Fodor's Expert Review Terranea

A stunning getaway without having to go too far away, Terranea Resort is a chill Mediterranean family retreat on the Palos Verdes Peninsula about 45 minutes south of Santa Monica. Here, moms, dads, and kids can eat, drink, play and relax with multiple pools, a seaside spa, nine-hole golf course and an array of award-winning restaurants.

room

There are multiple accommodation options on the 102-acre property from ocean-view guest rooms and suites, to poolside bungalows and golf villas. Rooms are traditionally-styled and come with flat-screen TVs and balconies or patios.

Wi-Fi is available for a fee.

bathroom

Stone and tile bathrooms come with walk-in showers, separate sunken tubs and L’Occitane bath products.

lobby

A central meeting and socializing space, the marble-laden lobby has a back terrace with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean that helps welcome you to the property. The lobby also features a sitting room with comfy couches, fireplaces and a bar.

Come down to the lobby for sunset where the hotel has a nightly ritual where they ring singing bowls and often have complimentary wine tastings and snacks while the sun goes down.

pool

Four separate pools give guests of all sizes opportunities to play and relax. The resort pool features a giant water slide for the kids. The Cielo Pool is an adult-only, salt water spot with boozy beverages and bar food. The Vista Pool is another relaxing oasis that’s open to guests 13 and up. And the Spa Pool is another adult-only paradise where guests can relax before or after the signature spa body treatments.

The Cielo Pool also has its own beach with lounge chairs overlooking the water.

spa

The exquisite spa at Terranea is the very definition of relaxing luxury. With breathtaking views looking out over the Pacific, guests can indulge in a variety of options from their 25 separate treatment rooms. Beyond the massages, facials and body wraps, the spa also has its own pool, steam rooms, saunas, café and fire pits.

gym

In the same area as the spa is the resort’s fitness center. Here, a full complement of cardio machines and free weights allow guests to get in complete workouts. The pool is great for doing laps and the resort also offers classes like yoga, Pilates and more.

dining

Multiple dining options are spread out across the property. The two worth trying most are Mar’sel, a fine-dining Cali-cuisine spot with artisanal cocktails and late-night snacks overlooking the ocean and Catalina Kitchen--which is the main hotel restaurant. Here, diners can get Cali/Mediterranean fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The hotel prides itself on its sustainability. If you walk around the grounds, you might stumble upon their sea salt-making operation, beehives for honey or fruit and vegetable garden where they grow lettuce, strawberries, rosemary, carrots and more. The hotel also grows olives, in which they turn into their own brand of olive oil.

drinking

The Lobby Bar is the main hotel watering hole and serves craft cocktails around cozy fireplaces. Every weekend the bar features live musical performances.

golf

Right on the property is a 9-hole par 3 golf course. There’s even a junior golf program that provides kids with lessons, workshops and tournament play options.