Pelican Hill golf resort: Travel details
Stephen Roe visits the Californian golf resort of Pelican Hill, which was inspired by a 20th-century Californian billionaire and a 16th-century Italian architect.
Stats: Ocean South: Par 70, 6,580 yards Ocean North: Par 71, 6,945 yards Tee times: 001 877 735 4226; pelicanhill.com Green fees: $235, including forecaddie. Twilight fee $135 Club rental: $80, including two sleeves of Nike balls
Location: Perched on a hillside in California's Orange County, halfway between the chic resorts of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, Pelican Hill is about a 45-minute drive due south of Los Angeles airport
Getting there: There are up to ten non-stop flights daily from London to Los Angeles. Carriers to Los Angeles include British Airways (britishairways.com); Virgin Atlantic (virgin-atlantic.com); American (americanairlines.co.uk); United (unitedairlines.co.uk); Air New Zealand (airnewzealand.co.uk)
Off course: Pelican Hill is adjacent to Crystal Cove State Park with sandy coves and a marine park to explore. There are miles of rugged trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Nature lovers will enjoy spotting the abundant marine life from whale watching trips and sunset cruises out of Newport Beach. For the energetic, there are several good surfing beaches nearby. Or just chill out at the resort spa after some retail therapy at the nearby local Fashion Island shopping mall and the stylish art galleries of Newport Beach.
Accommodation: Pelican Hill has more than 200 terraced bungalow suites, each equipped with a 42-inch television and balcony with views over the course to the Pacific Ocean. Larger groups can opt for the luxury villas of two, three and four bedrooms which come with their own living room, kitchen, a personal butler and access to a private clubhouse and pool. Rates for the Resort Golf and Spa Experience are from $795, including overnight stay in a luxury bungalow, two rounds on either of the Tom Fazio courses with cart and forecaddie or two hours Amber Gold spa treatments and complimentary valet parking.
Where next?
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