Pool area in the early morning.
The Terranea resort in Palos Verdes, California is absolute tranquility near L.A. The resort is just 30 miles from downtown, but worlds away from the L.A. scene in spirit. The best of both worlds is available at Terranea— if city of angels-style excitement is desired, it is close enough to be convenient while the serenity of Terranea will still be waiting at the end of the day.
A huge Mediterranean fountain greets guests as they pull up to the resort. The interior was designed by BAMO of San Francisco whose website says, “We feel it is more important to have style than be in style.” That philosophy can be seen in the lobby, which epitomizes the easy-going Californian coastal lifestyle. All furnishings and décor are on a grand scale here and yet a calm feeling pervades, just like the ocean outside. The enormous fireside at one end of the lobby common area is two-sided--the other side faces the bar. BAMO’s seating arrangement planned for cozy talks by the fire. On the lobby side, chairs are high-backed and deep, inspiring a feeling of security and warmth. Guests often gather here in the evenings for a snack, drink and intimate conversation.
On the bar side, the décor is much more contemporary. Larger seating areas are conducive to lively conversations and lots of windows invite guests outside. Blurring the boundaries between the outdoors and indoors is a theme throughout the hotel. Outside, the site choice for Terranea is impressive. Originally, it was the site of Marineland of the Pacific, a themed entertainment park built in 1954, before Walt Disney opened Disneyland. Terranea was built here for the same reason the area was chosen for Marineland—gorgeous, unobstructed views of the vast Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, just off the coast.
The amenities manage to keep up with the sheer size of Terranea. Instead of just one pool, Terranea has three—a children’s pool with a slide and spouting fountain perfect for running through, a spa pool and one for all guests. There are also two separate hot tubs. The 50,000 square-foot spa includes a shop that sells products that feature oceanic ingredients and a fitness center. A nine-hole, par three golf course is immaculately kept. A boardwalk and steps lead guests right to the ocean from the pool and spa areas. It is all about the view and sea breeze here. Although it would be difficult to swim here, this is a beach for dipping toes in the water and climbing on rocks.
Terranea is remote enough to not have a lot of restaurant choices in the nearby area, which is largely residential, so the resort provides several—eight, in fact. Most have fantastic outdoor eating areas. The Terranea Grill is poolside and boasts an absolutely amazing view of the grounds and ocean.
With ocean views everywhere, Terranea is an ideal location for a romantic weekend, a wedding or just some satisfying rest and relaxation in a stunningly beautiful location.
Travel Information: Visitors to Terranea can choose either LAX or the Long Beach airports. Both are about the same distance away, but keep in mind that LAX will be busy and traffic may be a concern. Flights to Long Beach from Denver are around 4 to 4 ½ hours long and can be had for the month of June for just over $200 on Delta and Frontier.
For more information: Please visit Terranea’s website and blog.
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