States. No gushing. Just a fact.
The centerpiece of the resort is the Tom Fazio redesigned Ocean North and Ocean South which form the thirty-six hole golf course with breathtaking views of the Pacific. What is delightful is the visual pleasure from the 504 acres with no other modern day intrusions of civilization in sight.
Built into the rolling hillsides with views of the fairways and the Pacific Ocean, are the 204 bungalows and 128 villas. All have balconies or terraces from which to see the changing light on the ocean, or to view a distant Catalina Island. These oversized Tuscan-styled accommodations are too exquisite to spend just a night or two in, and I imagine myself easily taking up residence on a permanent basis. The fireplace in every room and a 16' wood ceiling are examples of amenities that add immeasurably to the details. An amazing amount of personal input has been given by the owner of The Resort at Pelican Hill, who is inspecting and consulting with the architects and the decorators for the official opening of the resort in October 2008.
And speaking of authenticity, The Resort at Pelican Hill has transplanted fully mature olive trees from their privately owned nearby Irvine Ranch to enhance the experience of a Tuscan village. Overlooking the orange tiled roofs of the bungalows that are interspersed with olive trees is to be transported across another ocean, to another time. The eucalyptus and sage grow naturally on these hills, and the scent of both perfectly confront the senses with a purity of purpose: to soothe and relax the senses.
More sensual delight will be apparent in the plethora of spa treatments in the 20,000 square foot Pelican Hill Spa , with amenities all specifically designed for the resort, and within keeping with the salubrious nature of the area.
Southern California with a touch of Tuscany, is how I see it. Best news of all: You don't have to spend a single Euro. Happily, we will be part of the team as an extended group sales office, so if you would like a special group rate for a meeting or incentive program, by all means, please call me at 800-255-GAIL.
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