The Resort at Pelican Hill

The Resort at Pelican Hill has been heavily influenced by Northern Italian architecture, infused with the style of Palladio, and is designed to feel like a small Italian village. Set within 504 acres, no expense has been spared to create something quite remarkable and palatial. The central circular swimming pool, the Coliseum, is quite literally vast, and is surrounded by colonnaded cabanas.

Throughout the grounds are tile-roofed bungalows and villas, each offering fabulous views over the ocean. All too often hotels fall short of perfection with too many eccentric touches or by gilding the lily, but The Resort at Pelican Hill has the balance spot on, and a great deal of thought has gone into every detail. For instance, of the 750 olive trees scattered throughout the resort, they added 30 century-old trees to bring authenticity and charm, and to ensure that the resort didn't feel as if it had sprung up overnight.

The Resort at Pelican Hill is ideal for families; offering two kids clubs, one for 4-12 year-olds and one for teenagers. They are well run, with a wide range of activities and experiences on offer. Families can enjoy a number of activities to be organised by the resorts attentive guest relations stuff. There are a number of villas on offer, ensuring that any size of family can easily be accommodated in a self-contained unit. The resort also has one- or two- bedroom bungalows for smaller families or couples or those not wishing to self cater. The Two-Bedroom villas are huge at over 2000 square feet and even come with your own butler. They are sumptuously furnished (many of the fittings were sourced from Italy) and feature gourmet kitchens. Feeling very much like a Tuscan country house, you are ensured a truly comfortable base whilst at Pelican Hill.

There are plenty of dining options at Pelican Hill, and it would be surprising if they did not specialise in excellent Italian fare at the Andrea Ristorante & Bar, but there are four other options that will suit different needs just as well including the Pelican Hill Bar and Grill offering gourmet dining with a more laid-back feel. The hotel also has a huge 23,000 square foot spa, with a superb fitness centre. The two Fazio-designed championship golf courses are stunning, offering coastal views around every corner. For guests who want to head to the beach, Crystal Cove is a short drive or bicycle ride away, and there are four miles of beaches to explore with many coves to wander through.

In short, for an indulgent beach break, Pelican Hill really lives up to its ambitious vision of offering unapologetic luxury.