The Spa At Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California

As any devotee will tell you, in the nurturing world of spa, it’s easy to slip into another dimension and forget who, and where, you are. Occasionally, however, you get to experience a place which you don’t want all your senses to miss, and the lavish spa at the Resort at Pelican Hill in California is one of those. 

• Location: Perched above the coastline, overlooking Newport Beach, California.
• Treatment menu: The menu of spa options doesn’t disappoint, with choices for men, women, pregnant women and couples.
• What else is there: Women’s and men’s Acqua Colonnades tucked beneath a barrel-vaulted ceiling, and as it’s part of the Resort at Pelican Hill there is a lineup of dining options should you wish to linger.
• Why go: It’s an experience for spa-going couples who love serious style.

The Space

On a week-long sojourn in Southern California, which has long been a favourite haunt of mine for years, a spa-loving friend suggested that I take the time to drive to Newport Beach and treat myself to an indulgence session at Pelican Hill. This grand spa facility only opened in 2008, and over the years I’d read glowing reviews claiming it to be a spa resort which has it all, from an enviable location to chic Mediterranean styling. Approaching its grandiose main entrance from the sweeping driveway was impressive enough, the aqueduct-style facade topped with red roof tiles reminiscent of a lavish Italian country villa. The 2,000 square-metre facility has 22 private treatment rooms, and unique features including women’s and men’s Acqua Colonnades. Its decor is blonde wood, butter-coloured marble, neutral carpeting, and cream walls. Even the locker rooms haven’t been spared any expense; the women’s came equipped with everything you could possibly need for personal grooming, from deodorant and mouthwash to disposable shavers in the showers.

The Treatment

Choosing an experience was always going to be difficult, but after long haul travel my skin was in need of a boost so I opted for an 80-minute Natura Diamond Experience facial. This not only promised to boost my skin, but also deliver a light lifting effect. After changing into a bathrobe, and winding down in the relaxation room with a flavoured tea before, I was greeted by my therapist and lead to the treatment room. The facial had four stages, starting out with a deep cleansing using steam and an in-vogue Clarisonic Skin System, a nifty electronic brush designed to remove make up, dirt and oil. Next came a deep exfoliation mask, which was massaged into the skin and left on to remove dead skin cells, and open pores for the manual removal of any blockages and blackheads. The third stage was a wonderfully relaxing facial massage using an anti-ageing serum infused with Natura Bissé Diamond Drops, the latter of which provides the lifting effect. Finally, after the application of a cloth masque to cool things down, a gel moisturiser, eye cream and sun protection were applied. This was one of the most relaxing and indulgent facials I had ever experienced, enhanced by hand and foot massages in between two of the stages. It's a spa indulgence which doesn’t come cheap, but my skin looked undeniably plump and radiant for the remainder of my stay in sunny SoCal. 

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The stunning location with a view.
• The gorgeous Mediterranean styling.
• The fully equipped locker rooms.

 Insider Tips  

• The facilities are wonderful and worth using, so don’t rush your visit.
• Book a table for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Coliseum Pool & Grill before or after your treatment to complete your SoCal spa experience. 

The Details

The Spa at Pelican Hill is located in the Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, California, USA, www.pelicanhill.com.