Perfection the goal of the geniuses who created The Resort at Pelican Hill

Perfection was also obviously on the minds of the geniuses who created The Resort at Pelican Hill, a tribute to the acclaimed architect of the High Renaissaince Andrea Palladio, on the coast of Newport Beach. Imagine, if you will, an ultra-luxe resort on 504 pristine, serene acres overlooking the ocean with the finest accommodations: bungalow guest rooms with hand-crafted wood-beam ceilings, villas with butler service. Both have high technology, limestone fireplaces and 500 thread count linens. Amenities include a private clubhouse and pool, 36 championship holes of Tom Fazio-designed golf (the driving range uses Nike Platinum One balls exclusively), a 22-room spa of unequaled indulgence with 22-foot high rotunda. But wait, Pelican Hill looks like it has been there forever-elegant classical proportions, gold and bronze patinas, herringbone brickwork, century-old olive trees, Italian wrought-iron light fixtures, It is apparent from the exquisite details at Pelican Hill that this property represents the cumulative careful thinking and astute observations of the visionary perfectionist Chairman of Irvine Company and his eagle-eyed globe-trotting captains, many of whom honed their skills at Ritz-Carlton. Two distinguished chefs-one Italian, one French-preside at three unique dining experiences. Andrea is the domain of Gianluca Re Fraschini who sources the best ingredients to match his time-honored preparations. We tasted 100-year-old Balsamic vinegars here and incredible Italian wines with our osso bucco. And pastas are heavenly, made in a dedicated temperature-controlled Pasta Room. Executive Chef Jean-Pierre Dubray assures quintessential standards are met. In the resort’s sun-filled Great Room, a graceful living room that seems out of 16th century Europe, we shared Champagne with the resort’s polished General Manager, Thierry Grandsire who along with Managing Director Giuseppe Lama, lead a team of carefully trained young and smiling employees. No request seems impossible for them and they are totally dedicated to making sure a guest is comfortable, satisfied and uplifted in their care. It is at the spa that one really feels this commitment in the most caring way. Spa Director Kasia Mays has created a menu that features rejuvenating treatments and heralded therapies from around the world in an out-of-this-world setting of candles, lavender and honey maple, all designed to induce relaxation and quiet comfort. This is a haven where wild aromatic sage and fennel mix with on-shore ocean breezes. Outside, millions of iridescent glass tiles make up the magnificent 136-foot coliseum-inspired circular pool (the world’s largest). And a children’s Camp Pelican serves the little ones. This resort is sheer bliss: its features redefine the words “luxury” and “ultimate.” Chic yet casual, Pelican Hill embraces guests like a small Tuscan village terraced on a sea swept hillside. Currently you can experience this incredible place for rates starting at $695 and that includes an ocean view bungalow, a bottle of Prosecco, a complimentary of your choice, breakfast for two and early check-in and late check-out. At Pelican Hill, there is always complimentary valet parking, no resort fees and free wireless Internet. Visit www.pelicanhill.com. This resort has as its tagline “The Possibility of Perfection.” To us, it is no longer a possibility, it is a reality.