NEWPORT BEACH: A COASTAL ESCAPE CENTERED AROUND PURE LUXURY AT THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL
Contributor - Andrew Barnes | Head of Travel • 11/20/25
There are beach towns… and then there is Newport Beach; a sun-drenched blend of effortless sophistication, coastal charm, and barefoot luxury that feels like it was designed for travelers who want a little of everything. Golden beaches, a sparkling harbor, chic boutique districts, and iconic local flavors set the tone. But at the heart of any unforgettable Newport Beach getaway is one place: The Resort at Pelican Hill.
Perched on a terraced hillside overlooking the Pacific, Pelican Hill isn’t just a resort—it’s an experience. And paired with Newport’s playful spirit, from moke rentals to Balboa Bars, from Fashion Island to yacht charters, from serene spa moments to the custom fragrance world of Elia Parfum—your trip becomes something beautifully balanced between indulgence and adventure.
If heaven had an address, it might look a lot like Pelican Hill. Imagine emerging over a hillcrest to see miles of coastline, Italian-inspired architecture, and winding roads lined with olive trees. The air is warm and salty. The pace slows immediately. Pelican Hill’s architecture evokes a modern-day Italian village—with terracotta roofs, private terraces, domed rotundas, and lush gardens that make every corner picturesque. Their bungalows and villas are some of the most spacious accommodations on the West Coast, featuring hand-carved fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and quiet outdoor spaces perfect for morning coffee or sunset wine.
Then there's the pool: the iconic Coliseum Pool, a grand circular masterpiece tiled with thousands of tiny glass mosaic tiles. Cabanas encircle the deck, and the poolside restaurant offers elevated yet relaxed coastal cuisine. It’s the kind of place where hours drift by without you realizing it.
Golf lovers find their paradise here too. Pelican Hill has two championship courses carved into the cliffs, each fairway offering sweeping ocean views that could easily distract even the most focused player.
Top all of that with a world-class spa, exceptional dining, thoughtful service, and a feeling of privacy that’s incredibly hard to find—and you understand why Pelican Hill stands apart. It’s the soul of a high-end vacation wrapped in coastal tranquility.
If Pelican Hill is your grand, secluded sanctuary, Lido House is your chic, social home base by the harbor. This boutique-style hotel blends Cape Cod charm with California flair. Think crisp stripes, coastal whites, and cozy touches that make everything warm and inviting.
Its crowning jewels are the private cottages, each one uniquely designed in partnership with local tastemakers. Whether you wander down to Lido Marina Village for a coffee and designer browsing or borrow a bike and cruise the boardwalk, Lido House offers that elevated-but-effortless beach-town vibe that Newport is famous for.
When in Newport Beach… you rent a Moke.
These pastel-colored, open-air electric cars are the cutest—and most fun—way to explore the city. They’re part vintage throwback, part California cool. Drive them to Balboa Island, through charming residential neighborhoods, or along the waterfront. With the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair, you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own laid-back summer movie.
Newport Beach has one of the most beautiful harbors in California, and experiencing it from the water is essential.
A day yacht charter is the ultimate treat—perfect for couples, families, or groups celebrating something special. Choose from sleek sailboats, classic yachts, or spacious catamarans. Many charters come with a captain, so you can sip champagne, lounge on deck, and cruise past waterfront mansions while the sun glitters across the waves.
And if you’re in the mood for something lively, themed party cruises and tiki-style boats turn the harbor into a floating festival. There’s a yacht for every vibe.
If retail therapy is on your itinerary, Fashion Island is the place to be. This open-air shopping destination blends SoCal sunshine with high-end brands, local boutiques, and elegant eateries—making it feel more like a lifestyle experience than a mall.
Stroll between palm trees and koi ponds, browse designer shops, pick up resort wear for the week, or enjoy lunch on a breezy terrace overlooking the ocean. It’s polished, playful, and quintessentially Newport.
Tucked within Newport’s luxury shopping scene at Fashion Island is Elia Parfum, an appointment-based fragrance atelier offering a unique sensory journey. Their guided perfume-blending experience is a standout: guests meditate, explore dozens of fragrance notes, and work with a specialist to craft a bespoke signature scent. It’s intimate, artistic, and deeply personal—making it an unforgettable souvenir that carries the memory of the trip long after you’ve returned home.
No trip to Newport Beach is complete without indulging in the local icon: the Balboa Bar. These hand-dipped ice cream bars, rolled in toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or cookie crumbles, have been a tradition on Balboa Island for decades.
It’s the perfect treat for a stroll through the quaint island streets or a reward after taking the tiny ferry across the harbor in your Moke.
My Perfect Newport Day?
Morning: Wake in your Pelican Hill bungalow with sunlight spilling across the ocean. After coffee on your terrace, hop into a Moke and cruise to Balboa Island for a waterside walk and a freshly dipped Balboa Bar.
Afternoon: Return to Pelican Hill for a spa treatment or a leisurely lunch poolside. Lounge at the Coliseum Pool, nap in the shade, or sneak in a round of golf with postcard-worthy views.
Evening: Get dressed for sunset and head to Fashion Island for shopping and an Elia Parfum experience. Wrap up the day with a private yacht charter on the harbor—champagne, warm breezes, and golden hour lighting up the coastline.
Night: Drift back to Pelican Hill, where the quiet hillside and star-filled sky remind you that you’ve found something magical.
Newport Beach is a place where luxury doesn’t feel forced—it feels natural. It's sun-soaked, stylish, playful, and deeply relaxing. Whether you’re crafting a girls’ weekend, a romantic escape, or a celebration getaway, the combination of Pelican Hill, Lido House, and the countless coastal experiences makes this destination one you’ll want to return to again and again.
Pelican Hill may be the star of the show, but Newport Beach gives it a backdrop that’s absolutely unforgettable.
Contributor — Andrew Barnes | Head of Travel
You can always find Andrew with his nose in a book and a negroni in his hand. When he’s not designing unforgettable travel experiences, he’s building strong relationships with our top partners to ensure you get the best perks and white-glove service wherever you go. He and his pup, Waffles Marie, are fans of lazy days by the water, spirited games of pickleball, and are always on the hunt for the perfect weekend escape.
