Today is: Tuesday, November 12, 2024






The Resort at Pelican Hill Review


Main Entrance and Lobby

Blending the principles of Italy’s most renowned Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio, with chic California casual elegance, The Resort at Pelican Hill opened
Nov. 26, 2008 promising a new paradigm for resort style, comfort and beauty.

 
Scenic Views of the Golf Course

The resort is set on a 504-acre site in Newport Beach that is one of the most
serene and beautiful coastal settings in Southern California. The Resort at
Pelican Hill captures the essence of an Italian seaside village, terraced
on a verdant hillside in harmony with the natural environment.

 
 
The Villas

Special features include: 128 villas with an unparalleled array of appointments, immersing guests in the absolute finest of everything; 204 luxuriously appointed bungalow suites; a rejuvenating spa with a menu of the world’s most celebrated therapies; world-class restaurants including Andrea, serving authentic Northern
Italian cuisine; an iconic “Coliseum” pool, the largest circular pool anywhere
with tiered decks and luxurious cabanas; and Pelican Hill Golf Club with
36 dramatic holes by Tom Fazio, nearly all with ocean panoramas.

   
The Bungalow Suites

204 Bungalow Suites: Ranging from 847 square feet to 2,486 square feet, the bungalows feature luxurious appointments and an intimate, residential ambiance.
No detail has been overlooked to make the bungalows the most plush, relaxing and comfortable accommodations. Among the features are hand-crafted wood-beam
alder ceilings, fireplaces framed by Italian limestone, marble deep-soaking tubs,
42-inch flat screen HDTVs, wet bars, Bose audio systems, 500-thread-count
sheets, and large private terraces with unobstructed ocean panoramas.

 
 
Fantastic Service                                      Spetacular Views

128 Villas: The two, three, and four-bedroom villas, the largest inventory of luxury, ocean-view home accommodations in the resort world available for daily rental that are the ultimate accommodations. The villas are exceptionally spacious, ranging from 2,193 square feet to 3,581 square feet, with expansive terraces with dramatic ocean views, dining areas, private one or two-car garages, and gourmet kitchens with Sub Zero refrigerators, Wolf oven and cook-tops, professional cookware from
Cuisipro, fine table linens from boutique manufacturers Rivolta Carmignani
and Fili D’Oro, granite countertops and pale fruitwood cabinets.

Villa guests enjoy a personal butler and a 24-hour staff to fulfill every need
and desire. The appointments immerse guests in the absolute finest of everything,
from the interior finishes, materials and furniture to the glassware and china, including:
hand-hewn wood-beam alder ceilings, limestone fireplaces, sumptuous beds with
500 thread-count linens, luxurious baths with fine toiletries from Gilchrist & Soames and marble walk-in showers and deep-soaking tubs, 15-bottle wine cabinets, and
the gamut in technology from 60-inch flatscreen HDTVs to Bose audio systems
and MP3 ports. As a privilege exclusive to villa guests, there is a 10,000 square-
foot Villa Clubhouse, with a light-bathed living room, private gourmet dining,
radiant blue pool created by hand-setting 300,000 hand-cut glass
mosaic tiles, luxurious cabanas and stunning sea vistas.

 
Coliseum Pool and Jacuzzi

The Coliseum Pool: Inspired by Rome’s famed landmark, The Coliseum Pool is among the most striking swimming pools at any resort – and the heart of Pelican
Hill, where guests gather daily to see and be seen, and relax and wile away the day pampered by pool attendants and taking in the magnificent back drop of endless sea and coast. Perfectly circular and 136 feet in diameter,  making it the largest circular pool in the world.  The Coliseum Pool dazzles with its radiant blue bottom created
by 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles and amphitheater of terraced decks
offering private cabanas, sunbathing areas, dining and fabulous ocean views.

 
Cabanas Suites                                          Coliseum Pool

The cabanas are suite-like with every amenity from private servers, wet bars,
Bose music systems and flatscreen HD TVs to 12-foot-high ceilings and draping curtains for privacy. The saltwater pool features soft water that feels good on the
skin. For vacationing families, a separate children’s area features its own
circular pool complemented by a circular interactive fountain.

 
 
Fitness Center

The Spa: Guided by the scent of the Mediterranean and the soothing, mesmerizing
sound of a dancing waterfall, you enter a world of tranquility and relaxation. The Spa
at Pelican Hill has lifted the spa experience to an art form. Its Italian design beckons
you with a hint of romance and relaxation. Renew and rejuvenate your soul with a
personalized treatment plan, perfectly tailored to your specific desires.

 
The 25,000 Square Foot Spa
 
Weddings: The Resort at Pelican Hill was Southern California’s most highly
anticipated wedding destination. Couples may opt for such one-of-a-kind ceremony
locations, both with spectacular ocean panoramas as the charming, free-standing La
Cappella, and the secluded, idyllic wedding lawn complete with an iconic and romantic
Renaissance rotunda. Mar Vista, with its own bell tower, is the definitive reception
venue with its large terraces for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and grand, high-ceiling
main room for dining and dancing featuring expansive walls of glass that bathe the
room in light and showcase exquisite ocean and links views. Couples enjoy a
complimentary villa with a personal butler on their wedding night.

