Pelican Hill: Newport Coast's Finest

Summer on the West Coast: it’s a destination we often recommend at Golf & Lifestyle Magazine, but the truth is, that when it comes time for making vacation plans, most of our readers (and most of our staff too) cast their eyes just to Southern California. What everyone typically is looking for has proved to be more elusive than you might expect: a solid five-star hotel on a big, gorgeous beach and golf course. Of course there are lots of fabulous hotels in Orange County that have jaw-dropping views of the water, but walk out the back door of your luxurious villa and take in what I like to call paradise, and you’ll know exactly why I chose Pelican Hill for this issue’s On A Tank.

When I decided to visit Pelican Hill for a week to check out the property – the newly built Pelican Hill Villas, Pelican Hill Resort and the Pelican Hill Golf Club – I was expecting the resort to be close to empty. Instead it was thriving; the golf course and resort were completely full. Ironically, the majority of the guests were California natives, (they’d already figured out that if they wanted a great beach and phenomenal golf, it wasn’t going to be a train ride or a flight away). The beautiful private villas come with a butler and personal staff, which create a home away from home vibe. Needless to say, after a few days, I was hooked, and realized that it made perfect sense to stay local for a quick get away.

Many people assume that Southern California summers can be overcast and hot, but in fact, the weather is quite consistent year round, varying by only about 13 degrees. The important difference is that the winds calm down so the golf course has a tough time defending itself. However, Pelican Hill Golf Club does not give anyone the chance to sit back and take in the views without losing a few balls along the way. This golf course is tough, but not unpleasantly so, and the views of the Pacific are absolutely breathtaking for an afternoon or early morning round. I was able to get a few tips from GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Instructor Glenn Deck. He runs the Pelican Hill Golf Academy and offers one on one instruction to players at all levels.

In addition to the two championship golf courses, Ocean North and Ocean South, both designed by Tom Fazio, the property is also home to several elegant pools and spas. The Coliseum Pool is one of the largest circular pools with a million glass mosaic tiles lining the bottom. The infinity edge leads your view out to the ocean.

After a day in the sun and pool choosing a dining option was difficult. There are a total of 5 dining options, from casual, light fare to an elegant Northern Italian dining experience. Each restaurant welcomes diners to a culinary adventure with a golf course or ocean view.

There are, without a doubt, everywhere you turn, wonderful attributes to Pelican Hill. Many would not be given justice with just a simple explanation, but here are a few that stand out in my mind: the unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean while dining at Andrea Ristorante, warming up on the back side of Pelican Hill Golf Club’s driving range and taking in the outrageous views of the water and the property itself, hitting a tee shot - aiming at a home listed on the market for $63,000,000 and lying on a chaise longue on the terrace at my villa listening to the wind and the lapping of the ocean while drinking in a striking sunset. Not only is the physical beauty of Pelican Hill immaculate and stunning, but also the service staff is attentive to every need and wants to help ensure your stay will be unforgettable.

This trip not only relaxed me, but it had me dialing for the concierge to find out how I could lease a villa long term. I sat back and fantasized about how incredible it would be to call Kobe Bryant or Dean Koontz neighbors. Or what it would be like to raise my family in a zero crime neighborhood while being attended to at every second of everyday? What a life Pelican Hill could be…perhaps a weekend getaway will do.

I can’t end this story without describing the amazing amount of detail Donald Bren, chairman of the Irvine Company, put into this project. Everywhere you look Pelican Hill reminds guests that no expense was spared when designing one of Southern California’s most prestigious resorts. With Palladian-inspired architecture from Northern Italy, the restaurants Andrea Ristorante & Bar - Signature Northern Italian restaurant, Pelican Grill & Lounge - California-inspired cuisine located at the Golf Clubhouse to The Spa at Pelican Hill, it was glaringly obvious that Pelican Hill Resort stands alone at the top of Southern California’s luxury resorts with golf amenities. 

For more information or to book a stay at Pelican Hill please visit pelicanhill.com or contact resort reservations at (800) 820-6800.