I’m a genius, so I booked our flights to Long Beach instead of LAX…because no one goes to LAX on purpose if they don’t have to. The flight from Portland to Long Beach is only 2 hrs & 20 mins, which is just enough time to get situated in your seat, enjoy an inflight cocktail, read through a travel mag and to realize that you’re about to be on vacation. Plus, the Long Beach airport is pretty fabulous. It reminds me a lot of the Santa Barbara airport, which is my all time favorite! Small, very relaxed, orderly and charming.
With only our carry on bags in tow, we were off the plane and across the street to the rental car place in just minutes. I zoomed out of the parking lot and we started our journey toward the Pacific. From airport to the Terranea Resort, it’s only a 34 min drive- according to google. Though I’d like to kindly remind you that you are still in Los Angeles and traffic was basically invented there, so don’t be in a rush, plan to go with the flow. The drive along the ocean is beautiful, it was tempting to stop off and see the views, but the game plan was to arrive for lunch and cross our fingers for an early check in. Since this is a Virtuoso property, this is something that I can assist you with, but it is subject to availability.
With only our carry on bags in tow, we were off the plane and across the street to the rental car place in just minutes. I zoomed out of the parking lot and we started our journey toward the Pacific. From airport to the Terranea Resort, it’s only a 34 min drive- according to google. Though I’d like to kindly remind you that you are still in Los Angeles and traffic was basically invented there, so don’t be in a rush, plan to go with the flow. The drive along the ocean is beautiful, it was tempting to stop off and see the views, but the game plan was to arrive for lunch and cross our fingers for an early check in. Since this is a Virtuoso property, this is something that I can assist you with, but it is subject to availability.
Our slick, red, rental car curved down the driveway of the resort, leading us to the entrance where the valet stood patiently waiting for us. We’re greeted with warm smiles and someone walks us to the front desk, showing us where to check in. Our room weren’t quite ready, but just as I had planned (many moons ago when I booked us the early flight), we left our bags at the front and made our way down to the Catalina Kitchen for lunch.
We opted for a table outside, because when you’re an Oregonian, you don’t waste any drop of sunshine that is available to you. Our server suggested that we start with the burrata, there was no hesitation there and we didn’t even peak to see what other starters they had on the menu. Stefano ordered their signature Kobe Beef Burger, which came with jalapeño candied bacon. Want to know why I remember that so specifically? Because he finished it before I could have a bite. I ordered the flat bread, because…carbs…and vacation and I was so excited to try a chipotle chicken flat bread and not have to share it with anyone.
As we were finishing our lunch, I received a text from the resort that our room was ready for us. We grabbed our luggage, room keys and made our way down the long halls of the resort, in search for our Ocean View Room. I see a LOT of hotels throughout the year and there is something to be said about the feeling of walking into a perfectly made up and wonderfully decorated hotel room. A sense of calm washed over me as I looked from the bed, to the bathroom with separate bathtub set up and then finally turning around saving the best for last- the view from our balcony! I immediately opened up the door that faced the beautiful Pacific and stared out at the waves crashing against the rocks. The curtains in the room were flopping in the ocean breeze behind me, pelicans flew in front of the resort and I stood there, wondering if we could add another night before meeting up with family in Santa Barbara. Sorry mom…
I do what I always do when I have any downtime in my hotel room and changed into the hotel robe. I sat on the chase lounge in the corner and worked for a quick hour, before I had a scheduled site inspection with the resort manager, Ron. This is something that I do and enjoy at every property that I stay at. I walk through to see the different restaurants, the fitness center, the spa, different room categories, visit the concierge desk to hear what they can set up for clients, a quick walk through of the hotel gift shop and all the while Ron tells me the story of the property. Every hotel has a story and Terranea has a fascinating one indeed.
Terranea has only graced these lands for 10 short years, but before this sophisticated property was created, this was the site where you could find Marineland of the Pacific. Which was a seaside animal theme park and it even opened one year before Disneyland! Though for movie fanatics, they will better recognize this area as the backdrop for feature film productions. Such as: Pirates of the Caribbean, This is 40, The Aviator, Charlie’s Angles and more.
This is a fabulous property for families. I can’t wait to show it off to clients that are looking for a resort to escape to that is here in the states. This checks off all of the boxes! Several dining options to chose from, from lounging pool side and ordering something to your own cabana to fine dining at their restaurant Mar’sel. They even have a market place and their own coffee shop. Be sure to check out the desserts, which are all made from their on property pastry chef.
The grounds are stunning as well. You’ll smile when you lay eyes on the hummingbirds that zoom past you on the restaurant patios. The tall palms and beautiful trees that provide shade on the walkways and the bright, blooming bougainvillea that is seen throughout the resort brings a lovely touch of color throughout the place.
Then they also have a wonderful spa (with 27 treatment rooms!), a golf course that weaves through the property and along the coast. A great kids club for children ages 4-12, the concierge can help you and your family book a fun fishing excursion or even a cooking class there on property. I could easily stay for 4 nights and have a busy schedule to try and see and do it all, though I would be tempted to just enjoy the pool time, a day in the spa, a leisurely nature walk that they offer with a guide on the weekends.
Let’s plan more domestic, long weekend getaways for you in 2020.
Reach out to me with your available travel dates and let’s get you to Terranea!
