We stayed at The Resort at Pelican Hill, in the Villas. They are luxury villas located along the Pacific Coast in Newport Beach, California. We stayed there for 10 days, in December 2021, and it was fantastic.
This was an Inspirato property and it really was the epitome of style, sophistication, and a luxurious environment for any traveler. Our villa was beautifully decorated and had everything we needed during our stay! Two huge bedrooms with en-suite full bathrooms; each bedroom had huge soaking tubs. The gas-powered fireplace in the living room was certainly a highlight while we were there. As per Inspirato style, we were able to order our groceries ahead of time and the fridge was stocked when we got there. The property has a golf course, spa, pools, restaurants, and a nice gym. We would definitely stay again.
The Resort at Pelican Hill is near Laguna Beach and many other prime spots to visit. There are lots of things to do like seeing the seals on the rocks up and down the coast or shopping the boutiques at Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach is a beautiful spot with lots of shopping and great restaurants to enjoy a meal. If you're looking for a relaxing beach town, this is it. It was a little chilly for us at an average temp of around 60 degrees most days, but still sunny and beautiful.
While you're visiting the Newport coast, take time to smell the sea air as you stroll through Lido Marina Village, with its long row of beach shops, charming eateries, and stylish hotels.
We hiked through Corona Del Mar, walking on cliffs that overlooked the waves crashing against the shore. We enjoyed lunch on a terraced patio overlooking the sparkling blue Pacific. We visited historic Crystal Cove State Park, where your feet will sink into the golden sand and there are adorable bungalows, you can rent for around $350 for a week or so. We also visited Balboa Island, which is a quieter area. We strolled through Balboa Island and walked down to Balboa Pier. There are seafood restaurants along the waterfront where you can eat outside and enjoy the calm ocean water.
Licensure regulations are always a consideration when working in different states. I've made three attempts to ask California if I can see my Virginia clients via telehealth. No one has answered. I've made attempts, documented my attempts, and went ahead and saw my clients while I was in CA. I've done a lot of research on this topic and most states have answered me, but there are a few that just haven't. Check out my free guide here to see the complete list I've accumulated so far. We were in a private residence with two bedrooms and the internet was secure and fast.I used headphones during my sessions and a VPN.
One of the best highlights during our stay at Newport Beach was the eight-course tasing menu at Nobu. They were able to make the whole tasing menu gluten-free for me, which I need due to having Celiac disease. To find a tasting menu that is also gluten-free, in itself, already makes this magical meal for me! The menu changes frequently but here's what I had.
1. Vegetable Handroll with Sesame Miso Sauce
2. Bigeye and Bluefin Toro Tartare
3. Salmon sashimi with dried miso
4. Nigiri: flounder, scallops, and a few other pieces I'm not sure about.
5. Sashimi salad with Matsuhisa dressing
6. Black cod with miso
7. Ribeye Toban Yaki
8. Pistachio Mint Chocolate and Passionfruit Sorbet
