Pelican Hill

Opened in 2008, The Resort at Pelican Hill redefined the upscale Orange County enclave of Newport Beach as a world-class destination. The 504-acre resort includes a classically designed bridge similar to the ones that span the Arno River in Florence, but the centerpiece of the resort is the Coliseum Pool, the largest circular pool in the world. Eighteen draped poolside cabanas come complete with Bose music systems, 30-inch HD TVs, refrigerators, a dining table, and of course, pool butlers. The highly trained, around-the-clock staff includes chefs to cook personal meals, nutritionists on call, and personal trainers. The 332 balconied guest rooms include a “hotel within a hotel” of 128 two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas with ocean-view terraces, dining areas, private garages, wood-beam alder ceilings, limestone fireplaces, marble walk-in showers, deep-soaking tubs, huge gourmet kitchens, and fine table linens and china.