 
Great Wedding Locations

Meetings & Events: With an array of plush indoor and beautiful outdoor venues,
along with the latest in meeting technology, the resort is a preferred venue for the
most exclusive and demanding group functions from top-tier board meetings
and corporate retreats to private banquets. The 20,000 square feet of function
space includes ballrooms and meeting rooms in the main hotel, the separate
Mar Vista stand-alone event center with a variety of specialty spaces and its
own arrival area, and an outdoor event lawn with an iconic rotunda.

Dining: A variety of mouth-watering and singular dining experiences,
for every mood and occasion of your stay, make dining
one of Pelican Hill’s unforgettable experiences.

 
The Caffé: An Italian Coffe Bar which also serves Gelato

The Caffé: Guests are immersed in one of Italy’s most enduring national pleasures.
An indispensable part of la dolce vita, at this true Italian coffee bar serving Italian
coffees, light breakfast fare, smoothies, homemade breads and pastries, traditional
gelatos made in the Laboratorio del Gelato and more. The tantalizing aromas of
freshly ground coffee is sweetened by panoramic ocean views.

 
  The Great Room                                  Coliseum Bar and Grill

Great Room: In the resort’s sophisticated yet unpretentious “living room,”
guestsdiscreetly indulge in the finer things in life. The Great Room
offers a champagne cart,interesting and original Italian
cocktails and organic coffees, teas and infusions.

 
 
Fantastic Sunday Brunch

Pelican Grill: The restaurant at Pelican Hill Golf Club, which opened in November 2007, celebrates the best of the California lifestyle with its gorgeous seaside location, delectable menu of California cuisine prepared with the highest-quality fresh and locally sourced foods.  Stylish and comfortable décor, gracious personalized service, and sophisticated, yet relaxed bar with two huge nine feet by six feet HDTVs for watching sports events. Pelican Grill offers one of the best spots for al fresco
dining on the coast with a spacious ocean-view terrace and hidden heaters
and sunscreens for year-round comfort. The generous and balanced wine list
features mostly California selections and more than 30 wines by the glass.

 
Views from the Room and The Caffé of the Golf Course

Pelican Hill Golf Club: One of the nation’s premier golf clubs, Pelican Hill Golf Club boasts 36 holes designed by Tom Fazio with stunning ocean panoramas from nearly every hole. In addition, the club offers: a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse with separate men’s and women’s locker rooms and lounges with a full array of appointments and amenities; Pelican Grill, recognized for its California cuisine and popular lounge; Caffé II Italian coffee bar; golf shop offering the latest golf fashions and accessories; and a full-service practice facility located right outside the clubhouse door featuring an expansive driving range, a complete practice tee and tour-event Nike Platinum
One balls waiting for guests when they arrive. Once ready to play, guests
depart in a golf cart from the practice area and reach the first tees by driving
over the resort’s stunning and iconic entrance: a classically-designed
bridge that appears as if it could span the Arno River in Florence.

 
Spetacular Views fron The Caffé

Andrea: Offering classic dishes bursting with the true flavors of Italy, particularly Tuscany, Andrea will rival the nation’s top Italian restaurants. By sourcing the perfect ingredients and implementing time-honored practices and preparations, from 100 year-old Balsamic vinegars to a one-of-kind, temperature-controlled Pasta Room,  chef Gianluca ReFraschini recreates the best of Italy. A glassed-in wine room displays 1,200 bottles, predominantly from Italy and notably a number of vintages exclusive
to Andrea. Before-dinner apéritifs are sipped in the luminous ambiance of a round
bar with golden granite countertops and golden fruitwood paneling. Open-air
dining on the beautiful ocean-view terrace is comfortable throughout
the year with the radiant-heat travertine flooring.


Andrea’s Review


The Bar at Andrea

While it may be physically impossible to bring an Italian restaurant to Newport
Beach, Chef Gianluca ReFraschini and Sous Chef Derik Brooks have come
remarkably close. The charming ambiance hints of old world Italy, while the
aromatic and flavorful dishes exude authenticity. Anyone considering an
escape to Italy should first pay a visit to this local favorite.

 
Champagne and Signature Drinks

After enjoying a glass of Brunello di Montalcino Col’Doncia a magnificently red
Italian wine, we began our unforgettable meal with Antipasto e Insalate, first
we sampled the Carciofi Brasati, Salsa Verde; a braised artichoke
wonderfully prepared with parsley and bread crumbs. 

 
    Braised Artichoke                                Melanzane alla Parmigiana

The second, featured exceptionally tasty the Melanzane alla Parmigiana,
one of the best eggplant with fresh tomato salse we have ever tasted.


 Insalata di Carpaccio di Manzo

Next the Insalata di Carpaccio di Manzo, with polenta croutons, and
parmigiano shavings, the great thing about these appetizers, was
that you can enjoy them all without feeling heavy.


