Terranea Resort

Perched on a cliff along the beautiful coastline of Rancho Palos Verdes, Terranea Resort is one of California's newest — and most luxurious — oceanfront hotels.

Back in the 1970s, this little strip of coast was once home to Marineland, an ocean-themed amusement park much like Sea World (but on a much smaller scale).

Today, this breathtaking location has been put to better use with this stunning 582-room luxury California resort.

Opened in 2009, Terranea Palos Verdes offers all the modern luxuries you've come to expect. Choose from residential-style oceanfront casitas, bungalows and villas, or their standard hotel rooms, sized 450 to 2,200 square feet.

Each room is decorated in a bright and beachy, yet elegant style, complete with pillow-top beds, iPod docking stations, wireless Internet and 37-inch flatscreen LCD televisions. The bathrooms, decorated in light stone, are spacious and luxurious, with separate bathtubs and showers. For a special treat, book one of their premiere oceanfront suites, The Vanderlip or Shearwater.

Another plus? Terranea is one of the nicest California pet friendly resorts you'll find. There is an additional fee, and some breeds are excluded.

Located 20 miles from LAX, Terranea Resort Palos Verdes is nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and its environs. Even so, there's plenty to do.

For a beautiful morning walk, nothing beats a stroll along the resort's miles of scenic bluff-top trails, which lead down to a secluded beach. You can play few rounds on The Links at Terranea, a 9-hole par-3 Terranea golf course; or soak up the sun with a good book in one of their three ocean-view pools.

The kids will love the children's pool, complete with a 140-foot waterslide. Terranea Grill serves up sandwiches, salads and breakfast poolside. At the adult pool, Cielo Point serves up light fare and a full bar. LA pool parties are held here on summer weekends. This dog-friendly diner is also open to local hikers traversing the Discovery Trail, complete with resting areas.

There's no need to travel off the resort to enjoy a nice meal. The exquisite Mar'sel is a Palos Verdes restaurant known for its upscale cuisine. Start with the chili-pineapple margarita, followed by chef Michael Fiorelli's grilled Spanish octopus, topped with tomato jam and fresh horseradish. Dinner items range from crispy roasted organic chicken, served with black rice and beet greens; to a grilled wagyu ribeye cap, served with creamed chard tortelloni and Sicilian carrots. View Menu. Open 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations are recommended by calling (310) 265-2836.

Other restaurants at Terranea hotel include the cliff-side Nelson's (perfect for enjoying whale watching and sunsets); Sea Beans (a casual cafe serving up espresso, organic tea, fresh-baked goods and homemade gelato) and Catalina Kitchen (a casual all-day dining restaurant).

Before you leave, be sure to treat yourself to a day of pampering at the Spa at Terranea. This 50,000-square-foot oasis caters to the discriminating traveler with an array of pampering spa treatments. Try the Flickering Embers treatment, which begins with a detoxifying volcanic ash body wrap followed by a magnesium bath and abdominal massage. View Spa Menu. The Terranea Spa Cafe is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call the spa direct at (310) 265-2740.

If you are planning a Terranea wedding, the resort offers a complete menu of services. To book a Terranea Resort wedding, call (310) 265-2883.

Terranea Resort and Spa is located at 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes. Call 310-265-2800 or visit terranea.com

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