Staycation: Pelican Hill
The Resort at Pelican Hill offers a blissful escape for locals to enjoy, with a wide range of price points and experiences. Photo credit The Resort at Pelican Hill
With greedflation on the rise and airline industry flightmare predictions, traveling is more expensive and less pleasant than ever. Luckily, Irvinites have an array of outstanding staycation options nearby. Skip the TSA line and enjoy a luxurious ocean front escape at The Resort at Pelican Hill.
Built to resemble an Italian seaside resort, Pelican Hill is known for its sixteenth century Venitian-inspired design and sweeping ocean views. The resort's free self-parking and valet parking make it an easy meet-up point for friends, family, or couples. Feel like a getaway? Looking for a getaway? Spend a weekend, afternoon, or even an hour at this gem just over the hills from Irvine.
Love Local - $350
Locals who spend $350 or more on spa treatments at The Spa at Pelican Hill on Mondays through Thursdays receive a spa day pass. Photo credit The Resort at Pelican Hill
While any guest or visitor can enjoy Pelican Hill’s 23,000 square foot spa, only locals can use the Love Local spa day pass. Love Local allows Irvinites to use the spa facilities, fitness classes, fitness center, and even the resort's iconic Coliseum pool by purchasing one or more treatments totaling $350 on a Monday through Thursday.
“This is a great way to take a ‘daycation’,” said Sarah Kruer, Director of Branded Experiences at Pelican. “It’s a transporting experience.”
9 am: Head to the Event Lawn Rotunda for a complementary yoga class, available for registered guests and spa day pass holders
10 am: Refuel with a post-workout coffee or snack at the Caffe & Market in the lobby
11 am: Check in at the spa and unwind in the Acqua Colonnade’s steam rooms, saunas, and soaking tubs
12 - 3 pm: Bliss out under the hands of the spa’s talented staff
4 pm: Take a dip in the Coliseum pool and marvel at the 1.1 million glittering hand-cut mosaic glass tiles along the pool's floor
5 pm: Use the spa’s facilities to shower and dress, or get a pre-evening primp at the spa’s salon
6 pm: Dine at the Coliseum restaurant — make a plan to meet friends for dinner and share your experiences
Twilight Tee Time - $135ish
Pelican Hill Golf Club offers less expensive twilight tee times for both of its courses.. Photo credit The Resort at Pelican Hill
The courses at Pelican Hill are considered a golfer's dream. To experience golf paradise at a reduced rate, consider an afternoon tee time (rates vary by day and time).
3 pm: Warm up at the driving range for up to an hour before your tee time.
4ish pm: Enjoy a shortened game of six holes on the North or South Course during golden hour.
6 pm: Cap off your day with a cocktail and burger at the course-adjacent Pelican Grill
One Hour Staycation - $0-50ish
Take an hour to pretend you’ve arrived at an elegant Italian seaside resort and stroll the grounds for free. Photo credit The Resort at Pelican Hill
Park at the resort (or valet). Saunter into the lobby and enjoy the elegant surroundings. In the morning, order a specialty coffee at the Caffe & Market. If the marine layer is casting a chill, settle next to the warmth of the toasty fire in the Great Room's Italian limestone fireplace. When the sun comes out, take a stroll on the resort’s exquisite grounds.
“Walk down to the the Event Lawn Rotunda,” suggested Kruer. “Most people enjoy the ocean view there, but if you turn around you get a full view of the entire resort. It’s just beautiful.”
On Fridays and Saturdays, swing by the Great Room at 7 pm to enjoy a drink and some live music as you watch the sunset.
Weekend Getaway - $1,000+
Need an escape? Enjoy 24 hours of luxury (or more) with a stay at the resort. Ask for the “Sweeten Your Stay” promotion, which includes a 15% discount on your room rate, a resort credit of $200 for a bungalow, and $500 for a villa. And ask what other deals might be available when you call.
While it may not be an inexpensive stay, especially with the resort’s whopping $85 per day resort fee ($105 for villas), a stay at the world-class Resort at Pelican Hill will be a splendid staycation. And for a mere fifteen to twenty minute-drive from Irvine, it’s truly a local treasure.
For featured events throughout the year, keep an eye on the Pelican Hill’s calendar.