 Prosciutto di San Daniele al Coltello

And the last one was the Prosciutto di San Daniele al Coltello, con Tigella e
Gnoccho Fritto, a 18 month cured, San Daniele Prosciutto hand sliced
and served with Romagna bread and Taggiasca Olives, a sensational
way to enjoy the best ham in the entire world, this was one of the
best appetizer selections we could have enjoyed.

Of course, there were Pizzas, Soups and Salads but were told to escape and
instead try Chef’s amazing creation of their home made pastas, and risottos,
so next came their signature Risotto of Wild Mushrooms with a trio of
cheeses; Chantrel, Black Trumpet, Hen of the Woods and Porcini. 

 
Preparing the Risotto


Wild Mushroom Risotto for Two

Also the presentation is amazing, they bring to your
table the entire Parmeggiano Regiano cheese, where your
risotto is finally prepared and served to you. An amazing and unique
way to enjoy the best risotto in town, and to enjoy dish fantastic dish, we were
sampling their fabulous wine Super Tuscan which paired perfectly with our meal.

 
Gnocchi with Truffles                                    Ravioli di Ricotta   

Another 2 delicious pastas were presented for our tasting; the Gnocchi con Fonduta
di Parmigiano e Tartufo Nero di Norcia, the gnocchi was super soft with a delicious taste and aroma of the truffles and my favorite the Ravioli di Ricotta, Spinaci, Burro
e Salvia, a great portion of ravioli filled with ricotta, and a simple but delicious butter and sage sauce, one of the finest versions of pastas that we have ever tasted.


Rack of Lamb Garnished with Olive Oil  and Potatoes

The service we received throughout our visit was masterful, and highly attentive to
our every need. The entrees arrived as we sipped our wine and we were dazzled
by their attractive presentation and mouthwatering aroma. My guest’s Carre’
D’Agnello al forno Patate all’Olio d’Oliva, sugo naturale was fantastically
seasoned natural jus and garnished with olive oil and potatoes. The meat
was juice and exquisite rendition of properly prepared oven roasted
Rack of Lamb. The dish was aromatic and delicate in flavor,
as well as being so substantial in quantity.


Pan Seared Turbot Fish

I am a fish lover, so I tried their signature the Pan Seared Turbot Fish,
with White Wine, Young Spinach, Spring Onion Salad. A very
taste and delicate fish, that reminded me of a Sea bass.

 
Dessert Samplers of Fruit and Chocolate Gelatos

Sous Chef Derik Brooks capped off our meal with a dessert sampler consisting of
a very dense and the most amazing selection of Gelatos. As Andrea, their gelato
is made daily in their Laboratorio del Gelato which is an authentic artisan
fashion, with rich whole milk, organic eggs and fresh seasonal fruit.


Arabica Tiramisu

We also tasted their amazing 100%
Arabica Tiramisu. We finished the feast with a glass of
perfectly aged Port wine, a classic after dinner wine that is an Italian favorite.

 
 Fantastic Ports Wines                           Vintage Balsamic Vinegar

As we quietly sat by candlelight for a few additional moments, I realized that Andrea Restaurant was both the perfect place to visit for an artful introduction to true Italian cuisine, or to reminisce over a long past Italian holiday. The only question is,
with such delicious and authentic food available right here in Newport
Beach, why bother with the long, expensive flight to Italy?



Did I mention that if you need a ride back to your room, a
2009 Bentley will be giving you a ride back? Yes, I was
dreaming and paradise exists and was there…

Easily accessible, The Resort at Pelican Hill is located just 15 minutes from
Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, 45 minutes from LAX, and adjacent
to an abundance of shopping, dining, art galleries and beaches of the chic
seaside communities of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

The Irvine Company Resort Properties owns and manages the finest resort and leisure destinations in Newport Coast and the City of Irvine. In addition to The Resort at Pelican Hill, the portfolio includes the Island Hotel Newport Beach, the city’s landmark property and only AAA Five Diamond hotel; Hyatt Regency Irvine,
the city’s only Four Diamond hotel; Oak Creek Golf Club in Irvine, featuring
a challenging, Tom Fazio-designed public golf course; and several of
the finest marinas in Newport Harbor and Northern California.

Opening rates for bungalows start at $695,
and $1,450 for villas, based on availability.
 
The Resort at Pelican Hill also has many
very popular getaway packages such as:
 
The Resort Golf & Spa Experience
This relaxing getaway with a choice of activities
is $795.00 per night and includes:
 
Overnight stay in a spacious bungalow
Choice of two rounds of golf on either of Tom Fazio's courses or
two 60-minute Amber Gold spa treatment, or one of each
Early chek-in and late check-out
Complimentary valet parking 


The Resort at Pelican Hill is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

For more information please visit their website at
www.pelicanhill.com or call 800-820-6800

For map and location click Here!

Article By: Mary Adams
Photos By: Chris Marx


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