The La La Land Celebs Love Pelican Hill Resort Newton Beach,California and Who Won’t ? by Barbara Kingstone

 

IMG_1908What happened to sunny California? It’s an unexpected chilly, cloudy morning in Newport Beach and even my heavy topper isn’t keeping me warm. However, as we park under the large Porte Cochere,of this Italianate building of Pelican Hill Resort, I know immediately this is not your average five star hotel.

Pelican Hill Resort, has been rated tops in the most significant publications. Even a fast glimpse sent five star shudders down my spine knowing I am fortunate to be staying for a few days.
Suddenly the cockles of my heart warmed against the unusual wind. And I suddenly, I knew what love at first sight was like a happy ending in the old MGM movies..

Who could resist seeing a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean before going more than a few feet into the marble inlaid designed flooring of the reception room. In fact, when I told my la, de da, Californian sophisticated friends where my husband and I would be staying, even this jaded group was impressed.

Just one step into the lobby and, well it gives ‘grand’ a new definition. So little wonder what would usually be called a lobby, is called The Great Room.

IMG_1913Large pillars rising to the very high ceiling, tall stucco-faced triangular shaped (electric) fire place ablaze gives me the feeling that it’s really warming. Then there are the beige/green chenille cotton covered sofas- I counted 6, and two ancient wall tapestries, a baby grand piano is off to one side, heavy silk drapery cascades down on to the floor, real palm trees reach up towards the high ceiling and a large porcelain containers filled with a lavish amount of real orchids, are the real give away of true, pure luxury in the Italian theme, is a hand carved stunning 17 century Italian table and 18th century copies of Alfredo Palladio windows that if there is such a thing as an homage to an architect, this was it.

Well thought out, the up-scale clients have every amenity. Just steps away from the round, foyer, is a terrific outdoor and also a glassed-in cafe for snack. But come evening, there’s stylish Alfredo, a nod to this famous architect.

There are no accommodations in this one storey main building.Larger than usual suites in bungalows,in a grouping of town-house looking buildings,are so spacious that it isn’t difficult to imagine spending an indefinite time in these on the balcony or in the airy rooms.

IMG_1906I couldn’t wait to see the more pricey parts. However, with the clientele who know about the villas and the services ( think Downton Abbey.), and for those who want to stay for an
Pelican Hill Resort with the many features, it is strangely discreet and doesn’t look phoney or out of place and is perched on what could be one of the hills in Rome except here guests overlook the Pacific Ocean. From my suite # 0339 on via Capri (all streets are from areas in Italy)in this part of the hotel, I could see one of the two 18 hole, professionally designed Fazio golf course and the well manicured 504 acred venue with flowers and foliage to die for.

There are three pools and one that stands out is an extra large round pool.

 

 

Those with time and money, can stay for an undecided amount of time. Few hotels could match the splendor that Pelican Hill is able to offer. Butlers, chefs, privacy and an out of the world vis-ta.

As for getting from A to B, just a press of #9 on the phone, and with in minutes there’s a sparkling SUV Or for those who have come by car or perhaps a limo, it’s easy. There’s parking just outside the entrance of the bungalow and the villas have their own garages. Affluence is ap-parent. There are so many privately owned Bentleys, it looks like a showroom for the latest models.

Yoga anyone? Great spa treatments? At the 23,000 square feet spa these are a few of the ac-tivities and the place for tranquility and privacy.

IMG_1912Kids are welcomed and can spend the day, if they like, at Camp Pelican with its own pool and clubhouse and for the teens, they can wander around the area or spend time at Latitude, surf, snorkel, go to a theme park and even go shopping. Long passed teenage stage, I couldn’t resist the fine choices and did a bit of my own on-site retail therapy.

What really is interesting is the design of this regular room which in most hotels would be consi-dered an up graded suite. The seating area with its bright large windows, desk, wi fi facilities that aren’t complicated, the gas fireplace, sizeable wall HD TV, the best coffee maker (but the excellent organic coffee cost $10 bag and I see myself as a coffee aficionado, so it was well worth the price)

Since there is no window in the bathroom, I was designed with wide in -side glass panels, easily shut if one desires privacy.

I’m a lover of great counter space and for someone like me, I travel like a door to door cosmetic salesperson with all my lotions and potions. Happily there’s a double sink with oodles of space.
Admittedly I take far too many jars.
IMG_1916Wanting to see how the rich and famous really live, I asked for a site inspection. Shown around by the somewhat haughty public relation staffer, one which I was shown is a 3600 square feet luxurious condo-like flat which comes with butler and if you’re keen on complete privacy, there’s a chef hence alleviating the need to go to one of the on- site restaurants. And often these are taken for a month even up to a year.

Feeling some what ambivalent each day when my wonderful Newport Beach friend, Rosita, came mid mornings to show me the surrounding areas and the charming town, I could easily have spent the day indoors on the balcony and even on this dullish, hazy day, I could see the Pacific Ocean. However, being with my dear friend and meeting her friends, made me feel part of this up-market community

Known for their list of VIPs,stars and heads of state (no names) those wanting complete privacy, a paparazzi would have a most difficult time to snap through the foliage and get through the well guarded gate. What more could one ask since Pelican Hill has it all down to the finest de-tails.For reservations 1888 991 5075 Email PelicanHill.com..