Some destinations require time to help you unwind. Terranea Resort begins that process the moment you arrive. I recently had the opportunity to experience Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes with my mom, making it the perfect mother-daughter escape. As an Arizona girl who spends most days surrounded by desert landscapes, I find the views of the Pacific never fail to amaze me.
Arriving at Terranea felt like entering another world. The property boasts 102 acres above dramatic oceanfront cliffs, making the resort more than a hotel. It feels like a coastal village, complete with luxury residences, a golf course, hiking trails, multiple pools, exceptional dining and endless views of the Pacific. The moment we turned onto the main drive lined with towering eucalyptus trees, I felt myself relax.
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After being welcomed by Terranea President Ralph Grippo and Director of Marketing & Communications Mary DiBernardo, we were escorted by golf cart to our private casita overlooking the water. The casitas blend the comfort of home with elevated resort-style living, offering the privacy of a luxury vacation home. I immediately looked forward to enjoying my cup of coffee on our private patio in the morning.
Once we got settled, lunch at Nelson’s officially kicked off vacation mode. The casual oceanfront restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood on the property. I ordered the ahi poke bowl, made with fresh ahi tuna, spicy ponzu, avocado, seaweed salad and crispy wontons, paired with a refreshing Sea Breeze cocktail. To this day, I’m still thinking about that poke bowl!
The weekend quickly settled into a rhythm of discovery and relaxation. During the summer, the resort offers experiences including Sips & Sunsets, stargazing, Coastal Resin Board workshops and other outdoor activities. One of my favorite experiences was Sip & Sunsets at Solviva, the adults-only spa pool. As we sampled local wines from Catalina View Wines with owner and vintner Jim York on the pool deck, the sun slowly set. From there, my mom and I participated in the Coastal Resin Board workshop overlooking the ocean. While my attempt at creating the perfect ocean-wave design may not have gone exactly as planned, spending the evening laughing together with my mom and sipping local wine made the experience so memorable.
Later that night, we enjoyed Terranea’s stargazing experience, complete with advanced-technology telescopes, astronomy insights and gourmet s’mores. When I tell you that I’ve never seen a more ICONIC custom s’mores spread, I mean it.
The team at the resort had a beautiful setup of fire pits and chairs for the rest of the night. Listening to the waves crash below us while gazing at the night sky felt like the perfect way to end the day.
The following morning, we walked along the resort’s scenic coastal trails to the historic Point Vicente Lighthouse. The landscape we discovered on our morning walks was just as breathtaking as the ocean views. Native coastal plants, sculptural succulents and rugged bluffside vegetation we had never seen before.. My mom, who has always had a green thumb, was especially captivated by the resort’s “live-forever” plants, towering Dudleya succulents native to California’s coastline. We found ourselves stopping along the trails to admire their beauty, a reminder that Terranea’s greatest luxury is the remarkable natural environment surrounding it.
Later that day, adventure called at Terranea’s Beach Cove, where I joined a guided kayaking excursion along the coastline. We paddled toward a nearby leopard shark nursery, hoping for a glimpse beneath the surface. While the sharks proved elusive, the dolphins did not. Watching pods of whales swim just feet from my kayak was one of the most exciting wildlife encounters I’ve ever had.
Back at the resort, I traded my paddle for a pool chair at Cielo Point, Terranea’s adults-only pool. With panoramic ocean views, a lively atmosphere and a private cabana, it quickly became one of my favorite places on the property. After lunch poolside, my mom and I headed to The Links for a golf lesson. As avid golfers, this is to be a highlight of the trip. Between the instruction, laughter and incredible views from every hole, it was the perfect afternoon activity.
Dinner at Mar’sel, the resort’s signature fine-dining restaurant, delivered one of the most memorable meals of the weekend. Overlooking the water, the restaurant combines elevated coastal cuisine with impeccable service. We shared Chilean sea bass, an Angus beef filet with fresh truffles, and banana bread pudding that was worth every bite. The atmosphere of Mar’sel made it easy to linger long after dinner ended. The warm, contemporary interiors and grand fireplace in the main dining room felt like dining at home.
The next morning, we met our group at one of the resort boutiques, Pointe Discovery, before one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. Terranea’s complimentary Falconry Experience introduces guests to resident falconer Joe Roy III and his incredible birds of prey. Learning about the ancient art of falconry while watching hawks, falcons and owls up close was unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Holding a beautiful owl on my arm while overlooking the Pacific Ocean is a memory I won’t soon forget.
Afterward, we spent the afternoon unwinding at The Spa at Terranea. Inspired by the surrounding coastline, the spa offers steam rooms, saunas, cold plunges and serene relaxation spaces overlooking the ocean. My customized facial was exactly what I needed, and the ocean-view relaxation lounge afterward made it difficult to leave.
On our final evening, we enjoyed cocktails on the lobby terrace before dinner at Bashi, the resort’s Japanese-inspired restaurant. The wok-tossed garlic noodles with shrimp and California Blossom Roll provided the perfect ending to an incredible weekend.
As we took one final walk along the bluff trails before departing, I found myself appreciating what makes Terranea so special. It’s not just the ocean views, luxurious accommodations or exceptional dining. It’s the way the resort encourages guests to slow down, connect with nature and create meaningful memories with the people they love.
For my mom and me, Terranea was more than a weekend getaway. It was an opportunity to reconnect, recharge and experience one of California’s most remarkable coastal destinations together.
And long after returning home to Arizona, I’m still dreaming of the day I get to go back.
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