Modern Home + Living

In the land where Mercedes, BMWs and Ferraris outnumber Chevrolets, Fords and Chryslers, where Tiffany, Bvlgari and Van Cleef & Arpels are as common as Kay, Zales and Robbins Brothers, where Fiji, Poland and Iceland are bottled waters, not countries - it is no surprise that Los Angeles has more than its share of luxury hotels.

What is a surprise is that up until now, there were very few (if any) luxury seaside resorts along Los Angeles’ 75 miles of glimmering coastline.  Grab a half-caf/decaf soy latte, turn off your cell phones (yes, both of them), remove your Dolce Gabbana shades, slide off your Prada kicks and discover why the Terranea Resort has become the newest jewel in the City of Angels’ crown. Set in grandeur worthy of a Mediterranean estate, on the spectacular Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea (pronounced ter-a-NAY-a) rests on a magnificent site with an unobstructed 270-degree view overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.  Conveniently located just 20 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport, no other costal California resort combines such ease of access with the secluded ambiance of a private estate and truly breathtaking vistas. 

All of the Terranea’s amenities are designed to inspire reverence for the natural beauty of the location.  From the three restaurants (the signature mar’sel, Nelson’s, and the Catalina Kitchen); to the three sparkling pools (the family-oriented Resort Pool, complete with 140-foot waterslide and children’s splash zone; the adults-only Cielo Point Pool, with its spectacular ocean view; and the peaceful Spa Pool); to the 582 spacious rooms, suites, bungalows, casitas and villas, the 102-acre sanctuary is a feast for the senses.

For those seeking adventure, there’s the Discovery Trail, a bluff-top trail that connects with miles of costal trails.  For golfers, there’s The Links at Terranea, a 9-hole par 3 oceanfront course that includes a short game practice area with chipping and putting greens (the practice putting green is an expansive two-tiered complex that can be utilized as a 9- or 18-hole putting course).  For those seeking pampering, there’s The Spa at Terranea, a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art complex nestled in a secluded setting with a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean. 

The spa features a 5,000-square-foot fitness facility, separate men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, 25 treatment rooms (offering massage, facial, Vichy, and hydrotherapy treatments), hot tubs, pool, café and an expansive selection of services including manicures and pedicures, hair and beauty salon, and an extensive offering of wellness programs including water, yoga, Pilates, movement, meditation and lifestyle awareness classes. I’m relaxed just writing about the amenities.

Where cut equals relaxation, where color equals recreation, where clarity equals rejuvenation, the Terranea Resort is a diamond that stands on its own, a gem without equal, a jewel that adds to the crown within which it now shines.