Southern California’s ultra-luxe resort Terranea delivers an amenity rich guest experience with easy going elegance.
Southern California isn’t just a place on the map—it’s an attitude, a way of living bathed in sun, style, and effortless cool. At Terranea Resort, the glam hideaway perched on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, guests don’t just visit SoCal—they live its most radiant version, where every moment feels like the ultimate California dream.
With more than a dozen daily nonstop flights from Atlanta to Los Angeles, A-towners can be California dreaming less than five hours after boarding their flight. Upon arrival in Rancho Palos Verdes, Terranea Resort awaits with 102 oceanfront acres, high-touch guest service, contemporary California Spanish/Mediterranean architecture and design, casual and fine al fresco dining, and a getaway that’s sun-filled, sexy, and sophisticated.
Recognized for outstanding service and hospitality, Terranea has received accolades from industry leaders including AAA’s Four Diamond Award, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Award, U.S. News & World Report’s Top 10 Best Hotels and Resorts, Global Traveler’s Best Hotel in the U.S. Readers’ Survey, and Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence.
Oceanfront Retreat Accommodations
A variety of lush room categories await, including suites, bungalows, casitas, and villas. Coastal Mediterranean style with eco-sensitive architecture is on full display here, with private balconies or terraces affording sweeping Pacific views. For guests seeking the ultimate in space and privacy, ocean-view casitas and villas deliver luxe living with 1,850 to 2,800 square feet and include full kitchens, living areas, and flexible configurations to accommodate families or groups.
Golf at The Links
Golfers find one of the finest—and most challenging—short courses in SoCal at Terranea’s The Links, a nine-hole par-3 course perched high above the resort with stunning views of the Pacific and fabled Catalina Island, 22 miles across the sea.
“We don’t fit the mold of what many people expect when they think of short courses,” says Terranea PGA Golf Professional Scott Hancock. “The Links is not a pitch-and-putt course. There’s some length to it, and our greens are regulation-size with plenty of undulation. Players are likely to hit most every club in their bag, with elevation changes and ocean breezes adding to the challenge. It’s a complete test of skill—and one where players can enjoy a full round in less than two hours.”
Hancock notes that between 60% and 70% of the recreational golfer’s strokes come from inside 150 yards, making The Links an ideal course for honing short-game skills. Comprehensive chipping and putting areas are complemented by Foresight Sports launch monitors in personalized hitting bays, allowing for instant swing analysis. Full-set club rentals and walking carts are available.
Hancock offers lessons for golfers of all levels on setup, swing analysis, strategy, and course management. Playing lessons provides a one-on-one learning experience where players see immediate improvement and leave with plenty of tips to build upon.
Fun in the Sun
Chill or thrill—it’s totally up to each guest, with plenty to do (or not) depending on the mood.
• Ocean Kayaking – Guided or individual tours on the open water where kayakers may spot dolphins, whales, harbor seals, and rays.
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding – Test your core strength while gliding through lush kelp beds.
• Archery & Archery Tag – Try classic bow-and-arrow instruction, group practice, or a lively competition that combines elements of dodgeball and paintball—all safe and fun!
• Tennis & Pickleball – Pick your passion at the Peninsula Racquet Club, with rentals available.
• Coastal Hikes – Follow miles of California shoreline right outside Terranea’s doors, with easy-to-moderate trails offering stunning ocean views.
• Falconry – Terranea’s resident falconer offers guests an up-close and personal encounter with regal birds of prey.
• Cool at the Pool – Four heated swimming pools include the Resort Pool with a 140-foot waterslide and splash pad, the adults-only Cielo Pool, the Vista Pool for guests 13 and older, and the tranquil Spa Pool.
• Lexus Drive Experience – Take the wheel of the latest models, including the Lexus LC 500 convertible, for a complimentary three-hour spin through this unique resort partnership.
• Spa Out – Need to be kneaded? The Spa at Terranea, a 50,000-sq.-ft. oceanfront sanctuary, recently unveiled a $4.5 million refresh. The renovation introduces a breezy, coastal-inspired design with a reimagined lobby, upgraded treatment rooms, lounges, and locker areas. Amenities include a Himalayan salt wall, dry sauna, steam room, spa pool, massage therapies, fitness and wellness center, and full-service salon.
Dine
International inspiration meets California contemporary cuisine at Terranea’s standout dining venues. Each offers Pacific views and al fresco or indoor dining. Our favorites:
• Mar’sel – Terranea’s signature restaurant offers a contemporary take on California cuisine with seasonal dishes featuring local ingredients and produce from the resort’s own gardens. Look for evening specials like fresh truffles, house-made pasta, Iberica pork with tamarind glaze, or just-caught sea bream.
• Nelson’s – This cliff-top gem overlooks the Pacific and delivers a beachcomber throwback menu featuring swordfish tacos, ahi poke bowls, and crispy calamari. Local SoCal brews on tap make lingering a must. Don’t miss the Sea Hunt photos of Lloyd Bridges, a nod to the 1960s show filmed just below.
• Catalina Kitchen – Breakfast shines here, though lunch and dinner are close behind. Eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos, and avocado toast start your day right.
• Bashi – Asian cuisine and local flavors come together in this laid-back setting. Try the special sushi rolls (the Blossom Roll is a favorite), sizzling shaking beef, garlic noodles, and inventive cocktails.
In an era when luxury often feels commoditized, the true mark of a top-tier resort is its ability to surprise and delight. At Terranea, guests are met at every turn by warm, genuine staff. It’s the small touches that make the biggest difference.
This is where Terranea excels.
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