Archive for the ‘Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes’ Category

When people come to visit Los Angeles, they will likely frequent the shops and beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu, the historic attractions of Hollywood and the amusements of the Disneyland Resort.

What many of these visitors miss is a peninsula south of Venice and Santa Monica, one that’s up there with the most beautiful stretches of coast anywhere in California. We’re taking about the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Why so secretive? Well, maybe the residents prefer it that way. Also, it’s not terribly accessible (no freeway exactly brushes up against it). And, until recently, there were very few draws other than the breathtaking scenery.

Back in the day, the amusement park Marineland drew some locals and out of towners, but that’s long gone. A few years ago, Donald Trump built an impressive golf club overlooking the Pacific, putting the area on the map again for those other than lucky residents.

Recently, on the former land that Marineland occupied, a new five-star resort arrived to much fanfare and acclaim…and rightly so.

The Terranea Resort may be the best spot to get away in Los Angeles. With unspoiled views, serene quiet, top luxuries and plenty of space to stretch out and relax (102 acres in all), you wouldn’t even know you were so close to the city…and here, that’s a good thing.

Recommended Resort:  Terranea Resort. The building of Terranea took many years and tears and much planning. The long effort paid off, resulting in a destination that honors the natural integrity of its surroundings and adds a grandeur to a romantic vista.

The rocks and waves of the Peninsula coastline are literally at your feet, but minus the traffic and tourism you’d find north in Santa Monica. Here you escape. Here you rekindle romance. Here you spoil yourself on deluxe accommodations, first-rate food and decadent spa treatments.

Choose from a variety of room options, from a well-appointed guest suite to private, spacious villas, bungalows and casitas.

Balconies overlook the Pacific, and not surprisingly feature wonderful linens, amenities and ambience. So cozy are the accommodations, you may not want to leave your heavenly haven….but trust me, you should. There’s amazing golf, spa treatments, dining and gorgeous grounds to experience.

Check In: 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South in Rancho Palos Verdes. 866-802-8000, terranea.com.

Check Out:  mar’sel. The resort’s signature restaurant is also one the finest in the South Bay.

Spanish for “sea” and French for “salt,” mar’sel mixes fine European technique with the flavors of Californian cuisine to dazzling results. Modern, organic and local, the food is fresh and forward thinking, will excellent flavors and wonderful wines to accompany them.

The venue is airy and open, taking full advantage of the resorts coastal location. Schedule your dinner for sunset time. You won’t be disappointed.

Don’t Miss: The Spa at Terranea. I’ve done many spas in Los Angeles, but this may be my favorite.

A good massage happens frequently in town, but how often does it come with a view, an ocean breeze and the sounds of waves crashing below? That’s exactly how my massage went down.

With my treatment room perched on the second floor of the spa facility and French doors open to the ocean below, how could this not be a treat for the senses? I left refreshed and eager to linger downstairs, where my lounge chair overlooked a setting sun, the end of the perfect day. I could definitely do this more often.

Want more honeymoon ideas? Check out our other Mini-Moon and Honeymoon Blog Posts!

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Terranea Resort

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